Are you planning a visit to Umeå in 2025? 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 nine of the year's highlights – and we haven’t even revealed everything yet...
Rally Sweden - A world class Motorsport Festival
When: February 13-16
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 13-15
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.
Älskarinnorna - A opera about love and power
When: March 8-29
On the largest performing arts stage in northern Sweden, Norrlandsoperan presents a modern and emotionally charged opera this March – The Mistresses. The performance is a gripping portrayal of love, power, and passion, shedding light on relationships from a contemporary and thought-provoking perspective. Known for its grand productions, Norrlandsoperan makes The Mistresses a highlight of its 2025 repertoire.
Brännbollsyran - The largest music festival in northern Scandinavia
When: May 28-31
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.
European Silver Leagua - International volleyboll
When: June 6-8
A national team match is always a special event. Sweden’s rising men’s volleyball team, with their sights set on the European Championship, will come to Umeå in the summer of 2025 to play two matches in just three days.From June 6–8, Umeå Energi Arena Vatten will transform into a blue-and-yellow volleyball fortress, hosting the opening of the 2025 European Silver League. Keep an eye out for local talents like Axel Enlund, who will get the chance to showcase his skills on home turf.
Umeå Smakfestival - A celebration of gastronomy
When: September 4-7
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.
Powerpose Festival - The future of music heritage
When: September 26-27
Powerpose FM Festival is Umeå’s new indoor festival, where Sweden’s most exciting artists meet an enthusiastic audience. Over two days, the festival showcases the future of Swedish music heritage—on a stage outside the big cities. A perfect event for music lovers eager to discover new sounds and experience something unique. The festival takes place at Umeå Folkets Hus, accommodating around 2,000 visitors per night, with approximately 16 acts performing across three stages.
Hajka - a weekend of nature adventures
When: October 3-5
The Hajka Hiking Festival offers a packed schedule of exciting activities across the Umeå region, catering to both outdoor enthusiasts and curious beginners. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems, try a new activity, or connect with like-minded adventurers.
Umeå Jazzfestival - a true jazz institution
When: October 23-25
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.
