Sweden — Events
Sweden Rock Festival
June 8, 2011 - June 11, 2011
If you like your music loud, you are in for a treat with the annual Sweden Rock Festival. Attracting some of the biggest names from the world of rock music, legions of music fans from across Europe flock to the site for this popular three-day event.
Lucia Festival
December 13, 2011
One of Sweden’s loveliest cultural traditions, the 400 year old Lucia Festival sees young girls getting up early to serve their families breakfast dressed in a white gown topped with a (fake) candle tiara, while singing Christmas hymns. If you’re there on the day, expect to see crowds of girls on the street handing out festive fare such as saffron buns and ginger biscuits to passersby.
BUFF International Children and Young People's Film Festival
March 15, 2012 - March 20, 2012
The BUFF film festival is dedicated to screening films for young audiences. First held in 1984, the event is a meeting place for young people and those working with them who are interested in film. Each year, some 100 films are screened as part of the six-day event, which also includes a number of informative seminars and workshops aimed at inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and directors.
Walpurgis Night
April 29, 2012
Proof that Sweden’s Viking past isn’t too far below the surface, the ancient Walpurgis Night festival, like Midsommar, involves lighting huge bonfires and enjoying the mother of all parties. Originally held as a means of keeping evil spirits at bay, the festival is now held to celebrate the onset of spring and is a national public holiday.
Blueskontoret (Monsteras Blues Festival)
May 1, 2012 - May 31, 2012
Taking place in the coastal town of Monsteras overlooking the Kalmarsund, the annual Blues Festival brings international performers to the stage. Taking place in a number of venues throughout Monsteras, the three-day festival is a popular event attracting music fans from across the region. In addition to the main festival stage, there will also be a free stage at the square.
Swedish Speedway Grand Prix
May 25, 2012
A daredevil take on motorcycle racing, Speedway involves teams of motorcycle riders facing off on oval tracks with only one gear and (gulp) no brakes. An enormous action-packed shebang, Sweden’s national Speedway team is one of the best in the world, and the sport is correspondingly popular so expect large crowds.
The Sweden Rock Festival
June 5, 2012 - June 8, 2012
Featuring the cream of local rock n’ roll talent as well as a bevy of international heavyweights, the 20-year-old Sweden Rock Festival has become one of the key events on the European music circuit. The festival has a distinctly heavy metal flavor, with previous year’s acts including the likes of Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, Europe, Deep Purple and Motörhead.
Taste of Stockholm
June 5, 2012
Attracting more than 650,000 visitors per year, Smaka På Stockholm is a foodie’s dream, and lets you wrap your taste buds around some of the country’s most delectable fare. Once you’ve eaten your fill, there’s live music, cabaret and sporting events to keep you occupied.
Vatternrundan (cycling)
June 17, 2012 - June 18, 2012
Billed as the largest recreational cycling event in the world, Vatternrundan takes participants on a grueling 300km (186 miles) circuit through picturesque scenery around Lake Vattern in southern Sweden. Each year approximately 17,000 cyclists take part in this challenging but enjoyable two-day event which has taken place every year since 1966. After completing the event, cyclists are legally obliged to rest for six hours before driving anywhere which provides a great opportunity to socialize and mix with other competitors. Vatternrundan is only open to cyclists over 18 years of age.
Midsommar
June 20, 2012
Unlike in the UK, where the Summer Solstice means an extra-long barbecue or watching a gaggle of bearded pagans twirl around Stonehenge, in Sweden, Midsommar is one of the most popular events of the year and as a result, is the inspiration for some serious parties. Houses are decorated with floral garlands inside and out, and maypole dancing to traditional folk music is followed by huge midnight bonfires.
