Running festival & events weekend
Göteborgsvarvet, 19–20 & 23–24 May
Between 19-20 and 23-24 May, Gothenburg transforms into a city-wide running festival. The world’s largest half marathon attracts 55,000 runners and around 200,000 spectators. Several additional races take place alongside it, including Minivarvet, Lilla Varvet (for the youngest runners), Cityvarvet, Specialvarvet and Stafettvarvet.
Gothenburg Docks, 29–31 May
From 29 to 31 May, a major new event takes place in Lindholmen and Eriksberg: Gothenburg Docks. The event includes Gothenburg’s Floating Boat Show, Gothenburg Classic Car Weekend, BoBra Mässan (fair) and the newly opened Vassen Market – a new meeting place in the port with food stalls, bars, shops, a tattoo studio, activities and culture.
Meeting place for food and culture
Vassen Market is a new meeting place in Gothenburg’s harbour. Visitors can expect food stalls, bars, shops, a tattoo studio, activities and cultural experiences.
Sports & competitions
Bohus cup, 1–3 May
May kicks off with handball as young players from across the Nordic region gather in Gothenburg for Bohus cup. Free entry to all matches.
Allsvenskan, 3–31 May
The football season is underway, with matches throughout May at Gamla Ullevi and Nordic Wellness Arena.
Gotaleden relay & ultra, 9 May
Feeling like a (ultra)run? On 9 May, Gotaleden Relay & Ultra takes place, a brand new running event designed for everyone, from casual runners to experienced ultra athletes.
Gothenburg MTB RACE– “pre-Euros”, 9–10 May
The European Mountain Bike Championships will be held in Gothenburg next year, but you can already get a preview this year at Gothenburg MTB Race, where you can see elite riders in action.
Gothenburg basketball festival, 14–17 May
During 14–17 May, Gothenburg fills with young basketball players. Gothenburg basketball festival is one of Europe’s largest youth tournaments, with around 900 teams from more than ten nations.
Arts & Culture
Hanna Vihriälä, art exhibition, 9 May–1 November
The Gothenburg Museum of Art presents Finnish artist Hanna Vihriälä’s first solo exhibition in Sweden. The exhibition invites visitors into a world where what appears light carries a deeper weight.
Music & concerts
West Coast Country Festival, 9 May
Dust off your cowboy boots! On 9 May, West Coast Country Festival arrives at Scandinavium. Sweden’s largest country festival features both established stars and new talent.
Cherrie, 14 May
On 14 May, Pustervik invites you to smooth R&B sounds with Cherrie, celebrating ten years as an artist. Over the years, she has established herself as one of Sweden’s most loved performers.
Spring delight with Gershwin, 27–28 May
When spring peaks, Göteborgs Symfoniker present Gershwin’s thrilling piano concerto with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A magical evening conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali.
For the whole family
Children’s Day, 9 May
On 9 May, Gothenburg city centre transforms into a giant playground as Children’s day takes over the streets. It’s a full day of activities, free for children and parents.
Fairs & events
à la London design market, 1–3 & 9–10 May
Over two weekends, 1-3 May and 9-10 May, à la London Design Market takes over the Casino in central Gothenburg. Visitors can explore a wide range of design, fashion, art and interiors from more than 250 exhibitors. Free entry.
Cay Collective design festival, 2 May
On May 2nd at Kulturarena Auktionsverket, the Cay Collective design festival will be held. It is a design festival with 70 local creators exhibiting in art, interior design, ceramics and fashion. There will also be goodie bags, music, food and activities.
Angered book fair, 8–9 May
Can’t wait for the autumn book fair? Head to Angered Book Fair instead. Taking place on May 8-9, the event is a literary platform for both established and emerging writers from Angered and other suburban areas, highlighting poetry, literature and diversity.
Grillat 2026 + Paralympiatravet
GRILLAT combines a barbecue weekend with one of the year’s biggest trotting events, creating a weekend of food, entertainment and a folk festival. Visitors to the fair have access to the horse racing track at no extra cost.
Livlig market, 29–31 May
If you’re interested in crafts, design and music, you should visit Kronhuset. Livlig marknad is a three-day meeting place for design, crafts, music and culture, where you can discover unique products and live performances. Free entry.
Retrospelsmässan, 30 May
Love retro games? Don’t miss Retrospelsmässan on May 30, where you can spend a full day exploring games from different eras, take part in competitions and browse the game market.
Sightseeing in Gothenburg
Are you curious about Gothenburg and the surrounding area? There are many ways to discover the city, whether it’s by boat, bus, bike, kayak, cruise or city walk. In May there are many wonderful ways to discover the city. See all current sightseeing events here.