What’s On in Copenhagen in 2026: Festivals, Art & Culture
When the New Year arrives we have plenty to look forward to in Copenhagen in 2026! Along with some of our iconic favourite events such as Copenhagen Distortion festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival, we also have have important landmark events such as Danish anniversary celebrations and international events. As a year full of cultural events, music festivals, and art exhibitions begins - we take a look at what's coming up in Copenhagen.
Hello 2026! It's looking light and bright! 
Copenhagen Light Festival
30 January - 22 February 2026
A luminous favourite date in our calendar is the Copenhagen Light Festival, coming each year at the end of January just when we need it most! This festival has become a winter tradition as brings illumination to the winter darkness and interative light art, installations and projections. Lighinting up the skies and buildings over the city for 3 weeks in winter, this is a 'not to miss!'.
This festival is designed to bring “light in the winter darkness” and it does exactly that! With projections on historic buildings and famous landmarks, laser beams, public squares, bridges, and canals lit with artworks and installations - it’s an innovative and bright way to highlight the city’s architecture and to bring some glow to the city in winter. You can find the installations around the city from their map and app, or simply enjoy the surprise of following the routes and canals to see them walking or cycling around the city.
“LightYear 2026” Exhibition at the Rundetaarn
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) in the city center hosts a major exhibition celebrating light - running from 6 February 2026 throughout the year.
With the observatory in the tower reopening later in 2026, there is a special exhibition taking place from February onwards - “Lightyear 2026”. Celebrating the 350th anniversary and legacy of Ole Rømer, the astronomer who first measured the speed of light, there are events, light concerts, and visual displays to captivate! Enjoy the thoughtful visual installations that show science and art through photos, ‘soundscapes’ and immersive piece.
A visual treat!
Copenhagen Jazz Festival & Vinterjazz
30th January - 28th February 2026, July 2026
Calling all jazz lovers! Copenhagen has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s great jazz capitals, and nowhere is this more evident than during its two major annual events: the Copenhagen Jazz Festival every summer and Vinterjazz each February. Together, they turn Denmark into a year-round destination for music lovers.
This annual summer jazz festival has a history dating back to 1979 and is one of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe. Known for both the quality of artists performing, and the number of events (many of them are free!), this festival is enjoyed by over 250,000 guests each year! The summer festival has the opportunity to host open-air concerts (Vinterjazz is more of an inside, cosy affair!), and plenty of shoe-tapping events in the heart of the city’s music venues. Cafes, bars, clubs, concert halls, theatres, - jazz fills the air! There are plenty of events for everyone, including family friendly ones and free ones. Check out the events listing nearer the time, but there are often local artists as well as international artists - and many well-known performers come to the city to join in the festival.
Launched in 2001, Vinterjazz is the winter version of Copenhagen Jazz Festival and brings good vibes to Denmark’s dark winter, spreading over four weeks and over 150 venues with more than 600 concerts across Denmark. Along with the concerts in Copenhagen the festival also takes places in Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense, Esbjerg, and smaller towns. Vinterjazz provides a full month of jazz performances across all kinds of venues, from intimate cafes and clubs to historic concert halls. It’s surprisingly deeply rooted in Danish culture and a chance to see a more musical side of the city.
CFW Press Photo / Baumund Pferdgarten Runway
Copenhagen Fashion Week
27-30th January, 4-8th August 2026
2026 is the 20 year anniversary and so expect the shows spread across the year to be showcasing how Nordic fashion has played a role in the fashion world! This bi-annual event brings some winter chic to the dark days of February and then we get to enjoy the light version in Summer! Fashion lovers should not miss the Winter Copenhagen Fashion Week, scheduled for 27-30th January and 4-8th August 2026.
This season features 30 runway shows and 15 presentations, highlighting both established Nordic designers and rising talent. Expect a strong focus on sustainability, creative reinvention, and community - from runway shows in historic venues like Christiansborg’s Royal Stables to intimate fashion dinners and installations.
Copenhagen Photo Festival
11–21 June 2026
The 17th annual Copenhagen Photo Festival takes place in 2026 for 10 days in June with a theme this year of "Forestillinger / Scenarios". This is an exploration through the lens, literally, of the world of imagination and unpredictability with the annual excitement of visually arresting works of art on show. It includes installation photography around the Royal Danish Theatre and alongside the exhibition there are talks and workshops. A thoughtful and insipiring event! If you are a photo lover, then add this creative festival to your calendar. Calls are open for photographers now!
Image courtesty of Distortion Press Archive and photographer Alvaro GM
Distortion Festival
June 2026
This is one of the hottest weeks in Copenhagen's calendar as music lovers come together to celebrate community and good vibes. Every June, Copenhagen erupts into one of Europe’s most unconventional street celebrations: Distortion, a five-day festival dedicated to electronic music, nightlife culture, and the city’s creative energy. What began as small block parties has grown into a citywide takeover, mixing street raves, club nights, experimental sound projects, and large-scale productions. The festival transforms neighbourhoods such as Nørrebro and Vesterbro into open-air dance floors, before culminating in the two-day Distortion Ø big party finale on Refshaleøen island.
Distortion is a social festival, with local neighbourhoods getting involved as well as international visitors. This is a unique time to visit Copenhagen, with street parties taking place and plenty of music everywhere! For 2026, expect an expanded sustainability programme, more curated electronic stages, and collaborations with European clubs. If you want to see Copenhagen's wild side, Distortion delivers an unforgettable experience into the city’s music and dance culture. There is always a Distortion week party at Copenhagen Downtown too!
Copenhagen Pride
August 2026
Official since 1996 (although events were taking place city-wide since the 70s), Copenhagen Pride is an inclusive event to celebrate the LGTBQIA+ community, diversity, human rights, and acceptance. There is a programme of events that include education, activism, parades, and music events. From workshops to drag performances - Pride has something for everyone. Traditionally City Hall Square becomes Pride Square - an open, welcoming safe-space where locals and visitors gather to celebrate and enjoy entertainment.
There is also now Winter Pride, this year taking place 16-22nd February 2026!
The highlight is the Copenhagen Pride Parade, one of Northern Europe’s largest. The parade winds through the city centre before finishing in an evening of live music, speeches, and celebrations. Pride 2026 is expected to build on the momentum from previous years, with stronger international partnerships and expanded cultural programming. For travellers, it’s a perfect moment to experience Copenhagen’s progressive spirit, its sense of community, and its open-hearted approach to diversity and shared celebration.
Copenhagen Culture Festival 2026
Also on the calendar is the Copenhagen Culture Festival, an event built around community, local culture, and cross-cultural exchange.
Expect performances, talks, art, music, dance, and an emphasis on local voices - all framed in public spaces around the city. It’s a genuine celebration of Copenhagen’s vibrant diversity.
Photos courtesy of CPH:DOX Press
CPH:DOX - Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival
March 2026
Every spring, Copenhagen hosts CPH:DOX, one of the world’s largest and most influential documentary film festivals. Known for its blend of cinema, activism, and contemporary culture, the festival transforms the city into a hub for filmmakers, storytellers, and curious travellers. Over eleven days, cinemas, cultural venues, and pop-up spaces screen hundreds of documentaries spanning politics, climate, art, social justice, experimental film, and boundary-pushing new media.
What sets CPH:DOX apart is its commitment to engagement. Screenings are often paired with talks, debates, and live performances, creating a dialogue between filmmakers, audiences, and experts. The festival’s curated themes and focus on global issues make it an inspiring space to understand the world through powerful storytelling. In 2026, expect expanded hybrid events, immersive installations, and collaborations with Nordic artists and innovators. For any traveller with an interest in culture or contemporary issues, CPH:DOX provides a rare chance to experience Copenhagen as a creative and intellectual crossroads.
World Athletics Road Running Championships
19–20 September
For something active and global, don’t miss the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships, which take place in Copenhagen.
This includes the half marathon, 5K, and mile races - and it’s not just for elite runners. Participation events make it a chance for travelers to join in and experience the city at a running pace.
Book your Bed for 2026 at Downtown Hostel
We have the cosiest bar for winter nights in Copenhagen right here at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. We are the only hostel in the downtown area and have an international bar where you can meet travellers and locals in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. We aren't as big as some of the new hostels in Copenhagen but we have an authentic backpacker vibe and plenty of rooms to choose from whether you want a female only dorm, private room, or come with family. We are a place to share experiences. Our award-winning hostel will make you feel welcome, even on the coldest winter nights! And we have the best parties in town taking place right here in our Downtown Bar and our Downunder venue.
Check us out and book your bed direct at www.copenhagendowntown.com for the best rates and benefits. We are the chosen hostel in Copenhagen to be a part of the Europe's Famous Hostels network, a selection of 55 of the best hostels in Europe for Genuine Backpackers. See you here next year!