Sweden, nestled in Northern Europe, offers a vibrant events scene that celebrates its culture, music, and natural beauty throughout the year. In Sweden, the Midsummer Festival (Midsommar) is a highlight, celebrated with traditional dances around a maypole, flower crowns, and feasting to welcome the summer solstice.
Whether it’s revelling in traditions, enjoying world-class music, or embracing the great outdoors, Sweden’s events offer something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most important traditional festivals, celebrating the summer solstice. It involves dancing around the maypole, enjoying traditional Swedish food like pickled herring and strawberries, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Time: Midsummer Eve, usually around June 21st.
The Gothenburg Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in Scandinavia, showcasing a diverse selection of international and Nordic films, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts.
Time: Late January to early February.
Stockholm Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ pride festival in Scandinavia, celebrating diversity, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. It features a colourful parade, parties, cultural events, and activism.
Time: Late July or early August.
The Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet take place annually in Stockholm and Oslo (for the Peace Prize). It honours laureates in various categories, including Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics.
Time: December 10th (anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death).
Way Out West is a music festival held in Gothenburg, featuring a diverse lineup of international and Swedish artists across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Time: August.
The Stockholm International Film Festival is one of the leading film festivals in Northern Europe, presenting a wide range of international and Scandinavian films, along with special screenings, workshops, and events.
Time: November.
Lucia is a traditional Swedish celebration of light during the darkest time of the year. It involves processions of children wearing white robes and singing traditional songs while carrying candles or wearing candle crowns.
Time: December 13th.
The Gothenburg Culture Festival is an annual event celebrating arts, culture, and creativity in Gothenburg. It features performances, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and activities for people of all ages.
Time: August.
The Stockholm Marathon is one of the largest marathon events in Scandinavia, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. The course takes participants through the scenic streets of Stockholm.
Time: Late May or early June.
The Viking Market in Birka offers a unique opportunity to experience Viking culture and history. Visitors can explore stalls selling crafts, food, and Viking-inspired goods, as well as watch demonstrations and performances.
Time: Various dates during the summer months