What’s on in Gothenburg in September

Gothenburg Book Fair – the Nordic region’s largest cultural event, 24–27 September

At the end of September, it is once again time for one of the major cultural highlights of the autumn. The Gothenburg Book Fair at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre is the Nordic region’s largest cultural event, bringing together authors, publishers, readers and cultural figures for four days of literature, conversations, seminars and encounters.

New this year is the theme Games, exploring the storytelling, language and creativity of digital and analogue games. The Book Fair is also expanding outside the exhibition hall, with events at venues including Poppels brewery, the Science Fiction Bookstore and the cultural centres Blå Stället and Frölunda Kuturhus.

Concerts & festivals

Ö-festen on Ringön, 5 September

The riverside district Ringön invites you to the festival Ö-festen. During the day businesses across the peninsula open their doors as the area fills with music, food, art, culture and activities. It is a great opportunity to discover one of Gothenburg’s most creative neighbourhoods.

Koami Art Festival, 4–5 September

You can also visit Koami Art Festival on Ringön on 4–5 September. Traditional and digital art come together in exhibitions, talks and workshops. On 5 September, the festival also becomes part of Ö-festen, making it the perfect opportunity to discover both the art and Ringön’s creative surroundings.

Victor Leksell at Azaleadalen, 5 September

Gothenburg-born pop star Victor Leksell returns to his home city for a major outdoor concert at Azaleadalen in the city park Slottsskogen. With some of Sweden’s biggest pop songs of recent years in his repertoire, expect a late-summer evening filled with singalong favourites surrounded by greenery.

Markets with food, design and crafts

Schnitzel Week, September 7–13

Schnitzel Week comes to Gothenburg for the first time. Five restaurants – Schnitzelplatz, Krog Axet, Gyllene Prag, Golden Days and Vassen Market – serve their own takes on the schnitzel, from classic Wiener schnitzel to vegan and west coast-inspired versions.

Food Fest Gothenburg, 11–20 September

Food takes centre stage for ten days as Food Fest Gothenburg sets up at the square Grönsakstorget in central Gothenburg. Discover new flavours, restaurants and culinary experiences across the city, and take the opportunity to explore Gothenburg’s diverse food scene.

2 x beer events at Vassen market

The harbourside street food market Vassen Market hosts two food and drinks festivals during September. Discover craft beer from local and visiting breweries at the Craft Beer Harbour Festival 11–12 September, or embrace Bavarian traditions with beer, food and a festive atmosphere at Oktoberfest, 18–19 and 25–26 September.

Design market à la London, 11–13 September

The à la London Design Market brings together creatives working in fashion, art, illustration, jewellery, interior design and more. Browse the unique finds directly from the designers and makers themselves.

Fish and Seafood Festival, 18–19 September

Prawns, oysters, fish and other delicacies from the sea take centre stage as Gothenburg celebrates its strong connection to the sea. The Fish and Seafood Festival offers culinary experiences and activities, all with the sea as their common theme.

Farmers Market at Grönsakstorget, 26 September

At the Farmers Market, the square Grönsakstorget fills with local producers and small-scale food makers. Shop for seasonal produce and discover food and products from the surrounding region, right in the heart of Gothenburg.

Slakthuset Saturdays, 26 September

Food, music and a relaxed Saturday atmosphere await in the Slakthuset district. Food and culture come together in the historic industrial surroundings of Gamlestaden.

Welcome autumn on Gothenburg’s theatre and opera stages

Autumn means premiere season on Gothenburg’s stages, and September brings several new productions.

Gothenburg Fringe Festival, 28 August–6 September

Gothenburg becomes one big stage as the Gothenburg Fringe Festival returns for its eleventh edition. Over ten days, more than 160 performances take place across ten venues around the city, ranging from theatre, comedy and dance to music and poetry.

La Traviata, 12 September–18 October

One of the great classics of the opera world takes to the stage at the Gothenburg Opera. Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata is a story of love, freedom and society’s expectations, featuring some of the best-known melodies in opera.

Discover Gothenburg on the run

Midnattsloppet, 5 September

Lace up your running shoes or find a spot along the route as Midnattsloppet transforms central Gothenburg into a running celebration on 5 September. The race starts and finishes at Gustaf Adolfs torg, taking runners through the city centre and along Gothenburg’s main boulevard, Avenyn.

For more tips on events in Gothenburg, explore our events calendar or visit our pages on music and concerts, festivals, sporting events, exhibitions and theatre and performing arts.