Learn how to modify verbs so that you can describe actions in the present tense. This workshop will describe the six verb types found in Finnish and how to modify them to indicate who is performing the action through a steps-based model that can have you conjugating unfamiliar verbs in no time!

Join Dr. Victoria Stewart for explorations of Finnish grammar in these morning workshops. Participants will learn the topics covered and practice using the skills learned, also receiving resources to continue learning outside of class. These sessions are recommended for learners who have even a limited familiarity with the Finnish language, as well as those with experience in other languages so they can form a comparative understanding of these systems. Each workshop costs $30 for FCA members and $40 for non-FCA members and will take place in person at the Finnish Center Association in Farmington Hills, Mich.

Register and pay for this workshop

The celebration of the summer solstice, or midsummer, is between the 20th and 26th of June. The 2026 event will be held June 19, 4:30-10 p.m. at FCA. A bonfire (kokko) will be built, weather permitting. The Friday Night Buffet will kick off the evening.

Location: Olga’s Kitchen @ Laurel Park Mall, 37612 6 Mile Road, Livonia.

Eat at this Olga’s location on June 19 between the hours of 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Pay your bill and mention to cashier that you are supporting the Finnish Center Association (FCA). 20% of your bill will come back to FCA to support our capital campaign for improvements to the Finnish Cultural Center.

As part of America’s Semiquincentennial, the Finnish Center will host this special presentation by John (Jay) E. Smith III, public historian and archivist. The lecture will take place on June 14 (Sunday), 2 p.m. at the Finnish Center. Smith is the Finlandia Foundation National Lecturer of the Year 2026.

Smith will highlight John Morton’s Finnish and Swedish heritage. Morton's great grandfather, Martti Martitsen, emigrated from what was then Sweden to the colony of New Sweden (along Delaware River) in the mid 17th century — all of which informed Morton's worldview, and his importance and influence in the politics and culture of the time.

Open to the public. No admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Refreshments will be served.

This event is supported by Finlandia Foundation National.

Join us for our regular Friday night buffet, plus entertainment provided by the Novi Concert Band beginning at 7 p.m. Always a fun evening!

The next dance practice (open to all) will be May 31, 2-5 p.m. at Finn Camp, 2524 Loon Lake Rd. Wixom, MI

The Nordic Heritage Folk Dance group welcomes both children and adults to come and learn basic steps like polka, waltz, and schottische along with simple to-intermediate folk dances depending on the dancers’ skills. The goal is to have fun while keeping the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden alive through folk dancing. All practices begin at 2:00 p.m. with a “family-style” practice, where both children and adults learn folk dancing together for the first hour. The next hour or longer is for adults, where the folk dances can become more challenging depending on the participants.

Join us for a buffet dinner, music, and socializing. Runs 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Join the singers for their spring concert. Free admission but donations encouraged at the door. Event begins at 3 p.m. Location: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 34567 Seven Mile Road, Livonia.

Join us for a day of creativity and shopping. Browse a wide variety of handcrafted items created by talented artists. Vendors will feature quilted pieces, felted gifts, custom t-shirts, jewelry, and much more. Free admission. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the FCA Main Hall.

Join us for a lovely meal and celebration of spring and mothers. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Includes breakfast and entree dishes, dessert, and beverages. $40 per adult. $15 for children 11 and under.

Join us for a reception to introduce and honor the 2026 scholarship recipients. 1-2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

One of Finland’s biggest festivals, Vappu is celebrated annually on or around May 1 to mark the end of winter and spring graduations. The 2026 celebration will take place May 1, 6 p.m.-midnight, in the FCA Main Hall.

Join us for a flea market in the FCA Main Hall on April 25 (Saturday) from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Many hidden treasures and bargains!

Eat at Leo’s Coney Island (33292 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills) between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Mention to waiter/cashier that you are supporting the Finnish Center Association. 10 percent of your meal tab will be donated back to the Finnish center. Dine-in only; no carry outs.

Join us for a buffet dinner, music, and socializing. Runs 4:30-7:30 p.m.

The Finnish Center Association (FCA) offers scholarships to deserving college students of Finnish heritage or with ties to the FCA community. Deadline to apply: April 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.  Complete and submit the online application form.

Join us for this 1959 Soviet-Finnish fantasy film based loosely on the events depicted in the Finnish national epic Kalevala. The movie is free and will be shown at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, at the Finnish Center.

All new members are encouraged to attend to meet the FCA Board of Trustees and other friends of FCA. Cake and refreshments will be served. This event will be held in the Lounge from 1-2 p.m.

Join us for fish dinner on most Fridays during the Lenten season, 4:30-7 p.m.

Menu:

• Baked or Fried Fish

• Glazed ham

• Sweet potato casserole

• Carrots

• Oven brown potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Bread/Rolls

Cash Bar. Cost is $15.

Eat at Karl's Cabin (6005 Godfredson Road, Plymouth) at this day & time. Show this flyer or mention to waiter/cashier that you are supporting the Finnish Center Association. 15 percent of your meal tab will be donated back to the Finnish center. Dine-in only; no carry outs.

The Nordic Folk Dance group welcomes both children and adults and both first-time dancers and previous dancers to its practices. No experience needed! Dance instructor: Glendene Thornbloom. 2-5 p.m. in the Main Hall.

This movie will be shown at 2 p.m. on March 22 at the Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), 5200 Woodward Avenue; Detroit, MI 48202.

As part of our Nordic Film Series, our film curator was able to secure complimentary tickets for FCA. If you are interested in screening this film for free, please send email to contactus@finnishcenter.org to request tickets. We need to provide a count to the DIA before March 22. Also, let us know if you are interested but in need of transportation.

Film summary and related info

Join us for fish dinner and St. Urho’s Day fun, 4:30-7 p.m.

Menu:

• Baked or Fried Fish

• Glazed ham

• Sweet potato casserole

• Carrots

• Oven brown potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Bread/Rolls

Cash Bar. Cost is $15.

Swedish Author Maria Bouroncle will discuss her historical trilogy on murder, Finnish war children, and the journey to America. Book signing to follow. 1-3 p.m. in the Main Hall. Free admission; donations encouraged. In March-April 2026 Ms. Bouroncle is a writer in residence at the University of Michigan Scandinavian Program. She will teach a course on Swedish literature and creative writing.

Join us for fish dinner on most Fridays during the Lenten season, 4:30-7 p.m.

Menu:

• Baked or Fried Fish

• Chicken cordon bleu casserole

• Oven brown potatoes

• Fries

• Peas and carrots

• Coleslaw

• Homemade bread/rolls

Cash Bar. Cost is $15.

Join us for fish dinner on most Fridays during the Lenten season, 4:30-7 p.m.

Menu:

• Baked Fish

• Fried Fish

• Sausage with peppers and onions

• California blend vegetables

• Rice pilaf

• French fries

• Bread

• Dessert available for additional cost

Cash Bar. Cost is $15.

Join the FCA and the Wayne State University Humanities Center for a full reading of the Finnish national epic Kalevala on Feb. 28, 8 a.m.-midnight (or later). Volunteer to read one of the epic’s 50 poems or listen in! You may come and go from the event at your convenience, and you can attend at the venue, over Zoom, or both. Copies of the epic will be made available online and in person, or you may use your own. This event is free and open to the public but, due to the subject matter of some of the poems, this event is not recommended for children. It will be performed at the Finnish Center Association, 35200 W. 8 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Register at https://forms.wayne.edu/6978db31ceaff or use the QR code on the flyer.

The Finnish Center Association’s 2026 online auction has arrived! Bidding opens on Feb. 14 and concludes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 28. Please support FCA and bid on these lovely items, all donated by members and friends. Proceeds from the auction go toward the FCA’s capital campaign to fund upgrades to our beautiful cultural center. View the auction!

Join us for fish dinner on most Fridays during the Lenten season, 4:30-7 p.m.

Menu:

• Baked Fish

• Fried Fish

• Mostaccioli w/ meat

• Green beans

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Breadsticks

Cash Bar. Cost is $15.