You thought Stockholm was a ghost town in the summer? We beg to differ. These local events will have you doubting why anyone leaves the city this time of year.
Here’s what’s happening in August:
Tuesday 1st – 3rd August
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Zita Folkets Bio
Catch the cult classic at Stockholm’s best indie theater. Zita Folkets Bio (“The People’s Cinema”) puts on their annual late night showing with audience participation. Think props, costumes and sing-alongs; not just encouraged, but expected!
https://youtu.be/jRiZRMLGjCY
Monday 31st July – Sunday 6th August
Stockholm Pride Festival
Support the LGBTQI+ community, whether you’re a part of it or not, in the biggest Pride event in northern Europe. The Pride Parade takes place on the 5th, but be sure to catch their other offerings throughout the week, including lectures, pop-up shops and karaoke.
Sunday 7th August – 31st August
The American Street by Barry Dworkin at BAT Galleri
Bread and Table is back from holiday! Be sure to check out Barry Dworkin’s street photography on display at their in-restaurant gallery through the end of the month. If you like art and you also like carbs, this is your spot.
Wednesday 9th August
Garage Sale and Swap by Beyond Retro
Come armed with your well-loved clothes and records for this event at Kungsträdgården. Hosted by vintage experts Beyond Retro, this event is guaranteed to help you build your autumn wardrobe.
Thursday 10th – 12th August
Way out West Festival (Gothenburg)
No August calendar in Sweden is complete without Way Out West. Hitch a ride with SJ for a weekend in Gothenburg. Whether you splurge for a weekend pass or just make a day of it, their lineup – which induces Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and The xx – is well worth it.
Sunday 13th August
Simply Meditate Sunday Meditation
Whether you’re grappling with the inevitability of darker days or needing a little peace before your work week, this may be just the trick. Tara Kadampa Buddhist Center offers 40 minutes of guided meditation in English. Take some time to tune in and turn off.
Wednesday 16th August
“Superswede” at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern
Every so often Kulturhuset offers Swedish films with English subtitles and this month they’re showing “Superswede.” This documentary from the filmmakers who made “The Hundred Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared” is about Sweden’s Ronnie Peterson, a Formula One racing legend of the 1970s who died tragically on the racetrack.
Wednesday 16th – 20th August
Stockholm Film Festival presents Sommarbio
This year’s Summer Film Festival features classics including “Dirty Dancing,” “Do the Right Thing” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” Grab a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and a blanket for these must-see-again films at Rålambshovsparken in Kungsholmen.
Thursday 17th August
Music in the Garden at Trädgårdsscenen
Frida Hyvönen kicks off this three-part series of musical performances on Skeppsholmen jointly hosted by Stockholm Music & Arts and Moderna Museet. We can’t imagine a better background for Hyvönen’s sweeping, ethereal ballads than this intimate outdoor venue.
Friday 18th – 20th August
Nytorgsfesten
If you’re looking for a weekend of live music, flea market goodies and delicious eats, this weekend block party is Södermalm’s Nytorget will hit the spot. Have something to share? There are still spots available to sell your wares!
Saturday 19th August
Midnattsloppet
Put those hours at the gym to test at the 36th annual Midnight Run, a 10k road race through Södermalm. The course passes through tough, hilly terrain. Expect live music, energy stations and costumed runners to make it the best workout you’ve had all year.
Wednesday 23rd – 27 August
Veronica Maggio at Södrateatern
Don’t miss this incredible musician in her mini-residency at Södra Teatern. Maggio will perform music from each of her five albums over five nights. Can we somehow get every great artist to do this?
Thursday 24th – 26 August
STHLM/SUOMI Festival
Finland is celebrating it’s 100th year of independence and that calls for a party. Sweden and Finland have a long shared history so it’s only natural to revel in this milestone for a weekend at Kungsträdgården. Honor the land that gave you Moomin, Marimekko and the sauna over a weekend of live music, food and much more.
Saturday 26th August
Farmer’s Market by Matologi
For the third year running, Matologi and its partner SLU have organized this food festival. Committed to inspiring dialogue about food culture and sustainability, Matologi welcomes food producers, researchers, restauranteurs and consumers to come together to discuss (and taste!) locally sourced, sustainable food.
Saturday 26th August
Nobelberget
Back in June, Nobelberget hosted their inaugural event with more than 8,000 attendees. They’re back for another afternoon and evening filled with vintage fashion, food trucks, craft beer and more.
Sunday 27th August
Jose Gonzalez at Kulturhuset
As part of The Stockholm Act, a week-long event where music meets sustainability, Jose Gonzalez will perform at Kulturhuset. Gonzalez’s brand of indie pop will have you digging through storage for your “Music from the O.C.” mix.
Wednesday 30th August – Friday 1st September
Stockholm Fashion Week
If you’re in the fashion industry, you’ll be checking out runway shows from some of the best Swedish fashion brands. If not, you’ll probably see (even more) hip people wandering around and there’s always a party or free event to hit up, so check out their website. The fashion week dates go by quickly but they sure are fun!
Thursday 31st August
Ane Brun at Gröna Lund
Remember when you said you’d finally make it to Gröna Lund this summer and it’s August and you still haven’t? Brave the rides before heading to Stora Scen to see Ane Brun, one of the many artists taking part in their summer concert series.
Ongoing in August
Anders Zorn at Sven-Harrys
Sven-Harrys Art Museum in Vasastan exhibits some rare works of the famed Swedish painter. On until 13th August.
Takpark by Urban Deli
This rooftop bar is one of Stockholm’s best with it’s sneakily big space and stunning views. Perfect for after work drinks or a weekend hang.
Josef Frank at Ark Des
If you’ve meandered through Svenskt Tenn, the Stockholm institution on Strandvägen, you’ve certainly encountered the name Josef Frank. Learn more about the famed architect and artist this month at Ark Des on Skeppsholmen. On until 27 August.
Karlaplan Loppis
Check out the Karlaplan Flea Market (now 13 years running!) every Saturday during the months of August and September for quirky finds and hidden gems. Runs from Saturday 5 August to Saturday 30 September.
Hallwylska Patio
After touring the stately home-turned-museum, take a drink or dinner in this gorgeous courtyard. Open until mid-September, this summer spot is a staycation just steps from busy Hamngatan.
Marie Louise Ekman at Moderna Museet
Moderna Museet showcases the work of prolific Swedish artist Marie Louise Ekman this summer. Her use of bold colors and whimsical subject matter are a fascinating deep dive into social commentary surrounding feminism, politics and existentialism. On through 17 September.
Hornstulls Marknad on Weekends
Hornstulls Marknad is a vibrant weekend market in this hip neighborhood on Södermalm, open both Saturday and Sunday from April through September.
Tour of Artipelag
Did you have “tour the archipelago” on your summer bucket list? Take advantage of the warm temperatures and travel to Artipelag by boat. The summer exhibition calendar features Bård Brevik, Edmund De Waal and Giorgio Morandi.
“Like a Horse” and “Confluence” at Fotografiska
This month at Fotografiska includes “Like a Horse,” a collection of work from many photographers on the eponymous creature as well as “Confluence,” a mixed-medium collaboration between Michelangelo Di Battista and Tina Bernang.
Live Music at Trädgården
The popular Södermalm club hosts a range of musicians throughout the summer. This month look for Fireside, Sammy & Johnny Bennett and Les Big Byrd.
Don’t forget: all the 2017 Holidays & Flag Days are here.
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!
Get new articles, interesting links and upcoming events delivered to your inbox every month. No spam; only the good stuff.
