Please note: Many of the events below are in-person. Please make sure to follow the country’s current COVID-19 guidelines (find them here), as they may change between the time this calendar is published and when an event takes place. Always maintain social distance, wash your hands, and wear a mask when possible.
This October, Stockholm is popping with activities, events, exhibitions, festivals, and markets!
With the Nobel Prize announcements approaching, the Nobel Museum has put together a number of events, and we’re looking forward to a festival-packed month, with the CinemAfrica Film Festival, the Cinema Queer Festival, and the Stockholm Jazz Festival. Concerts, dance performances, new art exhibits, and more are keeping us going as the season changes.
Here’s everything happening in Stockholm this October:
Thursday 1st – Saturday 17th October
In Search of A Future To Come at Wetterling Gallery
Back in March, when COVID-19 was first creating chaos in Stockholm, Wetterling Gallery invited Nordic artists to participate in a group exhibition. The title of the exhibit, “In Search of A Future To Come,” is inspired by Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, written while he was quarantined due to lung disease. The goal of this project was to create a kind of artistic time capsule of this chaotic period. We know that COVID-19 has brought about challenging times for many, if not all, but we respect the drive to create something beautiful from the ashes.
Thursday 1st – Thursday 15th October
Concrete Days at Galleri Eklund
Swedish artist Moja Adlersson exhibits her mixed media paintings that are influenced by concrete art. She uses organic shapes to mix up the concrete style, giving the work a rhythmic feel.
Thursday 1st – Wednesday 14th October
CinemAfrica online
The theme for CinemAfrica 2020 is “RESILIENCE.” CinemAfrica is a non-profit, founded in 1998, that celebrates African and diaspora cultures through an annual film festival, film club, and events. Due to COVID-19, this year’s film festival will be digital. All you have to do to see a film is create an account, purchase a film, a bundle, or access to the entire program. You will then be able to watch from your home or on the go. Because this event is now digital, more people will have access to viewing these films, which is exciting!
Thursday 1st – Sunday 11th October
Maxjenny! The Queen of Prints at Drottningholms Slottsteater
This free exhibit displays designer Maxjenny Furslund’s collection of garments. These printed clothes are both art and fashion, inspired by the theater in the 18th century. If you love fashion, this will be a fun exhibit to check out!
Thursday 1st – Saturday 10th October
Promise Land at Dansens Hus
Örjan Andersson and Helene Billgren have melded their talents, dance and visual art respectively, for this performance. Jenny Nilson and Brittanie Brown are the dancers in this collaborative piece. Tickets range from 100 to 200 SEK.
Mirror, mirror at Galleri Sebastian Schildt
For this art exhibition, Galleri Sebastian Schildt has invited three artists, Jenny Nordberg, Maku Okamoto, and David Taylor, to explore the theme of mirrors and reflections.
Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th October
Stockholm Craft Week in Stockholm and Gustavsberg
Contemporary craft will be highlighted through events, seminars and exhibitions during Stockholm Craft Week. Everyday objects, sculptures and installations will all be represented. When you browse the program, you will find some events will be available online.
Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd October
Many Moving Parts at Dansens Hus
Choreographer Eleanor Bauer examines the Greek etymology of the word choreography, which broken down becomes khoreía “dancing together” and graphia “writing.” Tickets to this dance performance range from 100 to 200 SEK.
Thursday 1st October
All Those Faces at Galleri Engleson
Susanne Cederlund’s solo exhibition this year showcases her paintings of faces. Faces are her favorite motif to paint, capturing them in color and monochrome. She also does portraits to order.
Friday 2nd – Monday 12th October
Outdoor Cinema at Sergels Torg
As you wander through Stockholm, be sure to stop by Sergels Torg to enjoy a free outdoor cinema that will be playing five different short documentaries. The films are all inspired by previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The cinema is designed by artist and designer Fredrik Paulsen, in a COVID-19 appropriate manner.
Friday 2nd October
No Man’s Land on Berwaldhallen Play
Berwaldhallen has collaborated with Orvar Säfstrüm and Underscore Productions for the sixth year to bring you a concert focusing on film heroines. Some of the films that will be represented in the concert include Lord of the Rings, Terminator, and Princess Mononoke. The concert will be broadcast on Berwaldhallen Play and Swedish Radio P2.
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 25th October
Changes at Galleri Helle Knudsen
This exhibit shows paintings, embroidery and drawings by Yngve Henriksen, a Norwegian artist. The title of the exhibit, “Changes,” relates to the time in which we are currently living. His work often features bold, striking blues, and are worth seeing!
Monday 5th – Sunday 11th October
Cinema Queer at Hotel Cinema Queer
Cinema Queer International Film Festival will have film screenings, talks and more. You can purchase a day pass for 100 SEK, or a festival pass for 300 SEK. Both types of passes also give you access to the digital festival. We are excited for this festival to truly have its own space this year by all events being hosted in a hotel.
Wednesday 7th October
Visit the World-Leading Lab at KTH
With this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lab and research environments at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Each tour includes visiting three different labs. The tours, offered in English and Swedish, are limited to 15 participants, so register soon!
Friday 9th – Sunday 18th October
Stockholm Jazz Festival
This ten-day festival is one of the larger events in Stockholm. During the course of the festival, there will be around 160 concerts at 60 different venues. Because the venues all have different capacities, there is no festival pass; instead, purchase tickets for the concerts you want to see. Prices vary depending on the concert. Some of the concerts we are looking forward to include Ashley Henry, Rymden and Amanda Ginsburg!
Friday 9th October
Around the Corner the Yoik of the Wind at Sven Harrys Konstmuseum
This exhibition depicts the cultural landscape of Sápmi. Art and duodji, which is the word for traditional Sami handcrafts, will be featured in the show. Entrance to the museum is 130 SEK; you will be able to view this exhibit until April.
Becoming an Artist at Liljevalchs
The exhibit, “Becoming an Artist,” about Hilding Linnqvist opens on Friday, and will remain open until January 2021. Linnqvist was involved in the Swedish Naïvist art movement. This exhibit focuses on his early work, as he began to distinguish himself as a great painter. Entrance to the museum is 80 SEK.
Migration and Movements
The Nobel Prize Museum is hosting this virtual summit to discuss what teachers can do in relation to migration and movements. How can teachers help students to have hope and give them the knowledge that they need? The speakers for this event will be Beatrice Fihn, Anna Sarkadi and Ali Osman.
Saturday 10th October
Face to Face at Moderna Museet
This Saturday, an exhibit of Alberto Giacometti’s work will open, remaining available to view until January. The exhibit follows Giacometti’s progression from post-cubism to surrealism to post-war realism, with sculptures and paintings. Entrance to this exhibit is 170 SEK.
Tuesday 13th October
Heavy Lungs at Obaren
Heavy Lungs is a punk band from Bristol that will perform at Obaren. Due to COVID-19, capacity for the show is limited to seated spots only. Arrive early to ensure you have a seat for the free concert!
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October
Harmoni Expo Online
Though this annual event will be held online this year due to COVID-19, you will still have an opportunity to be inspired and learn about ways to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself. Choose which lectures and workshops you wish to attend (prices vary for these), and learn about different treatments through a variety of exhibitors.
Sunday 25th October
The Great Nordic War at Erstagatan 1
The Nordic Baroque Band, an ensemble of Swedish and Danish musicians, will take us back to the great Nordic war with their music. Tickets to the concert are 200 SEK.
Monday 26th October
Kiana Ledé at Slaktkyrkan
Kiana Ledé is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Ledé’s debut song, EX, was released in 2018, and she has recently released her debut album, KIKI. Tickets for the concert start at 360 SEK.
bbno$ at Fryshuset
Alexander Gumuchian, better known by his stage name bbno$, is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his hit song “Lalala,” released in 2019. He quickly made a name for himself in the music world when his dream of becoming a professional swimmer was halted by a back injury. Tickets for the concert are 265 SEK.
Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st October
Give It Some Time at Dansens Hus
This performance is the collaboration between the Belgian dancer and choreographer Pieter Ampe and the Swedish choreographer and filmmaker Gunilla Heilborn. Tickets for the dance performance range from 100 to 200 SEK.
Thursday 29th October
Natacha Atlas at Kulturhuset
Natacha Atlas is known for her mixture of Western expression with traditional Arabic, although she has dabbled in many genres, including electronica, hip hop, reggae, and jazz. Concert tickets are 350 SEK.
Saturday 31st October – Sunday 1st November
Halloween Weekend at Hotel Kristina
Sign us up for this weekend of fun! Head to Sigtuna in the morning to explore Sweden’s oldest city and to enjoy the swimming pool near Hotel Kristina. After checking into the hotel, go on the guided ghost walk with AnSi, finishing the tour in the Bahrmanian garden with a hot drink. In the evening, there will be a dinner gala, with a Halloween theme. On Sunday morning, enjoy an organic breakfast and pick up your pumpkin to take home. The package price for the weekend is 1400 SEK.
Saturday 31st October
Hannah Järver at Slaktkyrkan
Hanna Järver, a Swedish artist, is back with her second album, “tusen täta lögner in.” Tickets to the concert are 300 SEK. Due to COVID-19, space is more limited than usual for concerts. Slaktkyrkan asks that attendees be considerate by keeping your distance from each other and staying home if you feel sick.
Ongoing in October
Chromo Zones at Kulturhuset
Icelandic’s artist, Shoplifter/Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir creates art that breaks barriers between visual art, performance art, fashion and craftsmanship. She often coordinates with musicians for her installations. The artist and her team worked with Kulturhuset to curate an exhibit you can experience with all of your senses. Admission is 120 SEK normally, although there is free admission on Thursday evenings. Reserve your ticket beforehand.
Celsing at Kulturhust
Peter Celsing was the Swedish architect who designed Kulturhuset on Sergels Torg. This building is one of his better-known works, and has been the model for other buildings, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris. In celebration of 100 years since Celsing’s birth, Kulturhuset will be offering free-guided tours to learn about the building’s architecture.
Human Nature at Etnografiska Museet
This exhibit is about human consumption, how it affects the Earth, and the future of our planet. Methods of sustainability, both new and old, have given inspiration to this exhibition. Entrance to the exhibit is free.
The Umbrella Project on Drottninggatan
Indiska has brought the big art project, The Umbrella Project, to Stockholm. The retail store wanted to inspire people and bring some color to people’s lives in these challenging times of COVID-19. In addition to bringing this fun project to Stockholm, Indiska will also host a weekly Instagram competition in connection with The Umbrella Project. Simply post a photo with the umbrellas, tag @indiskaofficial and use the hashtag #umbrellaxindiska, and you will be entered to win a gift card from Indiska.
Arcadia – A Lost Paradise at National Museum
In this autumn’s big exhibit at the National Museum, you will be able to view French and Italian landscape art, with an emphasis on the 17th century. The title of the exhibit is inspired by the name of a region in Greece and the name for a landscape of imagination, as some of the works are influenced by fairytales. Tickets to this exhibit are 100 SEK.
Two Hundred Seasons at Fotografiska
In this exhibit, you will be able to view photographs by Arno Rafael Minkkinen. The collection includes Minkkinen’s work from the years 1970 to 2020 and photography taken in 30 different countries. Minkkinen’s work shows his take on the relationship between man and nature in a poetic manner. Tickets to the museum are 170 SEK.
Vivienne Westwood: Punk & Glamour at Millesgården
On Saturday 3rd October, the new temporary exhibition on Vivienne Westwood’s work will open at Millesgården. Her work has ranged from stage clothes for the Sex Pistols to French 18th century style. She is widely recognized and has been awarded medals on two occasions by Queen Elizabeth. Today, Westwood is concerned and involved in environmental issues. Entrance to the museum is 150 SEK.
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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