Guide to the Best Summer Venues & Concerts in Uppsala

There’s something truly special about attending a concert in summer. Surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful parks, the setting makes the experience all the more memorable. In Uppsala, it’s also easy to get to and from concerts by bike, with plenty of nearby restaurants and cafés where you can start your day or extend your evening in the best possible way.

Parksnäckan – summer concerts in the heart of the city

Parksnäckan is one of Uppsala’s most beloved summer venues, drawing visitors to the City Garden for over 50 years of open-air concerts. With room for up to 1,200 people, it still manages to feel intimate and cosy, surrounded by flowers and lush greenery. Thanks to the fan-shaped seating area, you’ll always have a great view and feel close to the performers.

The venue also offers a bar and kitchen serving food, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks — perfect to enjoy while taking in the diverse summer programme. Each year, around fifty events are held here, ranging from magic shows for families to performances by Sweden’s most popular artists and international acts. And if you can’t get a ticket, you can always spread out a picnic blanket in the park and enjoy the music from just outside.

Delicate tunes in the garden bar at Wiks Castle

Just a short trip from central Uppsala lies Wiks Castle, one of Sweden’s best-preserved medieval fortresses. The beautiful surroundings alone make it a perfect summer destination, with a swimming beach, apple orchard, and scenic walking trails. But beneath the shade of leafy trees and blooming summer flowers, you’ll also find Wiks Trädgårdsbar — the castle’s charming garden bar, where live music evenings are held throughout the summer.

Here you can enjoy seasonal dishes and refreshing drinks to the sound of gentle melodies, ballads, and soft jazz. And when dusk settles over the castle grounds, you might — with a bit of luck (or misfortune) — catch a glimpse of one of the castle ghosts said to appear in the park from time to time.

Homecoming Festival at Polacksbacken

A new and exciting addition to Uppsala’s summer scene is the Homecoming Festival, which at the end of August brings some of Sweden’s biggest artists and exciting international acts to Polacksbacken. The festival debuted in 2024, offering a lineup featuring pop, hip-hop, and EDM — music made for the so-called Spotify generation. The event is organised by Homerun Festivals, the team behind the successful Brännbollsyran in Umeå and Bayside Festival in Helsingborg. Polacksbacken is within walking distance of central Uppsala, making it easy to get to and perfect for combining your festival visit with everything else the city has to offer.

The Botanical Garden – experience top artists in a stunning setting

We dare say that Sweden’s most beautiful botanical garden is right here in Uppsala. At “Botan,” as the locals call it, the boundaries between classical music and other genres — pop, jazz, and world music — blur during the annual event Music in the Garden. In the courtyard of the garden’s Orangery, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to an Italian piazza, surrounded by music and lush greenery. Local restaurants and food trucks serve everything from chilled drinks and gelato to freshly baked pizzas — all adding to the magic of the evening.

In the main park, Kaliber Live also hosts larger summer concerts, bringing in some of Sweden’s most popular artists year after year. Recent performers include Håkan Hellström, John Fogerty, and Veronica Maggio. You can bring a blanket and relax on the grass while enjoying the music — with food stalls and bars on-site, it’s the perfect recipe for a memorable summer night.

The theatre tent in Gottsunda offers culture for everyone

Uppsala City Theatre is one of Sweden’s most renowned stages. During the summer months, the theatre takes its performances outdoors — to a large theatre tent in Gottsunda. Under the banner Scensommar (“Stage Summer”), audiences can enjoy a wide range of performances suitable for the whole family. In recent years, the programme has included everything from imaginative underwater musicals and improvisational theatre to humorous takes on Molière’s classics. In short, it’s theatre in a warm, welcoming, and community-focused setting — just a short walk from Gottsunda Centre. The performances are free of charge, but make sure to book your ticket in advance.