Copenhagen Events and Festivals

Copenhagen International Boat Show: This is one of the biggest and most important boat shows in the world, with the purpose built Bella Centre housing everything from huge ocean going yachts to all manner of boating accessories. The ten day show is primarily aimed at potential boat buyers but with many ocean themed side shows and activities on offer, there is sure to be something to interest every visitor.

The Night Film Festival: Copenhagen's premier film festival has grown considerably since it first began back in 1989. Today, the festival spills over to other Danish cities and attracts large audiences from all over the region. The festival showcases the best new films from every corner of the globe as well as special screenings of well known older movies and cult classics.

Copenhagen Beer Days: For one weekend every year the city's considerable number of beer enthusiasts gathers together for tastings, discussions and general consumption of every conceivable type of beer imaginable. In recent years, the event has seen over 800 different brands on show from all around the world. The festival is housed in the Valby Hallen Centre, where the light hearted beer fuelled mayhem continues way into the small hours.

Roskilde Music Festival: Since 1971, Roskilde has been the venue for what has now become the biggest rock music festival in northern Europe. Dozens of Scandinavian and major international artists perform across six stages over a four-day period. This annual event attracts over 100,000 people and offers much more than just music to keep everyone entertained. Film screenings, street theatre and dance troops all add to the festival's unique atmosphere.

Whitsun Carnival: Copenhagen's annual two-day carnival kicks off with a huge procession through the city's streets featuring Latin dancers, extravagant floats and a variety of world music. During the day, the action is centred on four themed tents where different styles of music from salsa to reggae are performed by local and international artists. The culmination of the event is a nocturnal parade through the streets.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival: Every year the clubs, bars and streets of Copenhagen come alive with the sound of jazz. Hundreds of Danish and international artists perform a range of jazz styles over a ten-day period. The biggest draw of the festival for many visitors is the choice of venues, with dozens of unusual outdoor stages being set up in parks, squares, courtyards and gardens in virtually every corner of the city.

Cultural Harbour Festival: For four days in August every year the harbour area of Copenhagen comes alive as The Cultural Harbour Festival takes over, with concerts, theatrical and dance performances as well as a variety of sporting events. The festival also offers a variety of children's activities both on and off the water although at times you should expect large crowds as all the events and activities are free.

Night of Culture: Copenhagen's Night of Culture is one of the city's most important cultural events. It sees every museum, art gallery, theatre and church throw open its doors to locals and visitors alike. The huge programme of events is spread over 300 venues across the city, including many buildings that are usually closed to the public. Each venue plays host to some form of concert, theatrical performance or exhibition.

Copenhagen Irish Festival: One of the more unexpected annual events on the city's calendar is the Irish festival. This features a wide range of Gaelic related events over a four-day period. The festival's programme includes dozens of concerts, dance performances, poetry readings and of course Irish whiskey tasting, with various venues from bars and clubs to open air stages spread across the city.

Tivoli Christmas Market: For over 10 years, Copenhagen's famous Tivoli amusement park has been home to the Christmas Market. The park's large complex hosts four separately themed market villages, all offering a superb array of traditional and more unusual gift ideas. During the month long shopping bonanza, the park also puts on Christmas themed concerts and plays, while the park's restaurants serve up a feast of traditional Christmas dishes.