Calendar
September 2026
There will be Scandinavian dancers, bands, choirs, musicians, and more performing in three venues in the Lion’s Park. The event runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There will be a group of Nordic artists and craftsmen offering their creations for sale.
Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $60 (includes lunch and transportation)
Your guide is Harvey Barberg—a deeply knowledgeable local historian with personal roots in both Minneapolis and rural Cokato. Harvey knows the people, places and stories that make this community so remarkable, and he’ll bring that history to life throughout the day.
The tour includes five extended stops at historic and contemporary Finnish American sites, offering a fascinating look at how Finnish traditions took root in Minnesota—and how they continue today.
Cokato Finnish Tour
Thursday 7:00 AM
FinnFest this year will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from Thursday, Sep 17 to Sunday, Sep 20, 2026. The four-day cultural festival—themed “Minneapolis is FINNeapolis“—will be held at the Hilton Minneapolis Downtown, featuring Nordic cuisine, live music, a vendor marketplace, and workshops.
FinnFest website
Thursday – Sunday
Finn Fun Day will be at FinnFest this year. Outdoor games and playful activities welcome families to move, laugh, and celebrate together.
Hosted by the Finnish Language School of MN, Salolampi Foundation, and the Finnish American Association – Twin Cities.
Please note that Finn Fun Day is free, just join us on the lawn at ASI. If you would like to participate in the other FinnFest activities and programming at ASI you will need to have a ticket.
October 2026
William Besonen and Isaac “Arvo” Hanson will present their film documentary Finland, Minnesota, which captures the spirit of a small northern town as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of St. Urho’s Day. The film explores the community’s deep Finnish roots, its historic landmarks, and the enduring connections that define life in this uniquely named place.
This workshop will be taught by Allison Aune at Christ Church Lutheran. Join FAA members in learning how to build himmelis, Finnish straw mobiles traditionally used as home decoration.
Suggested attendance donation for members $20 and friends of members $25
Featuring Karelian pies, or karjalanpiirakka. Instructor is Lily Obeda, Finnish Coordinator at UM. The Finnish American Association – Twin Cities (FAA) is hosting.
Suggested attendance donation for members $20 and friends of members $25
Matti Erpestad will speak about his service in the Finnish Army as a Finnish-American dual citizen. He will talk about his Finnish Army Service, which he did about 15 years ago.
Matti is an Senior Instructor and Outdoor Learning & Recreation Program Coordinator at U of MN Duluth. Matti is also Co-owner and Head Guide at Day Tripper of Duluth.
