Events

Automatic translation

Major annual events in Stockholm

Swedes like to celebrate their culture, get together to share moments of conviviality and party. Stockholm is a city renowned for the quality of its festivals and events. Throughout the year, the city offers a range of festivities which reach beyond borders. This is the perfect opportunity for tourists to discover the capital from a different perspective and soak up its local traditions.

To help you plan your trip to Stockholm as well as possible, we have selected a list of the major unmissable events for you!

February

Stockholm Design Week

Stockholm Design Week celebrates Scandinavian design. Between modernism and traditional Nordic craftsmanship, he has greatly influenced modern tastes, and their creations have invaded our interiors. This event is a place of exchange, inspiration and meeting for designers, architects, buyers, influencers and lovers of style and innovation from all over the world!

sponsored content

May - June

Stockholm Marathon

The Stockholm Marathon is an annual race that takes place in May or June. Thousands of spectators encourage the runners throughout the course in a festive atmosphere. It is one of the biggest sporting events in Stockholm.

 

National Holiday

Sweden celebrates its national day on June 6 in honor of two major historical events. The first celebrates the election of King Gustav I Vasa in 1523, marking the beginning of modern Sweden. The second commemorates the transfer of part of royal power to parliament in 1809, ensuring more democracy for the people. This is the opportunity to attend the parade of the royal family dressed in traditional blue and yellow folk costumes.

A Taste of Stockholm

Organized in June in the historic royal gardens of Kungsträdgården, A Taste of Stockholm is a major food festival where Swedish and international culinary specialties are in the spotlight.

Sweden Rock Festival

This rock festival takes place every year in June near Sölvesborg, northeast of the city of Malmö, 140 kilometers from the capital. It is the biggest rock music event in Sweden.

Midsummer Day & Evening - Summer Solstice

Celebrating St John is one of the most ingrained traditions in the Swedish culture. It is the longest day of the year - the sun does not set. Everything is closed. On this occasion, the majority of Stockholmers leave for the archipelago or the countryside to meet up with their family. Ancient pagan rituals celebrate Mother Nature, the sun, the light and the fertility of the earth. Wreaths of flowers are woven, a mast is built, families parade in a parade, sing and dance together during the Midsommarathon. In the city, it's the effervescence in the parks of Stockholm. The next day, families celebrate Midsommardagen around a large buffet. Traditional products such as herring, potatoes and local strawberries are in the spotlight.

sponsored content

July - August

Gotland Race, Sandhamn

Come and watch Scandinavia's biggest open water sailing race on the small island of Sandhamn in the Stockholm archipelago. About 450 boats, mainly from the Nordic countries, take part in it over 2 days in mid-July. The start of the crewed regatta is visible from several locations in Stockholm.

Pride Week

Organized in Södermalm from late July to early August, Pride Week is an event that brings together the LGBTQ community over the course of a few lively days. On the program: entertainment, concerts, plays, debates and, of course, the great pride parade. The opportunity for the homosexual community and others to parade in a colorful procession which advocates tolerance, equal rights and love in a festive atmosphere!

The Crayfish Festival

On the second Wednesday in August, Stockholmers get together to savor crawfish cooked in dill together while drinking brandy to mark the opening of the season for this delicious crustacean!

Park theater

During the summer months, the Park Theater organizes dance performances, musical events and plays (free access) in many of the city's parks.

Summerburst

Summerburst is a music festival held annually in the summer at the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm. Bringing together the biggest names in techno and electronic music, this two-day festival is a must-see for revelers.

September - October

Stockholm Jazz Festival

Unmissable jazz event with around 160 concerts organized throughout the city. A rich and promising 10-day program allows you to discover new talents and have a good time listening to live music of various styles: jazz, blues, swing, soul, funk or rock! This festival is one of the biggest music events in Stockholm.

Stockholm Beer & Whiskey Festival

The Stockholm Beer & Whiskey Festival is held annually in Nacka, a northern suburb of Stockholm from late September to early October. World famous, it is the largest beer and spirits fair in Sweden, bringing together more than 1,400 exhibitors and visitors of all generations.

sponsored content

November

Stockholm International Film Festival

Created in 1990, the Stockholm International Festival one of the most important events in the country, bringing together no less than 130,000 spectators and showing more than 170 films. Its main prize is the Bronze Horse. The annual Festival rewards the diversity and creativity of cinema and offers a wide range of films and documentaries.

Stockholm Christmas Market

The Christmas market is a traditional event in Stockholm that takes place between mid-November and the end of December. Organized on the Stortorget square in the old town (Gamla Stan), not far from the royal palace, this typical market offers its visitors a friendly atmosphere. This is the opportunity to savor Christmas treats and traditional hot drinks while discovering a multitude of Swedish handicrafts and decorative arts.

December

Saint Lucia

The tradition of Saint Lucia and its festivities add a touch of magic to a stay in Stockholm. Like the Summer Solstice (Midsommar), this Christian custom celebrated on 13 December is an integral part of Swedish culture. This folk festival dates back to the 4th century and features a young girl dressed in a long white dress with a crown of candles on her head, followed by a procession of girls and boys all dressed in white and holding a candle. This festival of light, song and Swedish delicacies commemorates the martyrdom of Lucia of Syracuse, who, according to legend, brought food to Christians hidden in the Roman catacombs by lighting the way with a crown of candles on her head. If you are lucky enough to visit Stockholm during Saint Lucia's Day, be sure to attend a procession and concert held at various churches in the city (Storkyrkan Cathedral, Adolf Fredrik Kyrka, St Jacobs Kyrka) and at the Skansen Open Air Museum. During this time, you will have the opportunity to taste "lussebullar" in all the cafés and pastry shops, delicious saffron cakes typical of St. Lucia's day!