Spelmansstämman

Come to Gammelgården Museum for a free family-friendly event featuring Swedish/Nordic and Japanese folk music, dance, and visual arts. There will also be arts and crafts for children and adults; historic building tours; an artists, crafters, and vendors fair; and artist demonstrations. Both American and Japanese food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Spelmansstämman was recognized as one of the best ten summer festivals in Minnesota by TravelMag.com. Read about it HERE.
NOTE: The schedule, including the performers and artists, is being developed for 2026. Below is the information that is current as of June 14, 2026.
Spelmansstamman 2025 Poster

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Spelmansstämman is a long-standing Swedish folk music tradition based on outdoor gatherings (stämma) of Swedish musicians (spelman) to share music, friendship, and playing. At a traditional stämma, a small group of musicians share tunes they love and have in common.
Gammelgården’s 36th annual Spelmansstämman will feature multiple musicians performing throughout the day.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 
Come for the full day – or part of the day. The following is the general schedule of events:
10-12:

Cross-Cultural Art 

Swedish Craft Project: Paint a wooden Dala horse – Welcome House
Japanese Craft Project: Origami and painting – Welcome House
Swedish and Japanese Weaving Comparison – SAORI weaving and Bengala Dyeing with COMPAS Teaching Artist Chaiki O’Brien – Welcome House and Museum Grounds

10-4:

Historic Building Tours – Docents in Buildings (10-4). Tours for those who are Hearing Impaired (with headphones) – Meet at the Reception Desk at the Welcome House
Artists, Crafters, and Vendors Fair – Museum Grounds

Apothecary’s Daughter
Borage and Bumblebee
Carol’s Glass Creations
Chickadee Forest
Cynthia DeMar Arts (also demonstrating metalsmithing)
Fleming Petersen & Company
Folkdress Fantasy