Festival season hits Stockholm in style

Text: Karl Batterbee

No matter what cultural strand floats your boat best, there’s a chance you’ll find a day or two devoted to it in Stockholm throughout August. Here, we’ve curated and compiled a selection of the Swedish capital’s best festival offerings.

Kulturfestivalen (13 – 17 August)

Stockholm’s Culture Festival offers a packed programme of activities and entertainment, attracting over one million visitors each year. Over five days, the city’s streets come alive with an explosion of culture from around the world, with Stockholm transforming into a vibrant stage where art, music, dance and much more are put into focus. Entry is free for all!

www.kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se

Kulturfestivalen lights up Stockholm in a major way each year. Photo: Visit Stockholm

Stockholm Roots Festival (22 – 24 August)

After last year’s magical summer weekend with Stockholm Roots, it’s clear – the love for country, Americana, folk and bluegrass is stronger in Sweden than ever. Three days filled with music, dance and togetherness transformed Debaser into a vibrant gathering place, and this summer it’s happening again.

www.debaser.se

Swedish artist Sarah Klang is headlining the 2025 edition of the Stockholm Roots Festival. Photo: Fredrika Eriksson

Stockholm Fringe Festival (27 – 30 August)

Stockholm Fringe Festival (STOFF) is a five-day arts festival, acting as a stage for local and international artists to present their innovative work; ranging from performance to installation art and anything in between. The 16th edition of STOFF promises over 200 events, from burlesque city walks to raw stand-up and political theatre!

www.stockholmfringe.com

Heading to Stockholm Fringe in 2025 is Laisse Moi Parler by Jacques Bana Yanga. Photo: Kalimba Mendes

Baltic Sea Festival (28 Aug – 7 Sep)

This year’s edition of the Baltic Sea Festival is based on the theme ‘waves’ – a symbol for everything from sound and light to the movements of history and emotions. In line with the theme, the festival is inviting you to some truly magnificent concerts and exciting conversations; all with a focus on nature, creativity, collaboration and music.

www.berwaldhallen.se

Sveriges Radios Symfoniorkester will be playing a big part in making the Baltic Sea Festival come to life. Photo: Andrew Staples

The Gamla Filmstaden Festival (31 August)

Filmstaden in Råsunda, just outside Stockholm, was Sweden’s Hollywood from 1920 to the beginning of the 1970s. For more than half a century, this was the place where over 400 films were made – many of them today belonging to Sweden’s international film heritage. At the end of August, Filmstaden invites you to a fun-filled day celebrating cinema, with activities for all ages. Guided tours, film screenings, film talks, an animation workshop, a quiz, and much more is on offer for guests.

www.filmstadenskultur.se