1. Mamma Mia! The Party
What better way to start the happiest season of the year than joining a phenomenal event based on the Abba experience? After the musical and the movie, there's now Mamma Mia! The Party. Come to the Greek tavern venue at “Tyrol”, eat and drink, and then enjoy music and dance like you've never danced before.
When: All through spring
Where: Tyrol, Djurgården, Stockholm
Tickets: 1340-1535 kronor
Abba music and party, what else do you need? Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT
2. Walpurgis Night at Skansen
All over Sweden people celebrate on the night before May 1st to welcome the spring. Bonfires are lit in practically every town across the country, but one of the most spectacular venues to join this celebration is the outdoor museum Skansen in Stockholm, with a stunning view over the capital. The highlight is fireworks that will make the night unforgettable. There is usually a bonfire on the Riddarholmen island as well, which also has great views of the city. For even more eventful celebrations, try university towns Lund or Uppsala.
When: Sunday, April 30th
Where: Skansen, Stockholm
Tickets: Entry fee to Skansen
A magnificient bonfire in front of Stockholm scenery. Photo: Sven Nackstrand/TT
3. Umeå Open
You don't have to go to Stockholm to enjoy spring in Sweden. Northern city Umeå is putting on this music festival at the end of March. Enjoy three days of high quality rock and pop music by leading Swedish and international artists. Multiple stages and open venues turn the city centre into the place to be.
When: Thursday, March 30th – Saturday, April 1st
Where: City centre, Umeå
Tickets: 395 kronor for youths (13-17), 595 kronor for adults
Enjoy music in Umeå. Photo: Rodrigo RIvas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se
4. Toughest Malmö
Toughest was Sweden’s first great obstacle race in 2013 and now hosts events in five countries. In May it will return to its birthplace, Malmö, with a main run on Saturday and a family run on Sunday. Think you're tough enough?
When: Saturday, May 6th – Sunday, May 7th
Where: Ribersborgsstranden, Malmö
Tickets: 795 kronor for the Saturday run, 349 kronor for the family run
Are you tough enough to beat the water? Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
5. Art Walk in Majorna
Gothenburg is offering a special treat for all fans of culture and arts. Start with a group exhibition at Röda Sten Konsthall where you can take a look at various pieces of art and pick your favorite artist. Then you can visit their open studios all around the Majorna district, a 'hipster' area featured in this article by The Local. Meet the artists in person and get some insights into visual arts, the making of sculptures and much more.
When: Friday, April 21st – Sunday, April 23rd
Where: Majorna district, Gothenburg
The Röda Sten Konsthall is known for its art exhibitions. Photo: Konstrundan i Majorna GBG
6. GöteborgsVarvet Half Marathon
Think you're fit for spring? Then put on your running shoes and attend the world's largest half marathon. If you don't think you are able to run the 21km and a bit with 64,000 other registered runners, then join over 200,000 supporters along the race course.
When: Saturday, May 20th
Where: All around Gothenburg
Ready to run into the spring? Photo: Adam Ihse/TT
7. The International Science Festival
Science festival? OK, maybe this doesn't sound like a don’t-miss event for everybody, but wait: this festival makes not only makes science accessible, but also exciting. At over 30 locations around Gothenburg you can visit workshops, exhibitions and enjoy music and theatre. Join over 70,000 visitors at one of Europe's leading popular science events between May 10th and May 14th.
When: Wednesday, May 10th – Sunday, May 14th
Where: City centre, Gothenburg
Around 70,000 people visit the the International Science Festival each year. Photo: Vetenskaps Festivalen
8. Melodifestivalen 2017
Who will represent Sweden in this year's Eurovision Song Contest? See the Melodifestivalen's semi-finals in Linköping and finals in Stockholm live, and be there when people all around Sweden decide which act will go to Kiev. A must for every Eurovision fan. You can either attend the televised semi-finals or the rehearsals.
When: Friday, March 3rd – Saturday, March 4th, and Friday, March 10th – Saturday, March 11th
Where: Saab Arena, Linköping; Friends Arena Stockholm
Tickets: from 375-1195 kronor
Melodifestivalen, a Swedish cult. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT
9. Kiruna icefishing tournament
April, and you're already missing the snow and cold? Then we have a special tip for you. Visit the yearly icefishing tournament on Lake Luossajärvi in central Kiruna. If you need a break from blossoming flowers and rising temperatures, this event will give you the cold excitement you are craving.
When: Sunday, April 9th
Where: Lake Luossajärvi, Kiruna
If a warm spring is not your thing: go ice fishing! Photo: Tore Meek/TT
10. Actionrun
Talking of excitement: the Actionrun in the city centre of Örebro will make your adrenaline levels peak. Attend either as a participant or as a cheering spectator for this 7km run with 30 obstacles. A good reason to get outside after the long and dark winter in Sweden.
When: Saturday, April 29th
Where: City centre, Örebro
Probably the only obstacle you won't have to conquer in the race: Örebro Castle. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT