May is here! This is when the sun starts to sit high in the sky and we can look forward to jacket-free days by the canals and glove-free cycle riding. Copenhagen changes in May – suddenly everyone is out & about, enjoying the sunshine and flashing the skin that’s been in hiding for so many cold months.
Now get out there and enjoy yourself!
Friday 1st May
International Workers’ Day
Even for those who don’t know much about history or politics of the workers’ struggle, International Worker’s Day is an institution in Copenhagen. Upwards of 50,000 people head to Fælledparken in Østerbro to listen to politicians make speeches (including the Prime Minister), hear concerts, eat from food carts, drink beers, wave red flags and hang out with friends or family. It’s a reminder that the workers of the world have fought hard for their rights and we can all take part.
Saturday 2nd May – Sunday 3rd May
DesignSpace Design & Art Market
Hosted in the center of the city on Israel Plads, this design market will also have music and is right up against Torvehallerne, so you can shop for art then pop in for a good lunch or treat. Sounds like a good way to spend a weekend afternoon. Held from 10am to 5pm both days.
Sunday 3rd May
Kødbyens Mad & Marked
Spend your Sunday wandering around the Meatpacking District‘s new food market. Go for the produce, to grab a delicious lunch, or just for some Vesterbo-style people watching. From 10:00 – 18:00.
Tuesday 5th May
Ghostpoet at Lille Vega
British musician Ghostpoet mixes spoken word poetry, eletronic beats, jazz and more to create a unique, mesmerizing sound. Highly recommended; catch him at his only Copenhagen show during this summer’s European tour.
Saturday 9th May
Blågårdsgade Fest
An outdoor music festival on the fantastic Nørrebro-street Blågårdsgade. Go check out a number of great musicians & DJs from Denmark & the rest of Europe while enjoying the many lovely cafes, bars and shops on the street.
Sunday 10th May
Plantebyttedag (Plant Exchange Day)
Sick of your plants? Need a botanical change for the coming season? Bring your plants to Blågårds Skole on Skyttegade for an exchange. Healthy plants only please!
Lars Von Trier’s The Kingdom, Danish on a Sunday – Cinematket
Von Trier’s 1994 classic Riget (The Kingdom) is shown with English subtitles. The film explores a modern hospital and the underlying insanity (or lack thereof) of those in the space. A haunting, provoking film. It’s 269 minutes long and will include a 30 minute break halfway through.
The Color Run
The self-proclaimed “happiest 5K on the planet” is a great way to have an active, fun and ridiculous time with your friends. Sure, you’ll be running a 5K, but you’ll also be dancing, laughing and covered in rainbow-colored powder. What’s not to love? There’s also the I FORM Run on the same day.
Lydia Loveless at Ideal Bar, Vega
Lydia Loveless, an American singer/songwriter with a poetic, dreamy edge and an alt country sound, will perform with a starting set from Jacob Faurholt.
Wednesday 13th May
Copenhagen Zombie Crawl
Like pub crawls but feel like they’re missing something? How about doing one while dressed as a zombie? Starting and ending at Pumpehuset in the center of the city, this pub crawl only costs 60DKK and guarantees a night of spooky, weird fun.
Thursday 14th May – Sunday 17th May
Copenhagen Puppet Festival
Sorry, this one is not for the kids: Held at Bremen Teatre, Copenhagen Puppet Festival (along with UK-based Paper Cinema) is bringing you a weekend of politically-minded puppetry as a celebration of puppetry’s social history. Themes of the year include homelessness and substance abuse.
Saturday 16th May
Fortovsfest
Starting at 10am, go enjoy the street market, skateboarding contest, football, music and more at Enghave Plads, Vesterbro. Bring some friends, buy a few beers; it’ll be a relaxing, fun day (and cross fingers for sunshine!).
Carpark Festival
A free outdoor festival with some great up-and-coming Danish acts. The usually boring concrete location is transformed with colorful decor, couches and loads of people. Take a few friends and have a good time!
’50s Party at Vega
Throw on your favorite poodle skirt, it’s time for a 1950s dress-up party! All of Store Vega is transformed into a ’50s wonderland, complete with musical guests and plenty of charm. The ticket price includes a make-up and hair styling!
Sunday 17th May
Balders Biks Market
A fabulous summer market that includes loads of good food, coffee, clothes and vinyl. Why not grab a cup of joe and browse? This market runs once a month during the summer, with May as the first installment. Held from 11am to 4pm.
Friday 22nd May – Saturday 23rd May
Copenhagen International Olive Oil Awards (CIOOA)
Do you loooove olive oil? Well, why not? Find out all about it at the gorgeous Carlsberg Museum, including how to use it in the Nordic kitchen, at this expo.
Saturday 23rd May
Re-Opening of Istedgade
This is going to be a big one! Already over 7,000 people say that they’ll be attending the re-opening of Istedgade on Facebook. The party is happening between Gasværksvej and Enghaveplads from 3pm to 9pm, where we will be enjoying the sun (fingers crossed) and outdoor concerts at the cafes. Bring your armchair.
Nørrebroløbet (Nørrebro Run)
A charity 5K run that benefits +Camp, a non-profit that organizes summer camps for children ages 10-17, this isn’t just for adults. People of all ages can join – and do! Go cheer on the kids that are having fun for a good cause, or join in yourself!
Vi Elsker 90’erne
All the beloved Danish bands & DJs of the 90s are performing at this massive dance party/concert at the Town Hall in Rødovre. Tickets start at 395DKK.
Sunday 24th May
36th Annual Nykredit Copenhagen Marathon
If you’re going to be running: good for you! We salute you. Otherwise, head to a spot on the route to cheer on the over-12,000 participants. Estimates put the spectator numbers at 100,000 so get there early if you want to catch a good space! Race begins at 9.30am.
Thursday 28th May – Saturday 30th May
Copenhagen Beer Festival
Are you a beer enthusiast, or would you like to learn more about the beer world? The Copenhagen Beer Festival is great fun – brewers large, small and in-between showcase their goods. There’s music, food and, obviously: loads of great beer from Scandinavia and the world-over. Skål!
Friday 29th May
Nordic Hotdog Challenge
Held at Nikolaj Plads in the city center, this event is all about the Danish classic: pølser. See some of the best chefs of the Nordic countries try their hand at this perennial favorite and taste them for yourself (50 DKK/hotdog). From 5 – 7:30 pm.
Foto: Claes Bech Poulsen
Saturday 30th May – Sunday 31st May
Remisen Indoor Flea Market
Perfect for a rainy day, the indoor flea market in Østerbro is 10 DKK admission and will have everything from clothes to toys and homewares. Located at Blegdamsvej 132.
Sunday 31st May
Sneaker Banquet
Contrary to what the name might imply, there is no eating of sneakers at this event (or maybe there is; what do I know?). If you’re a sneakerhead, this is for you: a day of sneaker-love for dealers, collectors and enthusiasts. From 11am until 5pm at Antonigade 5, København K.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG-93hkAYJs
The New Pornographers at Lille Vega
Canadian indie-rock stars The New Pornographers perform at Lille Vega. If you’re a fan, don’t miss this small and intimate show.
Botanical Garden Day
A wonderful way to spend the day for children and adults alike, you can stroll the beautiful grounds and explore the many greenhouse rooms. There will also be workshops where you can make flower prints on tote bags and meet with green associations. Special plants will be on sale as well; a botanist’s dream! From 11 am – 5 pm.
Ongoing in May
Maskarade
Maskarade, considered the “Danish national Opera” was adapted from the Holberg comedy by Carl Nielsen in 1906. First performed in November of that year at Det Kongelige Teater, it is said that Nielsen was never entirely satisfied with his work, wishing to revise the first two acts. He never got the chance, however, and today the overture and ballad from Act 3 are still his most widely performed pieces. So I guess it was pretty okay with everyone else.
Cabaret at Det Kongelige Teater
The iconic musical will be performed in Danish, with the songs still in English. Watch the political tension of early 1930’s Berlin build against the decadent backdrop of The Kit Kat Club. FYI, Cabaret is based on the Van Druten play I am a Camera, which itself was based on Christopher Isherwood’s novel Goodbye to Berlin.
“We All Fall Down” by Lara Favaretto at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
An incredibly hypnotic and thoughtful installation that places a massive amount of colorful paper confetti in a glass room, which is then moved constantly by four fans. On display until June 14th.
“What’s Happening” at Statens Museum for Kunst
Statens Museum for Kunst is holding “What’s Happening,” an exploration of experimental art between 1965-75. It’s on until the 2nd of August.
Might and Glory: Dürer in the Emperor’s Service at Statens Museum for Kunst
Closing 21 June, this exhibit showcases the masterpiece by Albrecht Dürer standing 3.5 meters x 3 meters. A wealth of detail, symbolism and expert handiwork, you don’t want to miss this incredible piece.
Century of the Child at Design Museum Denmark
An overview of how design at all levels – from school design to toys – has been a part of child development over the last 100 years. A fascinating history lesson that brings us to a better understanding of the modern day.
If you’re a business or organization who would like your event added to next month’s calendar, please email us at [email protected]. Thanks!
Anything else happening this month you’re excited about? Leave it in the comments!