Culture

14 unmissable Nordic festivals to have on your radar this summer

By Eleanor Kittle

Photo: @rosendalgardenparty

These are the 14 festivals in the Nordics that you do not want to miss this summer. From Justin Timberlake and Chaka Khan, to Barry Can't Swim and Charlie XCX, check out Vogue Scandinavia's round-up of the headliners, dates and how to get tickets

Over the past few weeks, we have watched from across the pond as Americans and those lucky enough to make the journey indulge in the Instagram-fuelled music spectacular that is Coachella. Gaga left us all gagged, as did the amalgamation of outfits delivered by celebrities and influencers alike.

Now, whilst the rest of the world is still reeling, we firmly believe it is time to turn our attentions to the Nordics. Unbeknownst to many, our countries are home to some of the best festivals, ready to swathe your summer in a symphony of musical sensations, cultural experiences and food-filled fantasies.

Find out here the headliners who will leave you in a haze of harmonious bliss as Vogue Scandinavia rounds up the best-of-the-best, guaranteed to make the summer of 2025 one you will never forget.

1

Northside: June 5th - 7th

Northside is here to firmly kick off the Scandinavian festival season. Held in Aarhus in Denmark, the event has secured its place as one of the most popular festivals in the region. With a long list of global headlines including Barry Can't Swim, James Blake and Raye, as well as some who are closer to home, such as Dizzy Mizz Lizzy and Lukas Graham, Northside is the perfect way to ease yourself into a summer of music.

Ticket prices are set to rise on May 1st, so secure your attendance now, whilst you can still save a few pennies.

2

Heartland: June 12th - 14th

If you want a festival that is more than just music, Heartland, in Denmark, will be the place for you. Dedicated to contemporary culture, this festival marries live talks and art with the best parts of the music and culinary scene. This year, bear witness as legendary acts Justin Timberlake and Alanis Morissette descend on the Nordics to unleash their vocals, whilst artists such as Per Arnoldi and Jokuym Rohde unleash their minds.

Heartland Festival | Egeskov| Egeskov

3

Rosendal Garden Party: June 13th - 15th

Tucked away in Stockholm's idyllic Djurgården, amidst flurries of flora and fauna, Rosendal Garden Party is returning, for the fourth year in a row, to bring together an amalgamation of art, food and music. This year festival welcomes headliners including Kraftwerk, Sean Paul and Chaka Khan, all of whom guarantee to deliver three days of non-stop summer vibes.

Rosendal Garden Party | Djurgården

4

Over Oslo: June 13th - 21st

OverOslo is a festival set to take you to new heights, literally. The annual summer event is held at Scene Grefsenkollen, a stage on a hill some 377 meters above the city. With idyllic views over Oslo, this festival promises to delight. Over the four-day event, take in the talents of Bryan Adams, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gabrielle and many more.

Over Oslo | Oslo

5

Solstice Festival: June 19th - 21st

For those looking for a blend of music, art and nature, Finland's Solstice Festival is the place to be. Tucked just next to the Arctic Circle, the festival occurs during midsummer, at Rukatunturi, an arctic fell, offering those attending picturesque views over the stunning landscape. With 24-hour sunlight, the party never stops, and neither do the activities as the festival offers yoga, hiking, river rafting, ziplining and more.

Solstic Festival | Rukatunturi

6

Tinderbox: June 26th - 28th

Outside the Danish city of Odense, Tinderbox is an annual festival always brimming with music excellence, and the 2025 lineup is no exception. Get lost in the locomotion with Kylie Minogue, reconnect with your inner emo to Green Day and defy Scissor Sisters, as there is no way you won’t feel like dancing as they take to the main stage.

If this sounds like the festival to kickstart your summer, act with haste, as tickets are almost sold out.

Tinderbox | Tusindaarsskoven

7

Roskilde Festival: June 28th - July 5th

Another Danish festival delight is Roskilde Festival, held in its namesake city. A charitable event, being in attendance at this festival, will mean you have contributed to shaping a better future for others. If this is not enough, Roskilde promises a stellar lineup including Olivia Rodrigo, Stormzy, Doechii and Fontaines D.C.

With Friday having already sold out, tickets to this festival are in high demand. Now is the time to secure your attendance for what is guaranteed to be an incredible event.

8

Palmesus: July 4th - 5th

Named 'Scandinavia's Largest Beach Party,' Palmesus Festival is set to take place on Norwegian shores once again, at the beginning of July 2025. With Kygo, Chase & Status, Stormzy and Fisher all confirmed to be in attendance, make sure you secure your tickets now.

Swap out your wellies for jelly shoes as you dip your toes into the North Sea, simultaneously rocking out to your favourite international artists.

Palmesus | Kristiansand

9

Ruisrock: July 4th - 6th

One of Finland's oldest cultural events, Ruisrock Festival is a three-day event, offering the best of the music and culinary world. With headliners including Camila Cabello, Benjamin Ingrosso, and Gigi Perez, Ruisrock is certain not to disappoint. Take this as the opportunity to explore part of the Finnish archipelago whilst indulging in the talents of artists from around the globe.

10

Slottsfjell: July 10th - 11th

Established in 2003, Slottsfjell quickly became one of Norway's most popular festivals. Aiming to please all, the event has a broad and varied music profile. 2025 headliners are set to include Tyla, HOV1 and Benjamin Ingrosso, as well as numerous DJS and nightclub concepts, ensuring there is something for everyone.

11

Uppsala Reggae Festival: July 25th - 26th

For those whose listening errs towards reggae, this is the festival of dreams. Dubbed 'Scandinavia's Reggae Mecca,' this festival in Uppsala is Scandinavia's first and largest reggae festival. Whether you are a devoted fan or have only dabbled in a little Bob Marley, this is the place to expand your reggae taste file.

12

Øya Festival: August 6th - 9th

Charlie XCX may have declared Brat summer is over, but Norwegian festival Øya says otherwise, as the British star is set to headline, alongside other music legends Queens of the Stone Age and Chappell Roan.

Take this as a hint to buy tickets now, as tickets for the festival are selling out quickly.

13

Way Out West: August 7th - 9th

In Gothenburg, Way Out West is set to deliver a festival to rival its spectaculars of previous years. With a lineup set to include Charlie XCX, Iggy Pop, Wet Leg, and former Vogue Scandinavia star Omar Rudberg, this is a festival not to be missed.

In addition, the festival doubles up as a chapel. If you are considering tying the knot this year, Way Out West offers wedding packages for those wishing to celebrate their love in an unconventional manner.

Way Out West | Gothenburg

14

Flow Festival: August 8th - 10th

Nestled in the heart of urban Helsinki, Flow Festival is, without a doubt, Finland's most anticipated summer event. Catering to one and all, the festival has acts certain to fit the taste profile of everyone. Headliners include the ever-popular Charlie XCX, as well as FKA Twigs, Little Simz and Lola Young.

Flow Festival | Helsinki