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Summer Music Festivals in Sweden

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Swedish summer often means green grass, the smell of barbeque, lemonade on the front porch, and hanging out with good friends. But it also means music festivals. June, July and August are big months for different kinds of music festivals in Sweden. Have you been to some or wished you had gone to some? Either way, it's not too late. During August, there are many cool happenings regarding music festivals in Sweden. Down below, you find a selection of them.

Skogsröjet (3–5 August)

Skogsröjet is a well-known rock and metal music festival annually in Rejmyre, a small village in Östergötland, Sweden. The festival has gained popularity among rock and metal enthusiasts, becoming one of the prominent music events in the country's festival calendar.

Key Features of Skogsröjet

Music Lineup: Skogsröjet focuses on rock and metal music, offering a lineup that includes renowned international acts and popular Swedish bands. The festival covers a wide range of sub-genres within rock and metal, catering to diverse musical tastes. 

Location: The festival is in an open-air setting surrounded by the beautiful Swedish countryside at Rejmyre, Finspång. The scenic location provides a unique and immersive experience for festival-goers.

Camping: Skogsröjet offers camping facilities, and many attendees choose to stay on-site throughout the festival. Camping creates a vibrant and communal atmosphere, enhancing the overall festival experience.

Family-Friendly: Skogsröjet aims to be a family-friendly event and offers activities and entertainment suitable for attendees of all ages. This family-friendly approach sets it apart from some other rock and metal festivals.

Food: The festival provides various food options, including traditional fare and local Swedish cuisine.

Sustainability: Skogsröjet has committed to environmental sustainability, striving to minimize its ecological footprint and promote responsible festival practices.

Urkult (3–5 August)

Urkult is another famous music festival that takes place annually in Sweden. It’s an international folk music and cultural event held in Näsåker, a village in northern Sweden. The festival is known for its focus on folk music, world music, and various artistic expressions, making it a unique and enriching experience for attendees.

Key Features of Urkult

Folk Music and Cultural Diversity: Urkult celebrates folk music worldwide, showcasing artists and performers from Sweden and beyond. The festival's lineup includes traditional folk music, world music, and contemporary expressions of these genres. 

Natural Setting: The festival is set in the picturesque surroundings of Näsåker, Sollefteå, providing a beautiful and serene atmosphere for festival-goers. The area's natural beauty adds to the overall experience of the event.

Environmental Focus: Like Skogsröjet, Urkult emphasizes sustainability and ecological consciousness. The organizers strive to make the festival as eco-friendly as possible, encouraging responsible waste management and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Workshops and Activities: In addition to music performances, Urkult offers various workshops and activities that allow attendees to engage with different cultural traditions. These workshops may include dance, crafts, storytelling, and more.

Family-Oriented: Urkult is known for its family-friendly environment, making it an inclusive event for people of all ages. Families often attend together, and activities and entertainment suit children and adults alike.

Social and Cultural Exchange: The festival allows people from various backgrounds to come together and experience the richness of different cultures through music, arts, and community engagement.

Big Slap (4–5 August)

Big Slap Big Slap is a 2-day festival in central Malmö, Southern Sweden's largest festival, with one day of live music and one day of EDM.

Key Features of Big Slap

Genre and Lineup: Big Slap is known for its focus on electronic dance music (EDM) and related genres. The festival typically features an impressive lineup of internationally renowned DJs, EDM artists, and some local talents. Attendees can expect high-energy performances and an electric atmosphere. 

Location: The festival has been held in different places in Sweden, and this year, it's held at Nyhamnen, Malmö.

Experience: The festival aims to create a lively and immersive experience for EDM enthusiasts. Apart from the main music stages, there might be additional attractions, art installations, food vendors, and other activities to enhance the festival experience.

Tickets: The Big Slap festival tickets are typically available online through the festival's official website or authorized ticket vendors. Early bird tickets and VIP packages may be offered, so checking the ticket options and availability in advance is advisable.s

The Hives, Mando Diao och The Sounds (4, 5 och 18–19 August)

Enjoy a festival with three of Sweden's biggest rock bands: The Hives, Mando Diao and The Sounds.

The Hives are a Swedish rock band known for their high-energy performances, catchy songs, and distinctive stage presence. They formed in Fagersta, Sweden, in 1993 and have gained international recognition for their garage rock and punk-influenced sound. 

Mando Diao is another popular Swedish rock band formed in Borlänge, Sweden 1995. Various rock genres, including garage, indie, and alternative rock, influenced the band's music. Mando Diao gained significant success in Sweden and internationally with its dynamic and melodic sound. 

The Sounds is a Swedish indie rock and new wave band formed in Helsingborg, Sweden 1998. Known for their energetic and danceable music, The Sounds have gained international acclaim for their catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and stylish stage presence.

Location: Göteborg (4/8), Malmö (5/8), Dalhalla, Rättvik (18–19/8).

Way Out West (10–12 August)

Way Out West is a prominent annual music festival in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is one of the country's largest and most famous music events, known for its diverse lineup, vibrant atmosphere, and emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Key Features of Way Out West

Music Lineup: Way Out West offers a wide-ranging lineup that spans various genres, including rock, indie, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and more. The festival often features established international acts and emerging artists, attracting a diverse audience of music enthusiasts. 

Location: The festival takes place in Slottsskogen, a large park in the heart of Gothenburg. This picturesque setting provides a unique and green environment for attendees to enjoy the performances.

Environmental Focus: Way Out West is known for its strong commitment to sustainability and green initiatives. The festival aims to minimize its environmental impact by promoting recycling, reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Film Program: In addition to music, Way Out West includes a film program showcasing a selection of films related to music, culture, and social issues. The film screenings allow attendees to explore additional artistic expressions during the festival.

Food: The festival offers a variety of food options, focusing on quality and diversity. Attendees can enjoy various culinary delights from local vendors and international food trucks.

Social Responsibility: Way Out West actively promotes social responsibility and inclusion. The festival takes steps to create a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees and advocates for social and cultural awareness.

Beyond the Music: Besides the main festival area, Way Out West often hosts club nights, after-parties, and other related events at various venues across Gothenburg during the festival weekend.

Malmöfestivalen (11–18 August)

Malmöfestivalen is an annual cultural festival held in Malmö, Sweden. It is one of the largest city festivals in the country and attracts a diverse audience from Malmö and beyond. The festival celebrates arts, culture, music, food, and various forms of entertainment.

Key Features of Malmöfestivalen

Dates and Duration: Malmöfestivalen typically takes place over several days, often lasting for about a week. The festival usually occurs during summer, this year during 11–18 August, offering attendees a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Music and Performances: The festival features diverse music performances encompassing various genres and styles. Local and international artists take the stage, entertaining the crowd with live music ranging from pop, rock, and hip-hop to folk, jazz, and world music. 

Cultural Activities: Malmöfestivalen celebrates cultural diversity and hosts a variety of cultural activities, including dance performances, theatre shows, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops. This allows attendees to experience and engage with different forms of art and culture.

Food and Culinary Delights: Food plays a central role in Malmöfestivalen. The festival offers many food stalls and trucks serving Swedish and international cuisine. This creates a unique culinary experience, showcasing diverse flavours worldwide.

Social and Community Events: Malmöfestivalen fosters community and inclusivity, organizing events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The festival provides a platform for local organizations, artists, and businesses to participate and connect with the community.

Environmental Focus: Like several other Swedish festivals, Malmöfestivalen emphasizes sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Efforts are made to minimize waste and promote responsible resource usage during the event.

Open-Air Setting: The festival takes place in the city's open spaces, transforming various parts of Malmö into lively festival areas. This allows attendees to explore different neighbourhoods and landmarks while enjoying the festival's offerings.

Dalhalla Brinner (25–26 August)

Dalhalla Brinner is a series of concerts and music events held at Dalhalla, an open-air theatre in Rättvik. The venue is known for its unique and picturesque setting. It's surrounded by old limestone quarries, creating a breathtaking backdrop for performances.

Key Features of Dalhalla Brinner

Concert Series: Dalhalla Brinner is a series of concerts during the summer months at the Dalhalla Amphitheater. The series typically features a diverse lineup of artists and performers from various music genres, such as classical music, opera, rock, pop, and more. 

Open-Air Amphitheater: Dalhalla is a natural amphitheatre carved into the limestone quarry, providing a one-of-a-kind setting for musical events. The venue's acoustics and majestic surroundings create a memorable and immersive concert experience.

Scenic Beauty: The location's beauty and uniqueness add to the allure of attending events at Dalhalla. Combining music and the dramatic natural setting creates an extraordinary atmosphere for performers and the audience.

Diverse Music Offerings: Dalhalla Brinner aims to cater to a wide range of musical tastes, offering an eclectic program that appeals to different audiences.