The weather in summer in the Nordics can be fickle. However, August is known to be warm and sunny, and a good reason to look to Scandinavia for your quick weekend trip or last minute travel. Here are a few reasons to keep the summer calendar open and sunshine dreams going.
Summer events in Norway
Oslo Jazz Festival
Monday, August 11 to Saturday, August 16,
Six days of jazz in the capital of Oslo. Between 60-70 acts located across the city, including performances at the National Jazz Scene and popular local clubs. If you like to enjoy jazz at smaller intimate gigs, then this is for you.
- More info: Oslo Jazz Festival
Arctic Race in Norway
Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17
Bike or watch biking enthusiasts travel 708 km over 4 days in Northern Norway. Last year was the first event that saw up to 150,000 participants. Hosted by the same people who run Tour de France. Starts in Bodø and finishes in Harstad.
- More info: Arctic Race Norway
Norwegian International Film Festival
Saturday, August 16 to Friday, August 22
Described as the “Oscars of Norway”, the International Film Festival takes over the city of Haugesund. This year Lars Saabye Christensen’s novel Beatles will open the 42th edition of the festival that focuses on promoting Nordic films.
Mela Festival
Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17
Taking over City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen) in Oslo, the free open air festival transforms the area into a creative and multicultural “meeting place” (Mela) of music, art and theatre. This year’s main headliner is international artist Wyclef Jean.
- Get Mela Festival programme info.
Grieg in Bergen
Every week until Saturday, August 23
Summer concert series in the historical city of Bergen. From recitals to string quartets, Grieg in Bergen features a summer concert every Monday – Wednesday and Friday to Saturday around 7:30 PM.
- Get Grieg in Bergen info.
Summer events in Denmark
Zulu Summer Bio (#zulusummerbio)
Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15
Movies at the park after work. Can it get any more hygge? Free admission featuring recent blockbuster hits: Her, Wolf of Wall Street, Gravity, Inside Llewyn Davis.
- Find Zulu Summer Bio schedule.
Strøm Festival
Monday, August 11 to Sunday, August 17
This is Copenhagen’s answer to electronic music. The festival is spread out across the city and features not just events, workshops and artists talks but outdoor concerts in Enghaveparken throughout the week.
- Get Strøm Festival programme.
Smukfest, Copenhagen Edition
Thursday, August 14 to Friday, August 15
Didn’t make it to Skanderborg Festival for the big Smukfest? It makes a feature shop in Copenhagen for two days at beautiful Amager Strandpark featuring Rasmus Seebach, Pet Shop Boys and Nephew.
- Get Smukfest Copenhagen tickets and info.
Copenhagen Cooking Festival
Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 31
Combining the love for food and hygge, Copenhagen’s food festival features events all around the city run by food lovers celebrating seasonal produce and quality ingredients. A must attend event for foodies.
- Visit Copenhagen Cooking website.
Open Air Opera at Rosenborg Castle
Saturday, August 23 @ 18:00
The Danes do love their opera, and they do love the outdoors. Here’s a chance to enjoy a performance by the Royal Danish Theatre with Rosenborg Castle as a glorious backdrop.
- Free admission
- Visit Royal Danish Theatre.
Tivoli Friday Rock Series
Every Friday until September 19
Coming to see Copenhagen’s Tivoli is already a feat on itself, but for the price of admission you can also stay to enjoy music shows on Fridays! Coming up August 29 is Danish singer MØ and Swedish powerhouse Jenny Wilson.
- Visit the Tivoli Fredag Rock website.
Copenhagen Pride
Wednesday, August 27 to Saturday, August 30
Celebrate the power of love at the colourful event of the summer. Copenhagen Pride takes over the city for four days and ends with a festive parade for all to participate!
- Visit Copenhagen Pride website.
Sweden
Stockholm Fashion Week
Monday, August 11 to Sunday, August 17
Ready-to-wear (RTW) fashion for Spring/Summer 2015. While most events are invite only, this event by Rookies, showcases 12 preselected up and coming designers.
- See Stockholm Fashion Week brands and schedule.
Stockholm Culture Festival
Tuesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 17
The title says it all. The streets of Stockholm will be filled with culture activities in all genres and is free of admission to all. Expect 3D shows, movies under the stars, hip-hop stages and reminders of Barcelona.
Gothenburg Culture Festival
Tuesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 17
If you find yourself on west side of Sweden instead of the capital, then smile because there is also a culture festival here! Expect a lot of activity with music, food and markets in Gothenburg.
Stockholm Oktoberfest
Thursday, August 28 – Saturday, August 30
According their website, this is Sweden’s answer to the famous Oktoberfest in Munich. You can expect the usual beer gardens, food and yes, even being served by men and women dressed in traditional German outfits.
- Visit Stockholm Oktoberfest
