Summer is winding down in Stockholm, but Swedes don’t let the sun fade without a bang. From movies in the park to sustainability conferences, the YLC guide has a landslide of cultural events for you this August!
Photo: Tommie Hansen/Flickr (file)
Stockholm Music & Arts
Stockholm Music & Arts is a unique two-day festival no one should miss out on. Located on beautiful Skeppsholmen, right in the middle of Stockholm, the festival features an incredible selection of music and art from around the world. This year the musicians include Prince, Rodriguez, indie hits Regina Spektor and CocoRosie, and Swedish favorite First Aid Kit. Whether you prefer pop, electronica, or 70s German music with a twist, Stockholm Music & Arts is sure to have something to tickle your fancy.
When: Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of August (festival area opens at 2pm on Friday).
Where: Skeppsholmen, Stockholm.
Cost: 650kr for a Friday ticket. Saturday, Sunday and weekend passes are unfortunately sold out. Book here.
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Kulturfestivalen
The Stockholm Culture Festival is an incredible festival for two reasons: Its variety is unbeatable, and it’s free! If you find yourself in downtown Stockholm between August 13 and 18 you won’t be able to avoid it, and why would you want to? Listen to music, go on cultural walks, and focus on the theme of 2013…dance! You can take free lessons in salsa, Bollywood, African dance, lindyhop, bellydance, breakdance and more!
When: Tuesday the 13th to Sunday the 18th of August.
Where: Downtown Stockholm – exact locations vary, but head straight to Sergelstorg and start walking!
Cost: Free (but select events may include a 20 sek service fee).
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FuturePerfect 2013
Futureperfect is a project and annual festival focusing on sustainable living. The theme for 2013 is “Value? Creating and Communicating Value in the 21st Century”. Now in its third year, Futureperfect takes place on the island of Grinda in the Stockholm archipelago. “An adventure in living well,” the festival is for everyone with an interest in a modern, sustainable life and future.
When: Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th of August.
Where: Grinda, Stockholm archipelago.
Cost: 225 to 1920 sek depending on ticket type and length, see here.
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Summer Movies in the Park
Every year the Stockholm Film Festival has a series of free movies in Rålambshovs Park on Kungsholmen. This year the theme is Mad Love, and between the 14th and 18th of August a different film will play each night. Activities in the park start at 6pm and the films start at 8:30pm. Snacks are extra, but feel free to bring a blanket and picnic basket! Movies include The Kids Are All Right, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and a few foreign film gems. See the list here.
When: Every evening at 8:30pm from Wednesday the 14th to Sunday the 18th of August.
Where: Rålambshovsparken
Cost: Free
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Popaganda
Popaganda is – surprise! – a pop and indie festival now in its 11th year.Like Stockholm Music & Arts, it’s a festival for people who don’t like festivals; there’s no camping and you can go straight home to your bed after a day of great music. Artists this year include Kate Nash, Noah and the Whale, Hot Chip, Taken By Trees, and Swedish heartthrob Håkan Hellström.
When: Friday the 30th and Saturday 31st of August
Where: Eriksdalsbadet near Skanstull
Cost: Between 495 and 750 sek. Buy here.
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Cream Island Festival
Yet another music festival, but a rare little one you probably haven’t heard of, the Cream Island Festival takes place on the island of Gräddö. The festival is turning two this year but is being careful not to grow – it aims to be intimate and rare, not big. It’s a one-day event arranged by two music-loving siblings, and all of the profits go towards making the festival even better. Artists include Hurricane Love, Moonlit Sailor, Killerball, Hammered Satin, and Boris & the Jeltsins.
When: Saturday August 24th
Where: Gräddö
Cost: 300 sek, 430 including bus trip there and back. Buy here.
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Stockholm Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is, yes, in August. But the weather is warm so as long as the beers aren’t, we’re not complaining! At the end of August you can join the party, which will feature a plethora of leather pants, beer and, of course, music. You can just rock up or you can reserve a special package experience including entrance fee, seat reservation, two liters of beer, snacks, a meal of German schnitzel and a dessert.
When: Thursday August 22 to Saturday August 24th and Thursday August 29th to Saturday August 31st
Where: Stockholmsmässan in Älvsjö, Mässvägen 1
Cost: Free entrance on Thursdays, 25 sek on Fridays and 50 sek on Saturdays. Package prices vary.
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Photo: http://www.midnattsloppet.com
Midnight Race
The Midnight Race started in Hammarby, Stockholm, back in 1982. The race aims to combine sport and culture while encouraging different generations to meet and mingle. Registration for runners is closed, with a total of 35 500 runners already participating, but there is a masquerade, a mini race, and all sorts of other fun activities! Even if you don’t participate, it should be an exciting event to watch!
When: Saturday August 17th
Where: Hammarby, Stockholm
Cost: Depends on event – free to watch
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