Exhibitions and events this summer
Combine sun, swimming, and beautiful beaches with art, culture, and music this summer! Enjoy the surrealism of the Halmstad Group, explore the collected works of world-renowned photographer Albert Watson, attend a festival deep in the woods, or experience the magic of Gyllene Tider at the newly opened The Gyllene Tider Experience.
Halmstadgruppen - In the Right Place, at the Right Time, Hallands Konstmuseum
February 17 - September 15
The Halmstad Group was founded in 1929 in Halmstad and consisted of six artists: Sven Jonson, Waldemar Lorentzon, Stellan Mörner, Axel Olson, Erik Olson, and Esaias Thorén. They shared an interest in modern art, particularly cubism and surrealism. With a 50-year career, they are one of the world's oldest artist groups. The exhibition "Halmstadgruppen – In the Right Place, at the Right Time" showcases the group's long career and close connection to Hallands Konstmuseum through works from the museum's collection.
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Gunila Axén – Fashion, Patterns, and Garden Hoses, Rian Designmuseum
May 25 - August 25
Describing Gunila Axén (b. 1941) as a piece of Swedish design history is no exaggeration. For over 60 years, she has worked as an illustrator, textile designer, clothing designer, and entrepreneur—always curious and open to new challenges. Gunila Axén was among the founders of the design collective 10-gruppen and played a key role in the establishment of Polarn O. Pyret in the 1970s. Many of her patterns, such as Moln and Polarn O. Pyret's stripe, have achieved near-iconic status.
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A Dream of Roses and Butterflies - Martin Jacobson, Varbergs Konsthall
May 25 - August 25
This summer, Varbergs Konsthall presents the solo exhibition "A Dream of Roses and Butterflies" with Martin Jacobson. His works are filled with vibrant colors and surreal motifs that merge dreams and mythologies. Jacobson's process begins with collecting images from old advertisements, illustrations, and artworks, often from the mid-1800s onwards. These become collages that are then transformed into paintings. The result is a fragmented visual world that blends romance with unease and theatrical elements, drawing the viewer in or leaving them on the outside, much like a dream.
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Erik Viklund - A City Without Ghosts is a Dead City, Kungsbacka Art Hall
May 25 - August 17
Erik Viklund is a photographer whose experimentation with various analog techniques reflects on time, transience, and the human relationship to places through both photography and publications. Viklund’s works often originate from a physical location, but more importantly, from encounters with people in these places and how the specific material of the location can be used to dissolve boundaries between the depicted place and its representation.
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Albert Watson, Retrospective, The Photo Gallery
June 1 - September 15
Step into a world of timeless moments captured in a photo exhibition celebrating the Scottish photographer Albert Watson’s most beloved works. Visitors will embark on a visual journey through various eras, places, and emotions. The exhibition includes some of the world’s most famous people and locations.
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The Gyllene Tider Experience, Halmstad
June 25 - August 31
Experience the magic of Gyllene Tider in the exhibition The Gyllene Tider Experience. Here, you’ll relive Gyllene Tider’s major breakthrough while enjoying fan stories, historical guitars, and great music. The exhibition runs from June 25 to August 31, 2024, at the Halmstad Tourist Center's temporary location at Klammerdammsgatan 4 in Halmstad. If you visit when the exhibition is closed, don’t worry! Take a tour around Halmstad and listen to Halmstad Stories, where two of the guides focus on Gyllene Tider.
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Feel the Gyllene Tider vibe this summer
Photo: Destination Halmstad
Ronja Rövardotter, Nya Teatergläntan Falkenberg
June 26 - August 17
Ronja Rövardotter’s spring scream echoes through the deep forest, filled with mythical creatures. The audience will experience that stormy night when Ronja was born, the castle was split, and Hell’s Gap was formed. Join Ronja on her adventures and meet Birk, the wild harpies, curious little Rumpnissar, the gray dwarfs, and all the Mattis and Borka robbers. The performance is both magical and thrilling, filled with song, music, and mysticism.
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Konsthallen i Hishult
June 29 - August 11
This summer’s exhibition at Konsthallen in Hishult is a group exhibition celebrating "Konsthallen 30 Years." See works by artists including Eva Bengtsson, Tom Bogaard, Källemo, Mari Rantanen, and Björn Wessman.
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A Day at the Park
July 5 - 6
On July 5 and 6, Sweden’s new boutique festival A Day At The Park will take over Södra Fästningshörnan in Varberg. Over two days, enjoy a magical atmosphere with some of Sweden’s top artists. Friday's lineup includes Veronica Maggio, Miss Li, Tjuvjakt, and Oliver Ingrosso, while Saturday features Molly Sandén, Bolaget, Maskinen, Norlie & KKV, Hanna Ferm, and more.
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Into the Woods, Unnaryd
July 18 - 21
Into the Woods is a unique festival set deep in the forest, with a lake as the backdrop for the stage. The festival will feature music ranging from jazz, folk, electronica, americana, and reggae. In addition to the music, attendees can participate in a variety of workshops, lectures, activities, and adventures. Among the attractions, the floating sauna is particularly popular.
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Sandstock Festival, Mellbystrand
July 20
For the first time, the Sandstock Festival is being held in Mellbystrand! The organizers promise an unforgettable day filled with music, joy, and excitement. The latter includes a beach volleyball tournament with great prizes. Featured artists include Norlie & KKV, Lov1, and the Norwegian group Ballinciaga.
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Galgbergsfestivalen, Halmstad
August 9-10
Galgbergsfestivalen offers the best of Swedish folk and pop traditions at the cozy Hallandsgården on Galgberget. The two-day festival presents artists such as Pernilla Andersson, Emil Jensen, IZHAV, Amanda Bergman, Johan Airijoki, and more. In addition to the music, there will be a food court with a selection of cold and hot dishes, a café, and options for beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages—all within walking distance from Halmstad city center.
Rootsy Summer Fest, Hwitans Trädgård Falkenberg
August 16 - 18
With three days of music, good food, and drinks at Hwitan in Falkenberg, Rootsy Summer Fest is a festival like no other. It will feature craft beer, a vintage shop, food trucks, a record and book store, art, and more. The festival is designed to have a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy everything it has to offer.
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Vallåsens Velofest
August 23 - 25
A cycling festival that includes everything from the Swedish championships and SWECUP downhill races to live bands and activities for the youngest attendees. Three days packed with all things cycling, perfect for enthusiasts.
Halland Opera and Vocal Festival
August 30 - September 1
The Halland Opera & Vocal Festival gathers artists from near and far to highlight the artistic possibilities of the human voice. Over the years, the festival has established itself as a prominent venue for groundbreaking and contrasting opera and vocal music, featuring several world premieres and innovative performances. This year, the festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with a broad program in Halmstad and Laholm from August 30 to September 1, including performances, concerts, film screenings, family shows, interactive works, and discussions.