What's on in Stockholm this season
Publish date: 30 April 2025
Springtime means light, warmth, and traditional holiday celebrations. Here are some of the season's highlights!
May
Outdoor Season at Stockholm’s Restaurants May 1
Although some bars and restaurants in Stockholm have open-air patios or seating areas available year-round, the official outdoor season starts on May 1. As the weather warms up, you'll see more and more outdoor spots pop up around town. Whether you're looking for a sunny place for dinner, drinks, or coffee, you'll be spoiled for choice. Check out our guides to rooftop bars, garden cafés, and sunny open-air restaurants for more tips.
Run for Pride May 8
The most colorful race of the year takes place at Djurgården this May. Joy and celebration take precedence over performance in this unique event, where a portion of the entrance fee is donated to RFSL’s work with LGBTI rights around the world. Pets are also welcome to participate.
Stockholm Hockeyfest May 9 – 25
Some of the world’s greatest ice hockey players will compete for the gold medal in Stockholm. The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is coming to town, and everyone is invited to join the festivities. Even if you're not a puckhead, there will be plenty of fun activities taking place around the city.
Kungsholmen Runt May 10
Grab your running shoes and take on one of Stockholm’s larger islands, Kungsholmen. This race offers several distances, ranging from a half marathon to a 2 km kids’ track. It’s a great way to get some exercise and explore parts of central Stockholm.
Concerts, festivals, and performing arts this season
Spring means that festival season is right around the corner, with highlights like Rosendal Garden Party and STHLM Fields. But before that, there are plenty of great concerts to enjoy.
Other concert highlights this season include Käärijä (May 1, Fållan), Caliban (May 4, Kollektivet Livet Bar och Scen), Crystal Lake (May 10, Kollektivet Livet Bar och Scen), Johnossi (May 15, Gröna Lund), Andrew Combs (May 17, Nalen), Natasha Bedingfield (May 22, Gröna Lund), Marcus & Martinus (May 23, Gröna Lund) KAJ (May 24, Gröna Lund), The Libertines (May 28, Gröna Lund), Madness (June 5, Gröna Lund), Sepultura (June 9, Gröna Lund), Graveyard (June 11, Gröna Lund), Iron Maiden (June 12-13, 3Arena), Nile Rodgers & CHIC (June 17, Annexet) and Kylie Minogue (June 25, Avicii Arena).
Find more events in our guide here!
Find more music in Stockholm
Stockholm Art Week May 13 – 18
Discover Stockholm’s vibrant art scene during Stockholm Art Week. For one week, galleries, museums, and other venues invite everyone to a variety of art experiences across the city. Even though Stockholm always hosts interesting exhibitions, this week offers even more of everything.
Market Art Fair May 16 – 18
Welcome to a Nordic hub for art, commerce, and creative exchange. This year, the former all-Nordic art fair invites galleries and artists from around the world, creating an even more exciting mix. A must for art lovers and collectors alike.
The Elite Horse Race May 23–25
One of the world’s premier trotting races, this hugely popular event draws both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers from around the globe. Come for the world’s fastest horses—stay for the welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Stockholm Creative Edition May 21 – 24
Experience Stockholm from its most creative side during this annual festival celebrating Swedish design. You might even discover a new favorite designer among those making their debut. The festival takes place in various studios spread throughout the city.
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.
Museum highlights in Stockholm
Stockholm International Comic Festival May 24–25
Discover the full breadth of the Swedish comic scene, along with a few international guests. The festival features workshops, book signings, and film screenings as Kulturhuset transforms into a hub for comic books, graphic novels, and fandom. One of the most popular attractions is the large market where you can shop for new comics, fanzines, and more.
adidas Stockholm Marathon May 31
Challenge yourself during one of the most classic long-distance competitions in Stockholm, the Stockholm Marathon. The course takes the runners across town and through many different sceneries. It is also a huge spectator event where the streets will be filled with cheering.
Comic Con Stockholm May 31–June 1
Stockholm’s own Comic Con has everything we’ve come to expect from an event like this. International stars and cosplayers share space with gaming hubs and vendors. It’s a family-friendly event, with specific activities for kids, like a massive Lego pit.
June
Stockholm Film Festival Drive-In Cinema June 4 – 8
It’s a special event in Stockholm when the horse racing track Solvalla is transformed into the largest drive-in cinema in the Nordics. Enjoy great movies without leaving the comfort of your car seat. Don’t have a car? You can also arrive by bike and borrow a deck chair.
National Day June 6
This year, National Day falls on a Friday. Stockholm’s official celebration takes place at Skansen, featuring a televised ceremony from the main stage. Expect flag-raising, speeches, and live music. In Haga Park, you can celebrate with the Royal Swedish Opera, and at Gärdet, horse lovers can enjoy Nationaldagsgaloppen, a popular horse race. Discover more celebrations in our guide to National Day.
Rosendal Garden Party June 13 – 15
The popular Swedish festival returns, promising magical concert experiences and excellent food in the lush surroundings of Djurgården. This year, artists like Kraftwerk, Chaka Khan, and Sean Paul will headline the event.
The BAUHAUS Gala June 15
The biggest event of the year for athletics fans. Some of the world’s top athletes will come to Stockholm to compete for points in the Diamond League—the highest international series in track and field. With Stockholm Stadion as the venue, you’ll get close to the action.
Midsummer in Stockholm June 20
Midsummer is one of the biggest holidays in Sweden. In Stockholm, there are many different ways to celebrate: family-friendly park hangouts, weekends in the archipelago, traditional festivities, or why not a club night? Read our Midsummer guide for more suggestions.
Stockholm Fields June 24, 25, 27 and 28
Gärdet becomes a music haven with its own outdoor stage and a festival-like atmosphere. Over four days, a mix of Swedish and international artists will perform, offering a wide variety of music. Enjoy a curated selection of food and drinks. Purchase a ticket for each day and choose between Muse, Europe, Green Day, and Swedish sensation Ant Wan.
