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What’s On in Copenhagen: May 2023

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It’s May in Copenhagen and that can only mean one thing: spring has sprung and we’re on the highway to Scandi summer. The days are getting longer and longer, terraces and parks fill up as soon as the sun comes out, and the atmosphere is lively. Grab your bike and venture out to enjoy all that Copenhagen has to offer in May.

Here are the best events in Copenhagen this month:

Monday 1st May

International Workers’ Day

1st May is International Workers’ Day. Celebrate labor activism and solidarity in Fælledparken. Not quite sure what this is all about? Read up on the history of International Workers’ Day here.

 

 

Read more

A Brief History of International Workers’ Day in Denmark

 
 
 

Tuesday 2nd May

“Arven” at Det Kongelige Teater

Take this last chance to watch Matthew Lopez’s critically acclaimed drama “Arven” (The Inheritance).

The play poses the question: what do we owe those who lived and loved before us, and what responsibility do we have for future generations?

The American playwright lets us follow three generations of gay men living in New York after the AIDS epidemic. The story is told in two parts, featured over two evenings with the second part being shown on Tuesday 9th May. “Arven” is performed in Danish but on 2nd and 9th May, English subtitles will be available to be watched on your smartphone. From 7:30 to 11 pm.
 

 


 
 

Czech Film Night: A Carriage to Vienna at Husets Biograf

Presented by the Czech Embassy in Copenhagen, this event series highlights Czech cinema. The black-and-white film “A Carriage to Vienna” from 1966 follows Krista who, in the end of the second World War, is forced to transport two German soldiers through a forest towards Austria. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the screening starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost 70 DKK.
 

 
 
 

Wednesday 3rd May

Spicy Hot Pot Challenge

Really into spicy food? Then this is for you. Bring a team and finish all ingredients while the hot pot gets gradually spicier. The winning team received a free hot pot and free Mikkeller beers. The event starts at 5 pm. Tickets cost 295 DKK. Please book ahead via the website.
 

 


 
 

Opening: Marseille In&Out at Paper Collective

Join for the opening of “Marseille In&Out”, a new exhibition that highlights Marseille’s young creative scene. Mixing visual art and design, it is a testimony to the city’s unique atmosphere shaped by centuries of immigration, its seaside location, and Mediterranean culture.

The exhibition is curated by Aurélien Ciller, in partnership with Paper Collective and with the support of Supramare. Join from 5 to 7 pm. Can’t make it? The exhibition will be on display at the Institut Français du Danemark until 30th June.
 

 
 
 

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th May

Vibe Harsløf x CAN Family Pop-up

From Friday – Sunday, visit the CAN Family gallery for a weekend pop-up with jewelry designer Vibe Harsløf. There will be archive pieces, as well as new pieces to shop. art from CAN Family, and good beers from Brooklyn Brewery. On Friday and Saturday there will be DJs spinning as well, so come for some shopping or the party. Hours: Friday 4 – 10 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday 11 a.m – 4 pm.

 
 
 

Friday 5th – Saturday 13th May

Copenhagen Beer Week

Beer lovers, this one’s for you! Nine days dedicated to all things beer. Join for a varied program and experience some of Denmark’s best breweries, restaurants, and bars. Learn more on the website.

 


 
 

Saturday 6th May

70s Night at Huset KBH’s Musikcaféen

Huset KBH has been around since the 1970s and from 1976, Musikcaféen has been the location for the city’s youth to listen to their favorite bands. This evening is a celebration of the early days and specifically dedicated to the people who have done their part in making Musikcaféen what it is. On stage will be two 70s originals: Claus Bøhling’s trio Astro Hatch and Krølle Erik’s Bluesband. From 8 pm to 1 am. Tickets cost 200 DKK.

 
 
 

Sunday 7th May

Grønt Marked

Grønt Marked is back on Refshaleøen with the first market of the season. Combine your Sunday stroll with some grocery shopping from selected producers and meet the people behind what will end up on your plate. Grønt Marked takes place every first Sunday of the month just outside of Lille Bakery, every second Sunday of the month on Litauens Plads, and every third Sunday of the month an Skjolds Plads. Swing by from 10 am to 3 pm.

 


 
 

Wednesday 10th May

Housewife Roast Winemaker’s Dinner with Alanna LaGamba

Join for this edition of the Caribbean Housewife’s popular event series that highlights women in wine. Jamain will dish out a Caribbean-inspired four-course dinner paired with Canadian-born Alanna LaGamba’s Rheinhessen wines. The event takes place at Kitchen Collective from 6-11 pm. Get your ticket for 850 DKK via the website.

 
 
 

Thursday 11th May

Film of the month: Metronom at Cinemateket

Cinemateket presents Alexandru Belc’s Cannes-winning film “The Metronom.” The title is a reference to the radio station with the same name that was shut down by Romanian authorities in 1968 but continued to broadcast from Munich after, supplying the Romanian youth with an illegal soundtrack.

Set in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, the film follows Ana, the idealistic protagonist who’s defiant of her restrictive middle-class parents and can only really let go when “Light My Fire“ blasts from the speakers.

The film is screened with English subtitles at 4:45 and 7:15 pm. Can’t make it? Find other screenings on the website.

 


 
 

Saturday 13th May

Eurovision Finals at Husets Biograf

Join this screening of the Eurovision Finals and get ready for a celebratory night. From 7:15 pm and admission is free.

 
 
 

Sunday 14th May

Guided tour with the Danish Architecture Center: Copenhagen: The World Capital of Architecture

Copenhagen, the world capital of architecture? Learn from the experts at the Danish Architecture Center why this honor has been bestowed upon Copenhagen and gain insights into the urban development since the 19th century.

As you’ll walk through the city you’ll also learn how history and the Danish welfare society have influenced today’s architecture.

From 2 to 4 pm. Tickets for adults cost 150 DKK and children under the age of 18 can join for free.

 


 
 

Monday 15h May

Alexander Stewart at Lille Vega

Start off your week with a concert. Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Alexander Stewart is coming to Lille Vega. What started with covers on his YouTube channel has over the years developed into a full blown career. Join from 7 pm, the concert starts at 8 pm. Tickets cost 225 DKK.

 
 
 

Wednesday 17th May

Norway’s International Day

Celebrate Norway’s National Day at Norwegian venue BLÅ, featuring the Norwegian music festival Vill Vill Vest! There’ll be ice cream, sausages, bubbles, and plenty of Norwegian music. Tickets cost 200 DKK.

 

Read more

Norwegian Constitution Day

 


 
 

Friday 19th May

Pussycat Dolls Dance Party at Absalon

Learn the steps for the choreography of Pussycat Dolls’ 2000s hit “Buttons“ and swing your hips at the party after. Join for the choreography session by instructor Nick Hvidtfeldt from 8 pm or the party from 10 pm. Tickets for the full evening cost 100 DKK, for the party only 50 DKK.
 

 
 
 

Saturday 20th May

Salsa Matinee by Copenhagen Salsa Academy

Dive into the rhythms of Latin America and dance to salsa with Copenhagen Salsa Academy. All dancers are welcome and there’s no need to bring a partner. Simply swing by. Doors open at 1 pm and the matinee ends at 3:15 pm. Tickets cost 50 DKK including coffee if you register online and 70 DKK including coffee for drop ins.

 


 
 

Sunday 21st May

Danish on a Sunday: Adam’s Apples

This comedy is a modern religious fable about belief and the struggle between good and evil. Neo-Nazi Adam has been sentenced to 12 weeks of community service. Here, the priest Ivan gives him the task to bake an apple pie with the apples from the tree in front of the church. As birds, worms, and lightning attacked the apples, Ivan believes the Devil is testing them. The film is screened in Danish with English subtitles at 2:15 pm.

 
 
 

Thursday 25th May

Knit with Para Mode at SPACE10

Master the art of knitting under the guidance of Benedicte Holmboe, a professional knitwear designer who’s been working with international fashion houses like Céline, Ralph Lauren, and Stella McCartney. With her own brand Para Moda, she offers knitting kits that allow customers to create their own pieces. Join from 5-6:30 pm but please register in advance.

 


 
 

Friday 26th – Sunday 28th May

Grand Opening of By Adelborg Store in Carlsberg Byen

If you’re always on the lookout for the next inspiring concept store, stop by By Adelborg in Carlsberg Byen this weekend for their grand opening. Located at Bryggerens Plads 22, the store brings together fashion, design, and lifestyle with sought-after brands such as Montana, Vipp, Seamless Basics, Helle Mardahl, and Sea New York. The whole weekend, there will be coffee and treats available in the store. On Friday, the first 50 guests will get a goodie bag! Hours for the grand opening weekend are: 11 am to 7 pm on Friday and 10 am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
 
 
 

Bloom Festival

Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Søndermarken in Frederiksberg, Blooms aims to inspire reflections on nature, science, and ourselves. Come by for a mix of talks, concerts, literature, food, and more. Admission is free. Learn more on the website.

 
 
 

Saturday 27th May

Astronomy on Tap

Join for a free lesson on the latest research in astronomy. There’ll be a lecture in simple English as well as a quiz. From 6:30 to 9 pm. Admission is free.

 


 
 

Ongoing Events in May

Aeris Cocktails at Fabro

Fabro is much loved for its delicious pasta, served in an unpretentious laid-back atmosphere. Now, the restaurant has teamed up with Copenhagen cocktail darlings Aeris to develop a custom drink: ‘Guiseppe’ is based on red vermouth, amaro, organic lemon juice, and angostura bitters. In other words: a fresher take on the iconic Negroni, made for relaxed summer days. From the beginning of May, you can enjoy ‘Guiseppe’ on tab at Fabro and from 1st June, it will also be available in Aeris’ signature glass bottles via their website. Salute!

 
 
 

Community dinner at Absalon

Absalon hosts community dinners seven days a week. Bring some friends, neighbors, or colleagues and enjoy a low key long table dinner. Food is served at 6 pm but please arrive no later than 5:45 pm. Tickets cost 50 DKK Sunday to Wednesday and 100 DKK Thursday to Saturday. Please make sure to book in advance. The menu changes daily but there’s always a vegetarian option available.

 
 
 

French Film Mondays at Grand Teatret

Dive into the world of French cinema at this event series presented by Institut français du Danemark, France’s cultural center in Denmark, together with Grand Teatret. The series runs all the way through to June. Explore the program via the website!

 


 
 

Mother’s Brunch

What better way to celebrate the weekend than to start the day with a long leisurely brunch? Join when mother is serving a bit of everything from fruit and granola to pasta to sourdough pizza, all prepared in the open kitchen, alongside coffee from Andersen & Maillard. All ingredients and specialties are either locally produced in Denmark or directly imported from Italy. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Into jazz? Come on Sundays and enjoy live jazz while brunching.

 
 
 

The Caribbean Housewife x Kulturtårnet: Spring Plant Bistro

The Caribbean Housewife returns to Knippelsbro to serve you vegetarian delights alongside the spectacular view from Kulturtårnet. The 3-course dinner is accompanied with a wine or kombucha pairing. Every Friday at 5 and 7:45 pm. Secure your spot for 600 DKK + ticket fee.

 


 
 

Børnebiffen at Cinemateket

With its format Børnebiffen, Cinemateket is putting the youngest ones in the focus. Aiming at children from the age of three and their families, there’ll be screenings of a variety of movies on Wednesdays to Sundays all through May.

 
 
 

The Future is Present at Designmuseum Denmark

Under the headline “The future is present,” Designmuseum Denmark explores the role of design in shaping the future. Following the three themes Human, Society, and Planet+, the exhibition asks questions, proposes scenarios, and shows examples while putting a focus on creating conversations rather than providing concrete answers. It will be on display until 1st June 2023.

 

 

 


 
 

Thomas Hiorschhorn: Community of Fragments at GL Strand

For this exhbition, GL Strand let Swiss artist Thomas Hirschhorn turn the museum into an anti-architectural space. The exhibition is created as a site-specific free access project on two floors and transforms the whole architecture of GL STRAND. Right from the main stairway that leads up through the gallery spaces, Hirschhorn will let the fake cave or abandoned mine take over from floor to ceiling.

All visitors are invited to participate in the reconstruction of GL STRAND in a workshop centered in the middle of the exhibition.

See for yourself and get active until 6th June.

 
 
 

Dana Schutz at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The gruesome, grotesque, absurd and comic merge in the works of American artist Dana Schutz. The Michigan-born, Brooklyn-based artist has made a name for herself showing a strong sense for compassion and storytelling.

The exhibition is on display until 11th June.

 


 
 

Amarna – City of the Sun God at Glyptoteket

In ancient Egypt magic and animal deities played a crucial role in society. But when the Pharaoh Akhenaten came to power, he abolished the ancient animal deities and ordained a new religion that only allowed to worship the sun god, Aten. 

The new cult led to major social upheaval, so Akhenaten along with Queen Nefertiti left and founded a new city that today is known as Amarna.

This exhibition tells the soy of the rise and fall of Amarna. It will be on display until 18th June 2023.
 

 
 
 

Afgang: MFA Degree Showat at Kuntshal Charlottenborg

Interested in the up-and-coming Danish artists to know? This graduate show brings together mediums of all kinds to showcase some of the most interesting work coming out of Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ Schools of Visual Arts. The pieces, while wildly different, do all work in dialogue with each other; a discussion of the future. The show is on until 21st May.

 


 
 

Marseille In&Out at the Institut Français du Danemark

Eyes are increasingly turning towards Marseille: once described as a gritty port city, France’s third largest city is now making headlines for its creative scene. With the exhibition “Marseille In&Out”, the Institut Français du Danemark aims to highlight some of the work created in and around Marseille. Mixing visual art and design, it is a testimony to the city’s unique atmosphere shaped by centuries of immigration, its seaside location, and Mediterranean culture. The exhibition will be on display until 30th June. Admission is free.

 
 
 

Marie Rud Rosenzweig: Kipple at GL Strand

With this exhbition, Copenhagen-based artist Marie Rud Rosenzweig explores the neglected or unusable objects of our time and the narratives they present through paintings, monumental floor sculptures, and photographs. The title for her solo exhibition is borrowed from Philip K. Dick’s dystopian futuristic novel in which ’kipple’ refers to objects — both dead and living — which have been left over in a new, increasingly alien world. The exhibition is on display until 6th August.

 


 
 

When Copenhagen became wonderful: Poster Artist Ib Antoni at Museum of Copenhagen

A smiling mermaid and friendly guardsman packaged in a sixties colours and style – rings a bell? This exhibition sheds light on the man who created these and other images that many associate with Copenhagen. In honor of Danish poster artist Ib Antoni, the Museum of Copenhagen hosts a special exhibition, presenting the artist in the context of the times he lived in. It will be on display until October.
 

 
 
 

Ivan Andersen: Nothing Comes from Something at Galleri Bo Bjerggaard

The Copenhagen-based artist Ivan Andersen is known for the way he often unites realism and abstraction within the same work. Come and explore his artistic universe ranging from landscapes to architectural spaces at Galleri Bo Bjerggaard in the Meatpacking District. The exhibition is on display until 17th May.

 


 
 

Jesper Just: Interfears at Galleri Nicolai Wallner

From 14th April, Galleri Nicolai Wallner presents the solo exhibition “Interfears“ with new works by Jesper Just. The acclaimed Danish artist lives and works in New York. An alumni of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he has his work on display in some of the worlds most prestigious museums including the Guggenheim and Tate Modern. “Interfears“ will be on until 20th May.

 
 
 

The Ideal City 2040 at SPACE10

More than 55 percent of the world’s population lives in cities and another 1.5 million people move into cities every week. But what will or should cities look like in the future? In 2021, SPACE10 teamed up with gestalten to publish The Ideal City and reimagine the cities of tomorrow. With this exhibition, they present three speculative environments — the Coastal City, the Garden City, and the Solar City. Swing by the SPACE10 Gallery for a glimpse into the future. Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm.

 


 

If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!

 

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Last edited

Kay Litzinger

Kay is a creative multi-hyphenate with a focus on lifestyle and travel. After growing up in Germany and stints in Stockholm and Mexico City, he's now based in Copenhagen. He loves to explore new cities, one cup of coffee or glass of wine at a time. Get a sneak peek at @kayltr.