Cocktails at the Castle

In Sweden (and other parts of Europe), April 30 is Valborgsmässoafton, or a day where locals welcome spring with a celebration lasting long into the night. Now that we’ve had a taste of spring, you can head over to the American Swedish Institute and celebrate its arrival just like the Swedes do, with bonfires, music, and drinks, as part of Cocktails at the Castle.

Photo by Todd Buchanan

The event, which takes place from 7-11 p.m. tomorrow, will feature two outdoor live musical sets by Dan Mariska and the Boys Choir and Teenage Moods, a three-piece Minneapolis-based band. There will be a live set by hip-hop artist Zac HB indoors, as well as the electric sounds of DJs Adatrack and D’Jo from Slipmats Radio.

Outdoors you’ll also find the traditional bonfires, as well as Fika food stands serving street food. Fika will also be serving up two of their traditional drinks: a barrel-aged brandy Manhattan (Germain-Robin brandy, Vya vermouth, Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters and a cherry) and French gimlet (Prairie Organic vodka, St. Germain and lime). Other cash bar drinks include two types of wine (Cono Sur Chardonnay and Charles Cabernet/Syrah) and four can beer options (Indeed Day Tripper, Indeed Midnight Ryder, PBR, and Brooklyn Lager).

In honor of ASI’s current exhibit, #NameThisExhibit—1200 Birchwood Plaques from Sweden’s Postfuturistic Society, festivalgoers will have the chance to make their own birchwood plaque, in addition to seeing six contemporary artists create their own using tools of their choice within a 30-minute time period.

Tip: Ride your bike! If you do so and bring your helmet, you’ll receive $1 off beverages all night. Plus, staff from Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop + Coffee Bar will be on hand to do safety checks and minor repairs.