What's on in Stockholm this season
Publish date: 14 August 2025
Late summer evenings, some of Sweden’s most unique holidays, and an event-packed fall around the corner. Here are some of this Eseason’s highlights in Stockholm.
August
Crayfish Season Starts early August
The season for kräftskivor ("crayfish parties") coincides with the crayfish fishing season in Swedish waters. A traditional kräftskiva buffet typically features generous platters of crayfish boiled with dill umbels, which are peeled and eaten by hand. Common side dishes include västerbottenpaj (Västerbotten cheese pie), bread, crispbread, and Swedish cheese. Drinks often include shots of traditional brännvin (such as akvavit and snaps), beer, and non-alcoholic soft drinks. Read more about kräftskivor and discover restaurants offering classic crayfish buffets in our guide.
Stockholm Culture Festival August 13–17
It’s time for one of the major cultural events – open to all and free of charge. For a few days, central Stockholm transforms into a festival area where top artists like Stefflon Don, Myriam Fares, and Donya Dadrasan take the stage. In addition to music, the festival offers a wide range of experiences, including circus performances, theatre, and dance.
Open-air Cinema in Rålambshovsparken August 13–17
Watching movies under the open sky has become a summer tradition in Stockholm. The event in Rålambshovsparken is so popular that it’s considered Europe’s largest outdoor cinema, attracting over 60,000 viewers last year. This year, five new movie nights await.
Sweden vs. Finland Athletics August 23–24
The Sweden vs. Finland Athletics meet — better known as Finnkampen in Sweden — celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and it’s Sweden’s turn to host. This prestigious event is a fierce rivalry where every point is hard-fought. New this year is an open race, giving everyone the chance to be part of Finnkampen.
Stockholm Fringe Festival August 27–30
A multidisciplinary arts festival that often surprises and launches new Swedish and international artists. Focused on alternative art, the festival offers many artists a chance to experiment and explore new ideas. Bring an open mind and prepare to experience something entirely new.
Baltic Sea Festival August 28 – September 7
A must for anyone who loves classical music. This year’s program features a mix of Grammy-winning artists, rising stars, and world premieres. The theme of the festival is waves, and in addition to grand concerts, there will be talks focused on nature, creativity, collaboration, and music.
adidas Stockholm Half Marathon August 30
For those who missed the Stockholm Marathon, here's another chance to experience central Stockholm during a demanding and challenging race. A total of 21,097.5 meters will be run, with the start and finish located near the Royal Palace, the Parliament (Riksdag), and the Opera House. Prepare for a tough challenge—rewarded with beautiful views of Stockholm’s waterfront.
Concerts, festivals, and performing arts this season
The festival summer season draws to a close, with highlights like Stockholms Kulturfestival... but Stockholm still has plenty of more concerts and performances to enjoy:
Ed Sheeran (August 22–23, Strawberry Arena), Movits! (August 27, Stockholm Under Stjärnorna), Molotov (September 3, Debaser Strand), Günther (September 6, Kollektivet Livet), La Sonora Santanera (September 12 , Södra Teatern), Lauren Spencer Smith (September 12, Fållan), Crashdïet (September 19, Debaser Strand), The Midnight (September 19, Fållan), Jason Mraz (September 22, Göta Lejon), Nina Persson & James Yorkston (September 23, Södra Teatern), Counting Crows (September 27, Annexet), Ricky Gervais: Mortality Tour (September 27, Avicii Arena), The Offspring – Supercharged Worldwide In ’25 (October 9, Hovet), Stockholm Jazz Festival 2025 (October 10–19, various venues), The Stockholm Burlesque Festival (October 10–11, Nalen), Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball (October 12–15, Avicii Arena),Flo Rida (October 17, Avicii Arena) and Bob Dylan – Rough And Rowdy Ways Tour (October 18, Avicii Arena).
Find more events in our guide here!
Find more music in Stockholm
September
“Movies, Memories & Broadway” (September 4–6 )
A grand, glam tribute to Barbra Streisand featuring iconic Swedish artists Lisa Nilsson and Tommy Körberg, joined by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. Three nights of orchestral splendour ath the Concert Hall.
Tjejmilen 2025 – Women-only 10K run September 6
A vibrant run that empowers — whether you’re aiming for a new personal best or simply soaking in the race-day energy. The route loops through scenic areas, finishing in a festive crowd atmosphere.
Stockholm Dachshund Parade 2025 (September 7)
A delightful, quirky parade in Berzelii Park where sausage dogs steal the spotlight—costumes, wagging tails and smiles guaranteed.
September Sessions – Contemporary Art Festival (September 11–14)
Four whirlwind days of pop-up exhibitions, performances and screenings sweep through Accelerator, Bonniers Konsthall, Liljevalchs and dozens more spaces—Stockholm’s art scene turned city-wide playground.
Panoramica Film Festival 2025 (September 23–28)
Panoramica is the first Latin American film festival in Stockholm. It provides an opportunity to promote the screening and distribution of Latin American films in Sweden.
Museum highlights this season
Some exhibition highlights this season are:
- The Thiel Gallery kicks off its centennial anniversary with Together (February 15-August 24, The Thiel Gallery). The exhibition focuses on founders Ernest and Signe Maria Thiel and the many artists they supported, whose works have shaped the Gallery.
- Swedish metal and hard rock have become an important musical export, giving rise to bands like Meshuggah, At the Gates, Entombed, Candlemass, and Bathory. Total Metal (February 13-September 21, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern) why this music resonates with so many, how it has evolved, and how it leaped from crowded clubs to sold-out arenas.
- Nordiska Museet is currently presenting its largest exhibition ever. Nordic Life (February 10 – December 31 (2026) ) explores the lives and people of the Nordic region over the past 500 years. With 4,000 artefacts and images, the exhibition offers a deeper understanding of Nordic cultural history.
- Viviane Sassen – Phosphor: Art & Fashion 1990–2023 (September 5 – November 30) Fotografiska fires the starting pistol on autumn with a colour-saturated retrospective by the Dutch image-maker who blurs the lines between haute couture and dreamscape.
- Laia Abril meets Emily Jacir & Teresa Margolles (6 Sep–11 Jan) Moderna Museet’s brand-new wing opens with a hard-hitting triple bill on misogyny, violence and resistance, pairing Abril’s research-driven photo-essays with Jacir’s and Margolles’ politically charged installations.
- Woven Lives 26 Sep 2025 – 15 Mar 2026 (September 26– March 15, 2026)
At Sven-Harry’s Konstmuseum, the loom takes centre stage in a textile-driven group show where threads weave memory, craft and contemporary storytelling. sven-harrys.se
Museum highlights in Stockholm
October
Affordable Art Fair Stockholm October 1–5
Art collectors and curious minds alike will find inspiration at the 13th edition of this fair, held at Nacka Strand Meetings & Events. Entry-level art and discovery galore.
Open House Stockholm 2025 October 3–5
Peek behind the city’s architectural curtains as sites generally closed to the public swing open. Free guided tours, open houses, and city walks across various Stockholm locales await design lovers.
Stockholm Jazz Festival 2025 October 10–19
Sweden’s venerable jazz tradition meets modern flair. Legendary venues across the city—from inner-city stages to suburban cultural hubs—become havens for international and local jazz talents.
Wander the way! Sleep astray and Hide Away October 24 and onward
A dreamlike, immersive walk into Pija Lindenbaum’s storybook world opens at Junibacken. Expect a magical, bookish adventure and playful installations.
Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival October 24–25
Raise a glass to craftsmanship and tasting adventure! Nacka Strand Möten & Event hosts breweries and distilleries in an immersive, liquid-tinged experience.
