Summer may be a bit slow to arrive this year, but you know barbequing in backyards, ice cream in the park, digging out your kubb set, and adding Håkan Hellström to your summer shuffle is just around the corner. And so are these festivals, representing the first month of what is shaping up to be a stellar summer line-up for Stockholm’s ever-growing festival scene.
Tantoklafset – June 6-7: A free festival in Tantolunden, now entering its 4th year. Last year saw Timbuktu on stage, and this year the line-up includes Vidar (fresh from Woodstock Studios in New York) and acclaimed songstress Jaqueline Ronneklew.
Summerburst – June 13-14: Also in its fourth year, Summerburst celebrates electronic dance music. Held at Gärdet, the festival not only features acclaimed acts such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Hardwell, but also awesome activities like helicopter rides over the area, a golf course and a volleyball field.
Kentfest – June 15: Kent have now become so legendary that they’re arranging their own festival, a bit of a one-band All Tomorrow’s Parties. The day after Summerburst packs up at Gärdet, Kent will take over the area and the line-up will represent the band’s favourite artists. Among the names announced are Nina Persson, Junip, Tove Lo, Elliphant, Beatrice Eli and Alina Devecerski.
Parklife – June 14: This hipster favourite in Hornstull has been around since 2002 and mostly showcases up-and-coming indie bands. Hyped piano and voice-combo Alice Boman and East London hipsters Shopping are promising representatives of the Parklife sound this year.
Bråvalla – June 26-28: Not exactly in Stockholm, but just a hop, skip and jump away in Norrköping and totally worth the trip, as Bråvalla is easily starting to challenge WOW as Sweden’s strongest music festival. For those in doubt, take a look at these highlights out of a list of nearly 100 acts: Kanye West, Lana Del Ray, M.I.A., Kings of Leon, Iron Maiden, Belle & Sebastian, Bombay Bicycle Club, Jake Bugg, Haim, The War on Drugs, and Nina Persson, to name but a few!
