Events and dates in Gothenburg

Monday 3 May 2027

The deadline is normally 2 May, but in 2027 that falls on a Sunday, so it moves to the next working day. File digitally with BankID and you can get the refund earlier. You can apply for an extension to 1 June.

Opening hours and closures: Nothing closes — but late filing means a fee (förseningsavgift).

Check opening hours before public holidays

Systembolaget is the only place to buy drinks above 3.5%. It shuts on Sundays and all red days, and closes early on the eve of one. Allow extra time when shopping before a long weekend.

Opening hours and closures: Closed Sundays and red days. Short hours on the eve of a red day.

Ongoing — register as early as you can

Gothenburg first-hand rentals are allocated by queue time. Queue time starts when you register, so consider joining before you need to move. Some listings require you to confirm interest or you lose the place.

Autumn term starts mid-to-late August; spring term early January

Gothenburg sets term dates per year. Förskola has closing days (studiedagar) when staff train and you must arrange care yourself — check the dates with your preschool.

Saturday 31 October 2026

Candles are lit at graves after dark. A day of remembrance, distinct from Halloween.

Opening hours and closures: Red day — shops on Sunday hours.

Sunday 13 December 2026

Candle processions and singing, usually early morning. Schools and förskolor hold their own — if you have children, expect an invitation and an early start.

Opening hours and closures: Lucia is not a public holiday. Check individual opening hours.

Thursday 24 December 2026 (Julafton), then 25 and 26 December

Julafton on the 24th is the main day, not the 25th. Most of the country stops from lunchtime on the 23rd. Juldagen (25th) and Annandag jul (26th) are red days.

Opening hours and closures: Nearly everything from midday on the 24th. Shops, transport and healthcare run holiday timetables for a fortnight.

Friday 1 January 2027

Red day. Nyårsafton on the 31st is not a red day but most workplaces finish early.

Opening hours and closures: Shops, Systembolaget, most services.

Långfredagen Fri 26, Påskdagen Sun 28, Annandag påsk Mon 29 March 2027

A four-day weekend. Långfredagen is the quietest day of the Swedish year — plan food shopping before it.

Opening hours and closures: Almost everything on Långfredagen. Systembolaget shut Fri, Sun and Mon.

Friday 30 April 2027

Bonfires and choral singing to mark the end of winter. Not a red day, but the evening is a big one, and 1 May (Första Maj) is.

Opening hours and closures: Nothing on the 30th. Första Maj on 1 May is a red day.

Midsommarafton Friday 25 June, Midsommardagen Saturday 26 June 2027

A traditional Swedish summer celebration. Midsommarafton is not legally a red day, but effectively the whole country stops — most workplaces close or give a half day by collective agreement. Travel and opening hours may be affected.

Opening hours and closures: Effectively everything from Thursday afternoon. Shops, Systembolaget, many restaurants. Buy food on Wednesday.

Through August, most often the second half

Outdoor dinners with crayfish, paper hats, schnapps and singing. Informal and hosted privately rather than scheduled — ask your host about plans and what to bring.

Through October into early November 2026

Liseberg turns over to Halloween for the autumn, with the park decorated and extra rides open. Dates shift year to year — check before travelling.

Mid-November to just before Christmas 2026

One of the largest Christmas markets in northern Europe — five million lights, stalls, glögg. Busy at weekends; go on a weekday evening if you can.

Advent weekends, December 2026

Explore seasonal stalls along Haga Nygata. Check the organiser’s website for dates and visitor information.

Late January into early February 2027

The largest film festival in the Nordics. Popular screenings can sell out. Exact dates are published in the autumn.

12–14 August 2027, Slottsskogen

Three days of music in Slottsskogen, with club nights across the city. The park is closed to everyone else for the duration.

Opening hours and closures: Much of Slottsskogen is fenced off for the festival.

Usually a Saturday in May 2027

The world's largest half marathon, 21 km starting and finishing at Slottsskogsvallen. Central roads close and trams divert for most of the day so check travel information before setting out.

Opening hours and closures: Road closures and tram diversions across the centre on race day.

Usually a week in mid-August 2027

A free city-wide culture festival — music, food and performance across central Gothenburg. Check the programme for activities that suit your interests.