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.
Gothenburg International Science Festival, 17–19 April 2026
The Gothenburg International Science Festival is being held this year for the 30th time. The festival is one of Europe’s leading popular science events, creating annual meeting places for knowledge, inspiration, and new perspectives – and presenting science in creative and unexpected ways.
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.
Viva Sounds, 26–28 November 2026
Viva Sounds is an international club festival, music conference and musical meeting place, held annually in Gothenburg. In 2026 it will be the festivals ninth edition on 26–28 November. The line-up will offer more than 100 concert on 17 different live stages within walking distance of each other.
Major events 2027
MyDog, 3–6 January 2027
MyDog at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre is the largest dog event in the Nordic region – over 9,000 dogs come to compete in two dog shows and most of the world’s dog breeds are represented in the prestigious competitions. The event is also a given meeting place for all dog owners, dog lovers and anyone who wants to learn more about dogs.
Göteborg Film Festival, 29 January–7 February 2027
The Göteborg Film Festival – the largest in the Nordic region – will be held for the 50th time in early 2027. This anniversary edition will be something truly special. Stay updated at goteborgfilmfestival.se.
Göteburg Horse Show 50 years & FEI World Cup Finals, 24–28 March 2027
The Gothenburg Horse Show is one of the world’s leading indoor equestrian competitions – and in 2027 it turns 50 years! It is celebrated by, among other things, arranging the FEI World Cup™ Finals in show jumping, dressage and vaulting 24–28 March 2027! Read more at gothenburghorseshow.com.
European Mountain Bike Championships 2027, 3–8 August 2027
Come to the Skatås area in Gothenburg and experience the mountainbike world elite as they compete for medals in the European Mountain Bike Championships 2027! The championships include Olympic-format cross-country (XCO), short track (XCC) and the high-intensity mixed team relay between nations (XCR). The event also serves as a qualifying competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Pétanque World Championship 2027, 2–5 September 2027
In 2027, Sweden will host the Pétanque World Championship for the first time in its current format, where singles and doubles are held every other year. The championship will be held at the Scandinavium indoor arena from 2–5 September, when the best pétanque players from around the world will compete for the world championship titles.
