Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city full of life and rich in culture. Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of events that celebrate art, music, food, history, and more. These events are a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Copenhagen and to learn about the traditions and creativity of the Danish people. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening in the city. Don’t forget to check out our Copenhagen Upcoming Events Calendar – so you can see what will be happening around the city!
1. Copenhagen Jazz Festival
The Copenhagen Jazz Festival is one of the biggest and most popular music events in the city. Every July, Copenhagen transforms into a haven for jazz lovers, with more than 1,000 concerts taking place across the city. These performances happen in a variety of venues, from large concert halls to cozy cafes and even outdoor stages in the city’s parks.
The festival attracts world-renowned jazz musicians as well as up-and-coming artists. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or new to the genre, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival offers a wide range of music styles, from traditional jazz to modern fusion. The lively atmosphere and the opportunity to hear incredible live music make this event a must-see.
2. Distortion Festival
If you love street parties and electronic music, then the Distortion Festival is the event for you. Held every June, Distortion takes over the streets of Copenhagen with five days of non-stop music, dancing, and fun. The festival is known for its massive street parties during the day, followed by nightclub events at night. It’s definitely one of the popular European music festivals to check out.
Distortion is all about celebrating Copenhagen’s vibrant street culture, and it attracts thousands of people from around the world. The festival features a mix of electronic music, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, with both international DJs and local talent taking the stage. The energy and excitement of Distortion make it one of the most unique cultural events in Copenhagen.
3. Copenhagen Pride
Copenhagen Pride is Denmark’s largest LGBTQ+ event and one of the biggest pride celebrations in Scandinavia. Held every August, Copenhagen Pride is a week-long celebration of love, diversity, and equality. The event includes a colorful parade through the city, concerts, workshops, and talks on LGBTQ+ issues.
The highlight of Copenhagen Pride is the parade, where thousands of people march through the streets, waving rainbow flags and spreading messages of love and acceptance. The parade ends with a big party in the city center, where everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. Copenhagen Pride is a powerful and joyful event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusivity.
4. Copenhagen Carnival
Copenhagen Carnival (Karneval i København) is a lively and colorful event that brings the spirit of Brazil’s famous Carnival to the streets of Denmark’s capital. Held every May, the Copenhagen Carnival features vibrant parades, live music, and dance performances. The event takes place in Fælledparken, one of Copenhagen’s largest parks, and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
During the carnival, you can watch samba dancers in dazzling costumes, listen to Latin and Caribbean music, and even join in the dancing yourself. The atmosphere is full of joy and energy, making it a fun event for people of all ages. Copenhagen Carnival is a great way to experience the multicultural side of the city and enjoy a taste of Latin American culture.
5. CPH (Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival)
CPH is one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals and a major cultural event in Copenhagen. Held every March, CPH
showcases a wide range of documentaries from around the world, covering topics like politics, social issues, art, and nature. The festival also includes debates, workshops, and events where filmmakers and audiences can discuss the films and their impact.
CPH is a great opportunity to see thought-provoking documentaries that might not be shown in regular cinemas. The festival is known for its innovative programming and its focus on pushing the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. Whether you’re a film buff or just curious about the world, CPH offers something for everyone.
6. Copenhagen Opera Festival
The Copenhagen Opera Festival is an annual event that brings the art of opera to the streets and venues of Copenhagen. Held every August, the festival features a variety of opera performances, ranging from classic productions to contemporary works. The goal of the festival is to make opera accessible to everyone, so many of the performances are held in public spaces like parks, squares, and even boats on the canals.
The festival also includes workshops, talks, and other events that explore the world of opera. Whether you’re a seasoned opera fan or new to the genre, the Copenhagen Opera Festival offers a unique and engaging way to experience this beautiful art form.
7. Golden Days Festival
The Golden Days Festival is a cultural event that celebrates history, art, and culture through a series of lectures, exhibitions, and performances. Held every September, the festival focuses on a different historical theme each year, exploring it through a variety of events across the city. The festival brings together historians, artists, writers, and performers to create a rich and diverse program.
Golden Days Festival is a great way to learn about history in a fun and engaging way. Whether it’s through a historical reenactment, a guided tour of Copenhagen’s landmarks, or a lecture by a renowned historian, the festival offers many opportunities to explore the past and its connection to the present.
8. Kulturnatten (Culture Night)
Kulturnatten, or Culture Night, is one of Copenhagen’s most popular cultural events. Held on the second Friday of October, Culture Night is a city-wide celebration where museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions open their doors to the public for free or at a reduced price. The event lasts all evening, and many places stay open until midnight or later.
During Culture Night, you can explore Copenhagen’s cultural scene in a fun and accessible way. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or music, there’s something for everyone. The event also includes special performances, workshops, and guided tours that are not available at other times of the year. Culture Night is a great opportunity to discover new places and experiences in Copenhagen.
9. Copenhagen Sakura Festival
The Copenhagen Sakura Festival is a celebration of Japanese culture held every April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The festival takes place in Langelinie Park, where hundreds of cherry trees create a stunning pink canopy. The event includes traditional Japanese music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and more.
The Sakura Festival is a beautiful and peaceful event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture in the heart of Copenhagen and to enjoy the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms. The festival also offers a variety of food stalls where you can try Japanese cuisine, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
10. Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival
Copenhagen is known for its world-class food scene, and the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival is a celebration of the city’s culinary culture. Held every August, the festival features a wide range of events, including food markets, cooking classes, and special dinners prepared by top chefs. The festival focuses on promoting Danish cuisine and sustainable food practices.
One of the highlights of the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival is the opportunity to taste dishes from some of the city’s best restaurants at a fraction of the regular price. The festival also includes events that explore the relationship between food, culture, and society, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
