What's on in Stockholm this season
Publish date: 2 April 2025
Springtime means light, warmth, and traditional holiday celebrations. Here are some of the season's highlights!
April
Stockholm International Filmfestival Junior, April 7–13
The kid's edition of The Stockholm International Film Festival focuses on great films for children and young adults. Besides fantastic movies from all over the world, the festival hosts several workshops and courses to inspire the next generation of storytellers and filmmakers.
Malmsten Swim Open 2025 April 12 – 15
Watch some of the world’s best swimmers compete for a spot in the World Championship.
For a few days, Eriksdalsbadet — Sweden’s national arena for swimming and diving — will return to its former glory, hosting a world-class competition. Cheer on your favorite athletes from the stands!
Cherry blossoms bloom in Stockholm, mid-April
The cherry blossoms of Kungsträdgården have become a beloved springtime milestone. Every spring, usually in mid-April, the trees bloom in a lovely display of bright colors drawing scores of Stockholmers wanting to see the beautiful flowers first-hand and maybe take a picture or two. You'll also find blossoming cherry trees in Södermalm, at Bysis Square and Luma Square in Hammarby sjöstad. The mild Spring weather makes the season perfect for a lunch or coffee break, so why not have a fika under the cherry blossoms? Read our guides for tips on cafées near Kungsträdgården.
Easter in Stockholm April 17 – 21
This year, the Easter holidays are in mid-April. Maundy Thursday is April 17, and Easter Monday (which is a bank holiday in Sweden) is April 21. The week leading up to the Easter weekend is also a school holiday (beginning on Monday, April 14). Many museums, attractions, and event organizers will offer unique and exciting activities for school children during the Easter break. Read our guide about Easter in Stockholm for more indoor and outdoor tips. In the guide, you'll also find a handy list of some of Stockholm's most famous candy stores; Easter is the sweetest holiday after all!
Stockholm Culture Night April 26
Kulturnatt Stockholm (or Stockholm Culture Night) is an annual culture festival showcasing the city's diverse culture. Dance, art, architecture, literature, music, theatre, and much more. The festival takes place one evening in April (Saturday the 26th), and over 180 museums, theaters, galleries, libraries, and cultural institutions participate. All events are admission-free, but some must be pre-booked due to limited seats. Please read our guide about Stockholm Culture Night to find some highlights.
Concerts, festivals, and performing arts this season
Spring means that festival season is right around the corner, with highlights like Rosendal Garden Party and STHLM Fields. But before that, there are plenty of great concerts to enjoy.
Other concert highlights this season include Sabrina Carpenter (April 3, Avicii Arena), Descendents + Circle Jerks (April 7, Fållan), Jelly Crystal (April 11, Fasching), Tribulation (April 17, Cirkus), Behemoth (April 18, Banankompaniet), Blood Incantation (April 23, Debaser), and Billie Eilish (April 23-24, Avicii Arena), Käärijä (May 1, Fållan), Caliban (May 4, Kollektivet Livet Bar och Scen), Crystal Lake (May 10, Kollektivet Livet Bar och Scen), Andrew Combs (May 17, Nalen), KAJ (May 24, Gröna Lund), Iron Maiden (June 12-13, 3Arena), Nile Rodgers & CHIC (June 17, Annexet) and Kylie Minogue (June 25, Avicii Arena).
Find more events in our guide here!
Find more music in Stockholm
Gröna Lund Opens for the Season April 26
A sure sign that spring is here to stay is the opening of the iconic amusement park Gröna Lund. New for 2025 is a “super swing” ride and mascots based on the beloved Swedish cartoon characters Gnuttarna. This is your chance to experience all the restaurants and attractions before everyone else!
Walpurgis ("Valborgsmässoafton") April 30
The celebration of Walpurgis, or Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish, dates back to the Middle Ages. At first, Valborg was celebrated by merchants in the cities (the 30th of April marking the end of their fiscal year) and in the countryside to mark the passing of spring into summer. Typical Walpurgis celebrations can be found in public parks all over Stockholm, with bonfires, food trucks vendor stalls selling snacks and coffee, and family-friendly activities. Walpurgis is also an evening of partying and clubbing; you won’t have to look hard to find a great party with music to your liking. See our Walpurgis guide for more info.
Museum highlights this season
Some exhibition highlights this season are:
- The annual Spring Salon at Liljevalchs is back (February 14 - April 17). The popular exhibition has been a staple of Stockholm's art scene since 1921 and is Sweden's largest jury-judged exhibition. All works are for sale and the price is set by the participants themselves.
- The Thiel Gallery kicks off its centennial anniversary with Together (February 15-August 24, The Thiel Gallery). The exhibition focuses on founders Ernest and Signe Maria Thiel and the many artists they supported, whose works have shaped the Gallery.
- Swedish metal and hard rock have become an important musical export, giving rise to bands like Meshuggah, At the Gates, Entombed, Candlemass, and Bathory. Total Metal (February 13-September 21, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern) why this music resonates with so many, how it has evolved, and how it leaped from crowded clubs to sold-out arenas.
Museum highlights in Stockholm
May
Outdoor Season at Stockholm’s Restaurants May 1
Although some bars and restaurants in Stockholm have open-air patios or seating areas available year-round, the official outdoor season starts on May 1. As the weather warms up, you'll see more and more outdoor spots pop up around town. Whether you're looking for a sunny place for dinner, drinks, or coffee, you'll be spoiled for choice. Check out our guides to rooftop bars, garden cafés, and sunny open-air restaurants for more tips.
Stockholm Hockeyfest May 9 – 25
Some of the world’s greatest ice hockey players will compete for the gold medal in Stockholm. The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is coming to town, and everyone is invited to join the festivities. Even if you're not a puckhead, there will be plenty of fun activities taking place around the city.
Kungsholmen Runt May 10
Grab your running shoes and take on one of Stockholm’s larger islands, Kungsholmen. This race offers several distances, ranging from a half marathon to a 2 km kids’ track. It’s a great way to get some exercise and explore parts of central Stockholm.
Market Art Fair May 16 – 18
Welcome to a Nordic hub for art, commerce, and creative exchange. This year, the former all-Nordic art fair invites galleries and artists from around the world, creating an even more exciting mix. A must for art lovers and collectors alike.
The Elite Horse Race May 23–25
One of the world’s premier trotting races, this hugely popular event draws both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers from around the globe. Come for the world’s fastest horses—stay for the welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Stockholm Creative Edition May 21 – 24
Experience Stockholm from its most creative side during this annual festival celebrating Swedish design. You might even discover a new favorite designer among those making their debut. The festival takes place in various studios spread throughout the city.
Stockholm International Comic Festival May 24–25
Discover the full breadth of the Swedish comic scene, along with a few international guests. The festival features workshops, book signings, and film screenings as Kulturhuset transforms into a hub for comic books, graphic novels, and fandom. One of the most popular attractions is the large market where you can shop for new comics, fanzines, and more.
adidas Stockholm Marathon May 31
Challenge yourself during one of the most classic long-distance competitions in Stockholm, the Stockholm Marathon. The course takes the runners across town and through many different sceneries. It is also a huge spectator event where the streets will be filled with cheering.
Comic Con Stockholm May 31–June 1
Stockholm’s own Comic Con has everything we’ve come to expect from an event like this. International stars and cosplayers share space with gaming hubs and vendors. It’s a family-friendly event, with specific activities for kids, like a massive Lego pit.
