The best events and festivals in Gothenburg

Scandinavia’s largest cycling festival, the Göteborgsgirot draws cyclists of all skill levels to participate and compete in various rides and races each May. The Gran Fondo Gothenburg is the signature race: a 150 km competition winding through the city and surrounding countryside. But with 60 km and 50 km races and a lively festival village in Heden park, Göteborgsgirot is a draw for casual riders and competitors alike. The 2025 event takes place 24-25 May.

At the end of each summer, Göteborgs Kulturkalas (Gothenburg Culture Festival) transforms the city’s squares and streets into one big street party celebrating all things culture. All manner of performance – live music, dance, film, street art, crafts, comedy, poetry and more – is celebrated during the free event, which is expected to draw up to 700,000 visitors. 

One of Scandinavia’s favourite running races, the Göteborgsvarvet Marathon offers participants a chance to tour the city at street level as tens of thousands of runners speed past the city’s landmarks and canals on both sides of the river.

Taking place every June, West Pride is Gothenburg’s joyful celebration of the LGBTQ community. Taking place 9-15 June, 2025, the festival celebrates the art and culture for a full week, kicking off with a colourful parade and including concerts, exhibits and much more. Visit West Pride for a full schedule of this year’s events.  

Gothenburg’s biggest summer event, the Way Out West music festival draws thousands to the lush Slottsskogen park for a weekend of world-class music across all genres. The 2025 festival, held 7-9 August, includes a wide array of artists, including Fontaines D.C., Wet Leg, Chappell Roan and more. And the Slottsskogen shows are just the beginning: Each night, the festival continues as Stay Out West in venues throughout the city and well into the dawn.

Each year, venues and neighbourhoods throughout Gothenburg – and Sweden as a whole – transform into winter wonderlands for the holidays. Christmas markets are huge in Gothenburg. In the city, you’ll find hot chocolate, unique gifts, heart-warming music and Christmas cheer in the popular Haga neighbourhood, while the Liseberg amusement park transforms into the North Pole for one of Scandinavia’s biggest holiday markets. Whether you stick to the city or set off to explore, you’ll find holiday cheer around you throughout the season. 

Each January, Gothenburg takes its place in the cinematic spotlight during the 10-day Göteborg Film Festival. The annual festival features world-premiere screenings, interactive events, parties, pop-ups and more as theaters across the city transform into red-carpet events for cinema lovers.