Events & Festivals in Denmark (2025)
Denmark comes alive year-round with music, food, parades, tradition, and “hygge”. Whether you’re into massive music festivals, Viking markets, or Christmas in Tivoli, you’ll find an event for every taste—plus family-friendly fun and Danish traditions to discover.
🎉
Did you know? Denmark’s Roskilde Festival is Northern Europe’s largest music festival, while Fastelavn (Danish Carnival) and Sankthans (Midsummer) are over 400 years old!
Biggest & Most Famous
🎸Roskilde FestivalEurope’s legendary week-long music festival—over 130,000 people, headliners, and a wild camping culture. Official site
🎷Copenhagen Jazz Festival10 days of jazz, soul, and world music in parks, clubs, and streets across Copenhagen.
🔥Sankthans (Midsummer)June bonfires, traditional songs, and “witch burning” on beaches and lakes all over Denmark.
🎄Christmas MarketsFrom Tivoli Gardens to Odense and Aarhus, Denmark’s Christmas markets are packed with lights, gløgg, and hygge.
🎤NorthSide FestivalAarhus’s biggest pop/indie festival with a green focus, big acts, and a young vibe.
🎭Copenhagen CarnivalSamba, parades, and global music bring color to Copenhagen’s streets every May.
Traditional Danish Celebrations
🦸Fastelavn“Danish Carnival” in February: kids in costumes, eat sweet buns, and “beat the cat out of the barrel”.
🎅JulefrokostThe classic Danish Christmas lunch—smørrebrød, snaps, and songs (November–December).
🎃HalloweenPumpkin festivals, spooky nights, and harvest parties (now a new Danish tradition).
👑Royal Birthdays & EventsThe Queen’s birthday and royal events often bring public celebrations and parades.
🍻J-Day (Christmas Beer Launch)Every November, breweries roll out the Christmas beer with parties, music, and blue hats.
Music, Film & Arts
🤘CopenhellHeavy metal, rock, and alternative—Copenhagen’s wildest festival in June.
🎥CPH:DOX & CPH PIXWorld-class film festivals for documentaries, new cinema, and global film culture.
🎶SPOT FestivalDiscover new Nordic music acts in Aarhus—showcase for upcoming artists.
🎤DistortionCopenhagen’s electronic street party—hundreds of DJs, dancing in the streets and canals.
🎹Aarhus FestugeTen-day city festival with art, concerts, food, performances, and parades.
Food, Drink & Family Festivals
🍺Copenhagen Beer CelebrationThe world’s top craft breweries gather for a spring tasting party with food and music.
🍏Copenhagen Cooking & Food FestivalLate summer food fest: pop-up dinners, street food, chef duels, family-friendly tastings.
🦐LangelandsfestivalA giant beach festival for families: food, music, activities on Funen’s southern tip.
🎈Tivoli Gardens EventsConcerts, Halloween, Christmas markets, and magical family fun in Copenhagen’s famous park.
🏰Viking & Medieval MarketsReenactments, markets, and “living history” at castles and museums all over Denmark.
🧒Children’s Culture FestivalsEvents for kids in Aarhus, Odense, and Copenhagen—shows, workshops, and games.
Useful Links
Related on exploringdenmark
Frequently Asked Questions
- Most major festivals run from May to September, but there are cultural events every month of the year.
- Yes! Many festivals have activities for kids and families, especially in summer and around holidays.
- Many are free or low-cost. Big music festivals (Roskilde, NorthSide) require tickets, but many city events are open to all.
- VisitDenmark and municipal websites post English-language guides. Check event social media for updates.
- Roskilde for music lovers, Sankthans for traditions, Copenhagen Jazz, and any Christmas market for real Danish hygge!