Leif Eriksson International Festival

LEIF is the ultimate celebration of Minneapolis’ rich Nordic heritage! Make new memories with your family, as you reaffirm and grow your connections to Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Sápmi and Denmark. This vibrant annual event celebrates the rich history and culture of this diverse region.

October 3
Minnesota Boychoir
Mindekirken
7-9 p.m.

Join us for a performance from the Minnesota Boychoir. Reception in Fellowship Hall to follow. Proceeds from a freewill donation will benefit Lutheran Social Services.

October 4
Poetry Café
Norway House
2-4 p.m.

This event will feature Dr. Bill Halvorsen’s new English translation of Arne Garborg’s “Haugtussa”, read by Wenche Strømdahl and sung by Melissa Holm-Johansen, soprano. Prelude music by Petra Bjørkhaug.

October 7
Doomed: Theatre Meeting with a Doomsday Preacher
Mindekirken
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for a special Tuesday Open House event, “Doomed: Theater Meeting with a Doomsday Preacher,” presented by Wenche Strømdahl, with Petra Bjorkhaug.

October 11
In Solidarity with Immigrants: A Gathering of Concerned People
Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church

An event in support of those all over the world who fear for unjust deportation and who can see no future.

October 12
Livestream from Norway
Mindekirken
2-4 p.m.

Norwegian choir Vocal Art will perform live from Stormen Kulturhus in Bodø, Norway. Mindekirken Vice President Gracia Grindal will be present in Bodø and give an introduction to the performance.

October 14
Tuesday Open House with M. Jacqueline Regis
Mindekirken
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tuesday Open House presented by M. Jacqueline Regis, Haitian immigrant, former Hennepin Co. Judge, and now MN Senior Judge​.

October 18
Tetiana Riabokin: Ukranian Bandura Concert
Norway House
2-4 p.m.

Performance by Tetiana Riabokin on the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine. The bandura is a traditional Ukranian folk instrument, similar to a lute.

October 19
Finnish and Latvian Concert
Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church
1-3 p.m.

Featuring David Fillman bass-baritone, Craig Johnson, piano, and Kristina Rizzotto, organ.

October 25
Denmark’s Son-in-Law Grieg in Denmark
Danish American Center
2-4 p.m.
A presentation by Dr. Bill Halverson about Edvard Grieg’s time in Denmark. Also featuring music by Niels Gade, performed by Jim Reilly, piano and Melissa Holm-Johansen, soprano. Reception to follow.