The weather in summer in the Nordics can be fickle. However, August is known to be warm and sunny, and a good reason to look to Scandinavia for your quick weekend trip or last minute travel. Here are a few reasons to keep the summer calendar open and sunshine dreams going.

Man playing the trumpet
Fancy a smooth jazz festival this summer? Photo: Matija Puzar

Summer events in Norway


Oslo Jazz Festival


Monday, August 11 to Saturday, August 16,


Six days of jazz in the capital of Oslo. Between 60-70 acts located across the city, including performances at the National Jazz Scene and popular local clubs. If you like to enjoy jazz at smaller intimate gigs, then this is for you.



Arctic Race in Norway


Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17


Bike or watch biking enthusiasts travel 708 km over 4 days in Northern Norway. Last year was the first event that saw up to 150,000 participants. Hosted by the same people who run Tour de France. Starts in Bodø and finishes in Harstad.



Norwegian International Film Festival


Saturday, August 16 to Friday, August 22


Described as the “Oscars of Norway”, the International Film Festival takes over the city of Haugesund. This year Lars Saabye Christensen’s novel Beatles will open the 42th edition of the festival that focuses on promoting Nordic films.



Mela Festival


Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17


Taking over City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen) in Oslo, the free open air festival transforms the area into a creative and multicultural “meeting place” (Mela) of music, art and theatre. This year’s main headliner is international artist Wyclef Jean.



Grieg in Bergen


Every week until Saturday, August 23


Summer concert series in the historical city of Bergen. From recitals to string quartets, Grieg in Bergen features a summer concert every Monday – Wednesday and Friday to Saturday around 7:30 PM.



Summer events in Denmark


Zulu Summer Bio (#zulusummerbio)


Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15


Movies at the park after work. Can it get any more hygge? Free admission featuring recent blockbuster hits: Her, Wolf of Wall Street, Gravity, Inside Llewyn Davis.



Strøm Festival


Monday, August 11 to Sunday, August 17


This is Copenhagen’s answer to electronic music. The festival is spread out across the city and features not just events, workshops and artists talks but outdoor concerts in Enghaveparken throughout the week.



Smukfest, Copenhagen Edition


Thursday, August 14 to Friday, August 15


Didn’t make it to Skanderborg Festival for the big Smukfest? It makes a feature shop in Copenhagen for two days at beautiful Amager Strandpark featuring Rasmus Seebach, Pet Shop Boys and Nephew.



Food love at food Copenhagen Cooking Festival. Photo: www.copenhagencooking.dk


Copenhagen Cooking Festival


Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 31


Combining the love for food and hygge, Copenhagen’s food festival features events all around the city run by food lovers celebrating seasonal produce and quality ingredients. A must attend event for foodies.



Open Air Opera at Rosenborg Castle


Saturday, August 23 @ 18:00


The Danes do love their opera, and they do love the outdoors. Here’s a chance to enjoy a performance by the Royal Danish Theatre with Rosenborg Castle as a glorious backdrop.



Strawberry_tivoliOn a warm summer evening, Tivoli in Copenhagen is pure magic. Photo: Shutterstock.


Tivoli Friday Rock Series


Every Friday until September 19


Coming to see Copenhagen’s Tivoli is already a feat on itself, but for the price of admission you can also stay to enjoy music shows on Fridays! Coming up August 29 is Danish singer MØ and Swedish powerhouse Jenny Wilson.



Copenhagen Pride


Wednesday, August 27 to Saturday, August 30


Celebrate the power of love at the colourful event of the summer. Copenhagen Pride takes over the city for four days and ends with a festive parade for all to participate!



Sweden


Stockholm Fashion Week


Monday, August 11 to Sunday, August 17


Ready-to-wear (RTW) fashion for Spring/Summer 2015. While most events are invite only, this event by Rookies, showcases 12 preselected up and coming designers.



Stockholm Culture Festival


Tuesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 17


The title says it all. The streets of Stockholm will be filled with culture activities in all genres and is free of admission to all. Expect 3D shows, movies under the stars, hip-hop stages and reminders of Barcelona.



Gothenburg Culture Festival


Tuesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 17


If you find yourself on west side of Sweden instead of the capital, then smile because there is also a culture festival here! Expect a lot of activity with music, food and markets in Gothenburg.



Stockholm Oktoberfest


Thursday, August 28 – Saturday, August 30


According their website, this is Sweden’s answer to the famous Oktoberfest in Munich. You can expect the usual beer gardens, food and yes, even being served by men and women dressed in traditional German outfits.