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
Don't miss Sweden’s largest literature festival, attracting around 20,000 seminar attendees and featuring over 150 invited guests during three intense festival days. The program includes everything from international literary giants to local gems. A must-visit event for book lovers and culture enthusiasts.
SM-veckan vinterWhen: 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: June 5-7
What once started as a small student brännboll tournament has grown into one of Sweden’s biggest music festivals. Brännbollsyran offers days filled with music, celebration, and togetherness at Mariehemsängarna and the Nolia area. New for this year is the Skeppsbron festival concept – Umeå’s brand-new city festival featuring some of Sweden’s most iconic artists. An unforgettable weekend for both participants and audiences from all over the country.
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 Smakfestival - A celebration of gastronomyWhen: September 3-6
Food lovers, get ready! Umeå Smakfestival is back, featuring even more food trucks, breweries, and amazing local culinary experiences in the heart of Umeå. The festival also offers free lectures, panel discussions, and competitions – all centered around gastronomy. If you love exploring new flavors and learning more about food and drinks, this is the event for you.
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.
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.
