In May, temperatures rise, the city comes out in bloom and clouds disperse as Stockholmers venture out into the sun. Check out the YLC guide to activities in Stockholm for the coming month that can be enjoyed in the warmer weather!
May Day Parades
Anyone passing by any of the city’s larger squares during May Day can expect to see them filled with marchers carrying banners, as has been the case since May 1st in 1890. Traditionally these gatherings are organized by the political parties to the left of the centre as well as the unions and anyone enjoying the bank holiday around the town will be sure to spot them.
When: May 1st
Where: Large squares, throughout Stockholm. For those politically minded and willing to participate – more info can be found on the Social Democrat website or the Left Party website.
DEBASER’s Calexico’s Opening
Lovers of the previous Strand bar, based in Hornstull, can look forward to the re-opening of the space under the Debaser group and anticipate the Mexican food and drinks theme for the new spot on a prime waterfront location with sun terraces. Calexico’s takes inspiration from Mexican dishes and offers tacos, tostadas, margharitas, tequila and music in a vibrant, colourful interior overlooking the water. It will always be free entry, even during late night hours and feature imported Mexican beers plus special guest brews. Weekend brunch and outdoor terrace is offered and Friday and Saturday nights stay open until 3am, a great addition to the Hornstull summer scene. Look over the menu here
When: Open daily, til 1am or 3am
Where: Hornstull 4, T-bana – Hornstull
Cost: free entry, mains around 165 SEK
Gröna Lund Funfair
Who says this is just for the kiddies? All aboard the Djurgården ferry over to Tivoli Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s amusement park on the island of Djurgården. The park features fairground attractions plus, this year, the new Eclipse ride (see picture), at 121 metres tall, apparently the world’s tallest star flyer ride! View the website here for details on all rides; circus themed, roller coasters or gentler thrills for smaller children and also look for information on regular concerts held in the park – featuring upcoming acts such as FUN. and Wu-Tang Clan this summer. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or an ice cream sundae among friends.
When: Check web calendar for daily hours
Where: Lilla Allmänna Gränd 9 – access by foot, boat, bus, car or tram
Cost: 100 SEK park entry
New Sound Made, 2013 – Jazz festival
New Sound Made 2013 is the eight consecutive year of this jazz festival featuring music of the Jazz students at the Royal College of Music. From may 13th to 15th at Kägelbanan a total of 40 groups perform throughout 3 days and offer free entry to everyone. You can view the website here.
When: May 13th to 15th
Where: Southern Theatre (Södra Teatern) basement at Mosebacke Torg 1-3, Södermalm
Cost: Free entry
Jeppe Hein at Bonniers Konsthall
This is the first major solo exhibition in Sweden of acclaimed Danish artist Jeppe Hein. The Bonniers Konsthall proudly present their large, visiting artist exhibits featuring a poster campaign about what happiness means to individuals and a light pavillion to explore. Jeppe Hein was born in Copenhagen and now lives and works in Berlin. The exhibits will run until July 28th.
When: April 24th to July 28th
Where: Bonniers Konsthall, Torsgatan 19, t-bana St. Eriksplan
Cost: 80 SEK entry fee
ABBA Museum opening
Opening on May 7th, YLC has been eagerly awaiting it’s arrival! If you were not lucky enough to win our free ticket giveaway, check out our extended coverage here and take yourself through the history of one of Sweden’s most internationally famed exports! You can buy tickets online now at the ABBA Museum website and book in advance for the entire summer season.
When: 10am to 8pm daily, May to Aug. Winter hours thereafter, see web
Where: Djurgårdsvägen 68, Djurgården, 115 21 Stockholm
Cost: Adults – 195 SEK, Children under age 8 – 50 SEK
One Direction play Stockholm during European tour
One Direction – setting teenage girl’s hearts a flutter – play Stockholm’s Friends Arena on May 8th. Led by Harry Styles, the boy band of 5 British boys play their first ever Sweden show, though they are said to have recorded their second album at a Stockholm studio. View tour dates and tickets on their website here.
When: May 8th
Where: Friend’s Arena, Strandvägen 1, Solna
Spring Farmer’s Market, Folkungagatan
For just a few weeks, be sure to pop by this springtime farmers market for tasty, fresh, local, seasonal produce before it’s too late. Blink and you’d miss it as unfortunately Folkungagatan market only runs for a few weeks at this particular central, downtown Söder location, starting May 11th and ending June 1st on Saturdays only. Beautiful produce in a handy location close by other stores and fika spots for a pleasant Saturday! View the market’s site here for additional locations and opening dates. Recommended by YourLivingCity and a welcome attraction during the month of May.
When: Saturdays 10th till 15h, May 11th till June 1st
Where: Folkungagatan, Södermalm
IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships
The Ericsson Globe will host team Sweden’s games, the semi finals and final of the 2013 Ice Hockey World Championships. Tickets and information on the world championships can be found at Globen’s site here.
When: Various dates throughout May 3rd to 19th.
Where: Globentorget 2, Johanneshov, t-bana Globen
Article: Emma Ladlow
