Are you planning a visit to Umeå in 2027? Or do you live here? Lucky you – the city is gearing up for an action-packed year filled with events that will attract everyone from motorsport enthusiasts and music lovers to foodies and adventure-seeking hikers. We've gathered ten of the year's highlights – and we haven’t even revealed everything yet...
Rally Sweden - A world class Motorsport Festival
When: February 18-21
Experience breathtaking speed and spectacular ice roads as the world’s top rally drivers take over Umeå in February. For the fourth consecutive year, Umeå will host Rally Sweden, one of the rounds in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). With over 120 million TV viewers, this is Sweden’s largest annual sporting event. Rally Sweden is also the only winter rally in the championship – a truly unique feature in the world of motorsports.
Littfest - A gathering place for literaure
When: March 18-20
Littfest is Sweden’s largest literature festival, with around 20,000 seminar visits and over 150 invited participants during two intense days of events. In 2026, Littfest celebrates its 20th anniversary, featuring both new program highlights and beloved favorites from previous years. A must-visit event for book lovers and culture enthusiasts.
7-mila
When: February 28
One of Sweden’s longest and most classic ski races, first held in 1964. The start is in Vindeln and the finish in Robertsfors – a total of 74 km. Choose between four different distances or take part in a relay. The race is a seeding event for the Vasaloppet
Brännbollsyran
When: May 28-30 The Festival
When: June 4-5 Brännboll Cup
What once began as a small student rounders tournament has grown into one of Sweden’s largest music festivals. Two unforgettable weekends bringing together participants and audiences from all over Sweden.
Umeå Smakfestival
When: September
Food lovers, get ready! Umeå Smakfestival is back with even more food trucks, breweries, and fantastic local culinary experiences — this year taking place at Skeppsbron. The festival also offers free lectures, panel discussions, and competitions — all with gastronomy in focus. If you love exploring new flavors and learning more about food and drink, this is the event for you.
Umeå Jazzfestival
When: October
With roots dating back to 1968, Umeå Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s most renowned jazz festivals. A meeting ground for tradition and innovation, the festival features around 30 concerts by Swedish and international artists. Over the years, jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis have graced the festival’s stages. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or a curious newcomer, this is a vibrant event you don’t want to miss.