Scandinavian Culture Calendar: August 2025

By Karl Batterbee

From alternative rock to British pop, and from a celebration of poetry to a deep dive into book illustrations… And that’s before we get to the wave of festivals hitting one of the Nordic capitals this month. All you need to know about where to go and what to see is right here!

Poetry Moon (14 – 24 August)

Poetry Moon (Runokuu in Finnish) is a multidisciplinary and international literature festival that is all set to delight poetry lovers in the Finnish capital this August. Performers and audiences are invited to follow one another through and beyond the boundaries of art and culture. Poetry Moon aims to bring fans and creators of both traditional and experimental literature together, in a melting pot of captivating words.

Nuoren Voiman Liitto, Helsinki

www.runokuu.fi

The Smashing Pumpkins are playing all five of the Nordic nations this August. Photo: Jonathan Weiner

The Smashing Pumpkins (16 – 26 August)

The Smashing Pumpkins, one of the most iconic alternative rock bands of all time, are bringing their latest tour to five countries and six cities across the Nordics. Known for their powerful live performances, the band has shaped the genre’s sound and image for over three decades. Founded in Chicago in 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins have sold over 30 million albums and received numerous prizes, including two Grammy Awards and seven MTV Video Music Awards.

Oslo (16 August), Copenhagen (18), Stockholm (20), Gothenburg (22), Helsinki (24), Reykjavík (26)

www.smashingpumpkins.com

Kollektivet – Picture Book Illustration from Finland (15 August – 14 September)

The Finns have been responsible for some very well known children’s book characters down through the decades, but there are many more that you may not have laid eyes on just yet. Now, Kunsthalle Helsinki invites you to step into the playful and thought-provoking world of picture book illustrations in a vibrant and immersive exhibition celebrating leading Finnish illustrators. The exhibition wants visitors of all ages to view the world through a child’s eyes and experience the magic of visual storytelling. Finnish classics will serve as a springboard for reflection and conversation, and everyone’s invited to come and have their say.

Kunsthalle, Helsinki

www.taidehalli.fi

The poster for the new Picture Book Illustration exhibition opening in the Finnish capital.

Aspaul (23 – 29 August)

His latest album Cabin Fever was inspired by a Midsommar spent in the Stockholm Archipelago, and now Tom Aspaul is heading out on the Cabin Fever tour. The British artist’s new-found love for the Nordics is evidenced further by him kick-starting the tour in Iceland and Sweden; the star’s first headline shows in both countries. Kiki in Reykjavík and Lykke in Stockholm will play host to Tom at the end of the month.

Reykjavík (23 August), Stockholm (29)

www.tomaspaul.co.uk