The final weekend consisted of several major events. Some of these you probably recognize from previous years, such as Gothenburg Culture Festival and Frihamnsdagarna. Others were unique elements that only took place this anniversary summer, such as the Jubilee Parade and the Göteborgsvarvet Marathon.
Gothenburg Culture Festival, September 1-3
For three days, you could experience crowds of people, good food and a pleasant atmosphere at Gothenburg Culture Festival. The city festival had, as always, free entry and offered a programme that suited all tastes and ages. This year artists like A36, Danish D-A-D and Daniela Rathana were part of the line-up. The food was represented by the Street Food Festival, where the winner of Sweden’s best food truck was announced. Due to the city’s 400th anniversary celebrations there was an extra anniversary vibe to the festival.
Closing concert with Miriam Bryant
On September 3, the beloved Gothenburg artist Miriam Bryant entered the stage at the square Kungstorget in central Gothenburg. Her concert was the grand finale for both Gothenburg’s 400th Anniversary celebrations and Gothenburg’s Culture Festival. The free concert started at 21.00 and was open to everyone.
Gothenburg Jubilee Parade, September 2
The Gothenburg Jubilee Parade was a procession that departed from Gustafs Adolfs Torg, continued along Kungsportsavenyn, and ended at Götaplatsen. It was an entertaining and inclusive parade with Gothenburg citizens of all ages, as well as representatives from various areas of the city, such as dance, music, performing arts, technology, and business. People experienced Göta Lejons Ungdomsorkester, live jazz, old Volvo cars from the Volvo Museum, and much more. Together, they celebrated Gothenburg’s various milestones, landmarks, and future!
Fireworks with music, September 2
During the final weekend of Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebration, there was a unique anniversary fireworks display set to music with a Gothenburg connection. The music fireworks were launched at 22:00 on September 2. Many people gathered along the river Göta älv in front of GöteborgOperan, to see it close up and hear the music from speakers.
Ö-festen (Ringön Festival), September 2
The festival Ö-festen was part of Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary and Gothenburg Culture Festival. For one day, the urban area along the river turned into a big street party with a market and live performances. This year, Ö-festen was also available as a digital version – Gothenburg Island Festival. In the digital world, you could create an avatar and wander around on the festival to experience gigs, film screenings, and much more. In addition, a competition was held where the best-looking avatar was crowned.
Göteborgsvarvet Marathon, September 3
Twice the distance, twice the fun! Göteborgsvarvet Marathon 2023 ran along parts of Göteborgsvarvet’s regular course but also incorporated new roads through Gothenburg. On September 3, 2023, thousands of runners experienced the city along the 42,195-meter long course. The start was in Slottsskogen, and the finish was at Slottsskogvallen.
Frihamnsdagarna, August 31 – September 2
Frihamnsdagarna returned for the third year in a row and filled Bananpiren with culture, panel discussions, debates, music, food trucks, second-hand items, activities, and exhibitors. The event was open to all with free entry.
