A guide to the city’s stages

Magical summer nights at Parksnäckan

Summer in Uppsala means Parksnäckan — it’s a beloved tradition. Welcome to the city’s most charming concert venue by far. Nestled in the lush greenery of the City Garden and right next to the scenic Fyris River walkway, Parksnäckan’s stage captures the true spirit of the Swedish folk park, complete with a nearby dance floor.

There’s hardly anything better than those perfect Swedish summer evenings when your favourite band’s music fills the air. The lineup features a mix of artists — from local favourites to international stars — with performances running from early summer until the beginning of September.

Katalin – from a cosy living room to a listed stage

Since the 1980s, Katalin and All That Jazz has been one of Uppsala’s leading live music venues. Katarina “Katalin” Varga Smith moved her establishment — where musicians once played in a sweaty living room on Svartbäcksgatan 19 — to the beautiful old freight depot that once housed SJ trains, right next to Uppsala Central Station.

True to its name, Katalin and All That Jazz still hosts classic jazz and blues nights in the pub area. But these days, the venue also welcomes well-known artists from all genres, along with stand-up shows and other performances. Its rustic, charming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or simply have a beer with friends.

World-class music at Uppsala Concert & Congress

With its award-winning architecture, Uppsala Concert & Congress (UKK) is a truly unique meeting place for all forms of cultural expression — a vibrant arts hub spanning 14,600 square metres, where diversity and creativity take centre stage. Across its five stages, you’ll find everything from intimate performances to large-scale productions — Swedish and international acts alike — featuring music from classical to metal, international pop artists, comedy shows, and family performances. UKK also hosts several major festivals, including the Uppsala Choir Festival, the International Guitar Festival, and Otherworldly.

Don’t miss a visit to the restaurant before your show. And right outside on Vaksala torg, where the concert hall is located, you’ll find a cluster of great dining options — from artisanal pizza at Farina to the ambitious neighbourhood bistros DUO and Sverre, and the flavourful Lebanese restaurant Byblos.

International shine at the Botanical Garden

In summer, Uppsala’s music scene steps up a notch. It’s become something of a tradition for the Botanical Garden to host world-renowned artists as the days grow warmer. It’s easy to see why megastars like Elton John, Patti Smith, and Tom Jones have been drawn to “Botan.” A garden in full bloom, packed with picnic blankets and an eager audience, is truly a sight to behold.

Another recurring highlight is Music in the Garden, where visitors gather on benches or picnic blankets in the park to enjoy beautiful music and locally crafted food in a setting that perfectly captures the spirit of a Swedish summer evening.

Concerts at Fyrishov and IFU Arena

A concert in Uppsala can also mean live music at IFU Arena or Fyrishov — venues primarily built for sporting events but perfectly suited for large-scale musical experiences as well. The well-known Uppsala Reggae Festival returns to Fyrishov every summer, and it’s also the usual stage for the touring show Diggiloo.

Uppsala’s renowned theatre stages

Uppsala’s theatre scene is highly regarded across Sweden — perhaps most notably Uppsala City Theatre, known for its top-quality productions. Here, humour meets depth, and the repertoire spans everything from timeless classics to contemporary works. The guest stage Reginateatern is an intimate, historic venue that hosts touring productions, as well as regular performances in stand-up and improvisational theatre. It also features a strong focus on queer culture, with performances exploring LGBTQIA themes. At Gottsunda Dans & Teater, located in Gottsunda’s cultural centre, audiences can enjoy a wide range of productions with a special emphasis on theatre for children and young people.

Overall, you’ll find that Uppsala’s theatre stages offer far more than just traditional plays. The programmes feature a diverse mix of music, poetry, circus, and other performing arts. There are also more specialised venues — such as Köttinspektionen, a cultural hub catering to the discerning art lover, and Den Lilla Teatern, a true family favourite known for its imaginative children’s performances.