Events, concerts and cultural happenings in Gothenburg, recommended by Avalon Hotel

Events, concerts and cultural happenings in Gothenburg, recommended by Avalon Hotel

Our city is thriving. According to Gothenburg’s tourism industry, the city has never welcomed as many visitors as it does now – both international and domestic. And it’s easy to see why. With outstanding restaurants, exciting new openings, a rich cultural scene and a remarkable number of major concerts choosing to perform here, Gothenburg continues to grow as one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant destinations.

Once again, Avalon Hotel would like to share some highlights and recommend a selection of wonderful events taking place through the end of summer.

Håkan Hellström, March 19–20 – Scandinavium

At Scandinavium, where Sweden’s beloved Håkan Hellström shares a special history with the stage. It was here that he first danced onto the stage in 2008. The last time he took over the indoor arena was in 2016, and with a capacity of around 14,000 people, the roof is sure to lift when Sweden’s greatest live performer once again dances out to meet his audience.

At Avalon Hotel, the question of when he will play his final concert has long been set aside. Instead, the focus is on securing tickets and enjoying the moment while it lasts.

Opening, Restaurant Johanna Returns March 24 – Södra Hamngatan 49

At the address where Leif Mannerström and Crister Svantesson’s legendary restaurant Johanna once stood, a new chapter is now beginning. On March 24, a new rooftop restaurant will open in Gothenburg under the same name – a warm and welcoming steakhouse where the grill takes center stage. With views over the city’s rooftops, guests will be able to enjoy meat, fish, vegetables and seafood cooked over an open flame.

Behind the revived Johanna are Alexander Stärnerz, head chef Joey Thelin and restaurant manager Nora Juraskovic. Alexander Stärnerz has worked at several renowned restaurants, including Grand Hotel Marstrand and Fiskekrogen, as well as the classic Stockholm establishments AG and Rolfs Kök. He also has experience running restaurants in both Gothenburg and Verbier. Joey Thelin has worked at several of Gothenburg’s most well-known restaurants, including SK Mat & Människor, Heaven 23, Sjömagasinet and Fiskekrogen. Nora Juraskovic is a trained sommelier who has previously worked at Dicksonska Palatset, served as maître d’ at Heaven 23 and held the position of operations manager at Basque.

According to Avalon Hotel, Restaurant Johanna is a must-visit this spring and summer, and its opening is highly anticipated.

Body, Ideals, Gaze, Freedom March 7 – January 17, 2026 – Gothenburg Museum of Art

From Kungstorget, follow Parkgatan all the way to Avenyn, then continue up to the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Opening in March, the new exhibition Body, Ideals, Gaze, Freedom brings together works and artistic practices from different eras in a presentation that both explores and challenges historical and contemporary ideals.

The exhibition portrays the role of the model and the body’s potential as a powerful tool for expression, creativity and interpretation. It features a rich selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photography and video works. Most of the more than one hundred pieces come from the museum’s own collection, including works by Hanna Pauli, Francis Bacon and Charlotte Gyllenhammar.

The exhibition is complemented by loans from other institutions, featuring artists such as Nick Cave, Ana Mendieta and Hannah Wilke, alongside contemporary artists including Sally von Rosen and Ruby Okoro. Avalon Hotel believes this will be something truly special and a perfect cultural experience during your stay.

Art Walk in Majorna, April 10–12 – Galleri Majnabbe

In the art world, it can sometimes be difficult to understand what is really happening on the scene – what is new, which artists are pushing art forward, who is active, and who is making a strong impact. Between April 10 and 12, you will have the chance to find the answers.

During these three days, artists and craftspeople in the Majorna district open the doors to their studios and invite visitors to experience art where it is actually created. Here, you can speak with the people shaping Göteborg’s art scene, see their working processes, explore materials and techniques, and discover new works. Everything from painting, printmaking and sculpture to textile art, ceramics, jewellery and much more will be on display.

During the same weekend, Galleri Majnabbe will also host a group exhibition offering an overview of the participating artists, making it easier to plan your art walk based on what sparks your interest. On Saturday and Sunday, a free bus will run between the studios, and all visits are open to the public.

Book a room at Avalon Hotel, stay surrounded by design and art – and then discover how and where it is actually made.

Solen, March 28 – Concert at Filmstudion

At Avalon Hotel, there is also a desire to highlight lesser-known bands, and one of them is Solen. At a time dominated by TikTok hits and safe singer-songwriter formulas, the band has chosen to follow its own path, creating a distinctive sound that is truly remarkable.

Across three evenings in March – in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Lund – the band will perform three exclusive shows. In connection with the concerts, all of their albums will also be released on vinyl.

Solen is an unusual band and not easy to define. Their music balances between the familiar and the unpredictable, a core element of their work. Their debut album, Solen, will be released in physical format for the very first time, making this evening at Filmstudion something truly special.

Professor Brian Cox April 6 – Scandinavium

Gothenburg further strengthens its position as one of Sweden’s leading event cities when world-renowned physicist Brian Cox brings his show Emergence to Scandinavium. This is an evening where science meets stagecraft in a spectacular live experience.

With millions of viewers worldwide and the acclaimed success Horizons behind him, Cox now presents his most ambitious show to date. Through cosmology, biology and philosophy, he explores how the universe connects — from the smallest structures to the largest cosmic movements — using advanced graphics, film and music.

A must-see for anyone curious about the universe, science and humanity’s place within it.

Göteborgsvarvet May 23

Believe it or not, Göteborgsvarvet is the world’s largest half marathon. The race begins at Slottsskogsvallen and stretches 21 kilometers through the heart of the city during the beautiful month of May.

For those not quite ready to run the course, Avalon Hotel’s rooftop terrace offers a fantastic vantage point to take in the atmosphere of this citywide celebration.

Empire of the Sun June 3 – Liseberg

Liseberg in summer is wonderfully idyllic, and when Empire of the Sun takes the main stage, it will feel like stepping into a dream. Australia’s most visionary music project finally returns to Sweden after 15 years, bringing their magical sound to Gothenburg.

Known for their extraordinary stage presence and stunning visuals, this is a concert music lovers won’t want to miss. A stay at Avalon combined with a visit to Liseberg is a true classic — book your summer stay and start looking forward to it already.

Book here

West Pride June 8–14 – Gothenburg’s Pride Festival

Gothenburg stands firm in supporting equal rights, and from June 8–14 the city hosts West Pride. The festival is an art and cultural celebration created by and for LGBTQI+ individuals and allies, with the aim of promoting diversity and moving toward a world free from prejudice and oppression — a message fully supported by Avalon Hotel.

Partille World Cup June 29 – July 4 – Heden & Kviberg

Where is the world’s largest youth handball tournament held? Right here in Gothenburg. Each year, the Partille World Cup welcomes around 1,400 teams from more than 50 countries. The opening ceremony takes place at Scandinavium, kicking off an exciting week of international sport and celebration.

Stay at Avalon Hotel while handball takes center stage in the city.

Gothia Cup July 12–18 – Gothenburg and Surrounding Areas

Gothia Cup transforms Gothenburg into a vibrant summer city where football and celebration take over for an entire week. From the opening ceremony and arena evenings to concerts and spontaneous city events, there is always something happening.

Avalon Hotel’s central location places guests close to restaurants, nightlife and events, with easy access to the pitches and arenas.

Way out West August 13–16 – Slottsskogen

There is no Way Out West without Gothenburg — and this is the city at its peak. Slottsskogen fills with music, picnic blankets and euphoric sing-alongs, while evenings continue throughout the city with club programs and live performances.

Avalon Hotel sits in the heart of it all — perfect for a quick recharge in an art and design setting, a shower, and a glass of something refreshing before the next stage awaits.

Swedish House Mafia 28-29 august – Ullevi

Swedish House Mafia returns to Ullevi for two massive nights where Gothenburg pulses as one — big choruses, heavy bass and that collective euphoria only a stadium show can create. Expect the city’s energy to rise long before the doors open and continue long after the final drop.

For those looking to maximize the experience, Avalon Hotel offers the perfect place to begin and unwind — close to everything, yet calm when you need it.