Are you planning a visit to Umeå in 2026? 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...
When: February 12-15
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.
When: March 12-14
Littfest is Sweden’s largest literature festival, with around 20,000 seminar visits and over 150 invited participants during three 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.
When: March 25- 29
It’s time to battle for the Swedish Championship gold medals – in Umeå for the third time. At arenas in and around central Umeå, some of the country’s most talented athletes will compete in more than twenty sports, including archery, cross-country skiing, and ju-jutsu.
When: Brännboll Cup June 5-7
When: Brännbollsyran June 5-7
What once began as a small student rounders tournament has grown into one of Sweden’s largest music festivals. New for 2026 is that Brännbollsyran will expand to two weekends — first the rounders cup, then the music festival. Two unforgettable weekends featuring participants and audiences from all over the country.
When: August 1
Umeå is getting a new rock festival — Rock The Night Festival, Sweden’s largest tribute festival. Some of Sweden’s best tribute bands will be performing, and the festival area will be located by the Ume River in Öbackaparken.
When: August 28
Spelrum is a cultural event in Umeå where associations, cultural organizations, passionate enthusiasts, organizers, and companies come together to create an evening full of creativity and experiences. Together, we showcase Umeå’s strength and diversity as a city of culture and create a vibrant program filled with art, music, and creativity.
Umeå SmakfestivalWhen: September 3-6
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 - a true jazz institutionWhen: 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 – and 2025 will be no exception. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or a curious newcomer, this is a vibrant event you don’t want to miss.
HajkaWhen: October 2-4
The hiking festival Hajka offers a packed schedule with exciting activities all across the Umeå region for both outdoor enthusiasts and curious beginners. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems, try a new activity, or meet like-minded people.
