Events in Stockholm

Walpurgis Night: on 30 April, snow-weary Swedes finally say ‘Hej’ to spring with bonfires, choirs and bizarre old-school games.

Marathon: on the second Saturday in June, some 17500 masochists sweat it out on one of world’s most beautiful marathon circuits, taking in 42 Km of waterways, parks and city icons.

Skärgårdsbåtens Dag: on the first Wednesday in June, a parade of old-fashioned steamboats sails from Stromkajen (Stockholm) to Vaxholm, where they’re met with folk dancing, a market and giddy summer merriment.

Stockholm Jazz Festival: it is one of Sweden's oldest festivals. The festival takes place at Skeppsholmen in July.

Stockholm Pride Week: in late July/early August, Stockholm goes pink with five fab days of queer parties, cultural events and Scandinavia’s biggest gay pride parade. In 2007, 50 000 people marched with the parade and about 500 000 watched it. In 2008 the city hosted Europride.

Stockholm Kulturfestival: One buzzing week of everything from sidewalk opera to street theatre, dance gigs and off-beat walking tours, with most of the 400-odd cultural events absolutely free. It takes place in August.

Nobel Banquet: The Nobel Banquet takes place at Stockholm City Hall every year on December 10