Aarhus Festuge

Name: Aarhus Festuge
Start: 2025-08-28
End: 2025-09-06
Location: Aarhus

Denmark’s Urban Arts Carnival of Light, Sound, and Creativity

2026/08/27 - 2026/09/05

From late August to early September every year, Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus, becomes the stage for Aarhus Festuge—a festival that transforms the entire city with art, music, food, and performances. Over ten days, more than 1,000 events take place, drawing over 350,000 locals and visitors to one of Scandinavia’s premier arts festivals. Music, art, gourmet food, and urban adventure—whatever your curiosity, Aarhus Festuge is a creative celebration that stimulates all five senses.

Light installations floating in the harbor, the aroma of global street food, jazz and electronic beats echoing through city squares, and pop-up events appearing as you walk the cobblestone streets… For ten days, Aarhus becomes a living, colorful, and surprising canvas.

Main Attractions

Open-Air Concerts & Music Stages

Music is the heart of Festuge. From international headliners to local jazz bands, stages pop up in parks, squares, and even rooftops across the city. Genres range from classical and folk to hip-hop and experimental. Nighttime concerts by the harbor, accompanied by light installations, are a must-see highlight.

Street Performances & Art Installations

All over the city, you’ll find street theater, acrobatics, living statues, and interactive art. Giant puppet parades and projection mapping on buildings invite everyone to experience “art you can touch.”

Food Markets & Gourmet Events

For food lovers, the festival’s food villages and pop-up kitchens are a hit. From Danish smørrebrød to world street food, craft beer, and gourmet cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Chef demos, tastings, and collaborative dinners fill the city with the aroma of fresh baking and herbs.

Cultural and Historical Background

Aarhus Festuge began in 1965 to celebrate the city’s 1,000th anniversary. It was founded to bring artists, citizens, and visitors together in a shared cultural experience, and has since grown into one of the largest arts festivals in Scandinavia. The festival’s theme changes every year, encouraging experimental projects and international collaborations, and making art accessible to everyone in the city.

For locals, it’s a source of pride and a symbol of Aarhus’s creative identity. Residents and visitors alike come together to “co-create” the city’s culture during these special ten days.

Participant Voices

The first year I attended, I was overwhelmed by the variety. Jazz on a floating stage at the harbor at night, a lantern parade in the old town the next day… every day brought a new discovery.

Festival Dates

Aarhus Festuge is held every year from late August to early September at various locations throughout Aarhus. Walk the city at night, join workshops and art events, and immerse yourself in ten days filled with music, food, and creativity.