In this guide, we list the biggest music, sports and cultural events in Gothenburg throughout 2026. Perfect if you’re planning a trip to Gothenburg filled with experiences, inspiration and unforgettable moments.

Göteborg Film Festival, 23 January–1 February 2026

The Göteborg Film Festival returns from 23 January to 1 February 2026, screening across cinemas in the city and digitally nationwide. As the largest film festival in the Nordics, it features an international programme, gala premieres and unforgettable film moments. The cultural year begins in the cinema! More info at goteborgfilmfestival.se.

Melodifestivalen, 6–7 February 2026

In 2026, Melodifestivalen (the Swedish qualifier to the Eurovision Song Contest) celebrates its 25th anniversary as a touring event, and Gothenburg will once again host one of its heats. On 6–7 February, the arena Scandinavium will be transformed into a glittering musical spectacle during the competition’s second heat.

Gothenburg Horse Show, 18–22 February 2026

The Gothenburg Horse Show returns to Scandinavium on 18–22 February 2026. One of the world’s premier indoor equestrian events, it has welcomed over three million fans since its start in 1977. Its continued success is thanks to an enthusiastic audience, loyal partners, and dedicated volunteers. Read mora at gothenburghorseshow.com.

Göteborgsvarvet, 23 May 2026

Göteborgsvarvet, which marked its 40th edition last year, is the world’s largest half marathon. Starting and finishing at Slottsskogsvallen, the race spreads across a 21-kilometre route through the city in a true celebration of running. Learn more at goteborgsvarvet.se.

Gothenburg Classic Car Weekend, 29–31 May 2026

From 29–31 May 2026, Gothenburg welcomes the second edition of the Gothenburg Classic Car Weekend. Hundreds of meticulously selected classic cars and motorcycles will be on display, with live music, festival vibes and street food rounding out the weekend. More info at gccw.se.

Gothenburg’s Floating Boat Show, 29–31 May 2026

At the end of May 2026, all those with a passion for the sea, the coast and boating are welcome to a brand-new floating boat show. At Eriksberg, right by the river Göta älv, visitors, exhibitors and enthusiasts will come together to explore the latest boats, accessories and technology – all in a unique maritime setting.

West Pride, 8–14 June 2026

Gothenburg’s very own pride festival, West Pride, has been celebrating love and diversity since 2007. The 2026 edition takes place from 8–14 June and will feature hundreds of exciting events, with the Pride Parade as a given highlight. More info at westpride.se.

Butterfly Festival, 26–27 June, 2026

Butterfly Festival is Gothenburg’s brand-new summer festival, taking place at Bananpiren in the Frihamnen district. On 26–27 June 2026, the festival arrives in summertime Gothenburg, offering popular artists and DJs across two stages, street food from around the world, funfair attractions – and a party you don’t want to miss.

Partille World Cup, 29 June–4 July 2026

The Partille World Cup is the world’s largest and most international handball tournament. Each year, 1,400 teams from around 50 countries gather in Gothenburg for a week of thrilling matches and cultural exchange. Learn more at partillecup.com.

Luke Combs, 4 July 2026

Country star Luke Combs will embark on his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour in 2026, and on Saturday 4 July, he’ll be performing in Gothenburg with a concert at the arena Ullevi. This marks Combs’ first show in Gothenburg, and he’ll be joined on stage by guest artists The Script, Ty Myers, and The Castellows.

Gothia Cup, 12–18 July 2026

The world’s largest youth football tournament returns to Gothenburg and its surrounding municipalities from 12–18 July 2026. Teams and participants from all corners of the globe make this event truly unique, and the entire city is buzzing with joy and sporting spirit. Learn more at gothiacup.se.

O-Ringen, 20–26 July 2026

In summer 2026, the world’s biggest orienteering competition, O-Ringen, comes to Gothenburg. Around 20,000 orienteers will compete in different categories throughout the city during the week. The heart of the event – O-Ringen City – will be located at Stora Holm on Hisingen.

Way Out West, 13–16 August 2026

The music and film festival Way Out West attracts visitors from all over Sweden and beyond. Every year, Slottsskogen transforms into a three-day celebration of music, culture and community. Mark your calendar for 13–16 August 2026, for performances with Gorillaz, The Cure, Lorde, The XX, Sombr and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, among others.

Volleyball European Championship, 21–27 August 2026

In August 2026, Sweden will host the group stage of the Volleyball European Championship in Gothenburg. Fifteen matches will be played over seven action-packed days. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on Sweden’s women’s national team as they play their first-ever major tournament on home soil.

Göteborg Brinner, 22 August 2026

Göteborg Brinner [Gothenburg is on fire] is a brand new one-day metal festival, created by Gothenburg hard rock band In Flames. The festival will take place at Frihamnen on 22 August, 2026 with acts such as Raised Fist, Avatar, Dark Tranquillity, Napalm Death, Thrown, Múr, Gaerea and In Flames themselves.

Göteborgskalaset – Gothenburg’s City Festival, 27–30 August, 2026

27–30 August 2026, you’re invited to round off the summer with Göteborgskalaset, the city’s big celebration where everyone is welcome. Enjoy everything from beloved artists, dance and circus performances to food experiences and hands-on activities. There’s something for all tastes and ages!

The heart of the festival is in central Gothenburg, and one of this year’s major highlights is that the main stage will move to the square Götaplatsen at the top of the main street Avenyn, offering plenty of space for everyone who wants to enjoy the concerts together. The full programme will be released in early summer, but you can already start looking forward to what’s coming. Keep an eye on goteborgskalaset.se for updates.

Göteborgskalaset was previously known as Göteborgs Kulturkalas, Gothenburg Culture Festival, but changed its name in autumn 2025 – a natural step in the festival’s development into a broader celebration for the whole city. Everything at the festival is free to enjoy, except food and drink.

Swedish House Mafia, 28–29 August 2026

Gothenburg is set to host one of next summer’s biggest music events as Swedish House Mafia returns to Sweden. A spectacular show awaits at Ullevi – the country’s most iconic arena – and fans from far and wide are expected to attend.

Victor Leksell, 5 September 2026

On 5 September 2026, Swedish pop sensation Victor Leksell returns to his hometown Gothenburg for a one-of-a-kind concert in the lush surroundings of the park Azaleadalen. This exclusive show will be Leksell’s only live performance of the year and the biggest of his career so far. The open-air concert marks a milestone for the artist, who has long dreamed of performing at this iconic place.

Gothenburg Book Fair, 26–29 September 2026

The Gothenburg Book Fair is the largest cultural event in the Nordic region. Held at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, it welcomes more than 90,000 visitors annually to a rich programme of seminars, talks, author meet-and-greets – and a bustling fair filled with literature for all ages and interests.

The themes for 2026 will be Lifelong Learning (in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg) and Games, organised with support from Göteborg & Co. The honorary guest in 2026 will be the Canadian region of Québec.