It’s finally May in Copenhagen! This means it’s time for the picnics and glasses of wine in the golden evening light, long bike rides, and sipping coffee on meandering walks with friends. Copenhagen is really glowing these days; the sun is glittering on the lakes and people are wearing big smiles on their faces. Markets, festivals, talks, exhibitions, and parties: there’s a lot happening this month.
Here are the best events happening in Copenhagen in May:
Wednesday 1st May
International Worker’s Day/May Day
Celebrate labor activism with other workers on International Worker’s Day. Demonstrations, speeches, and general shows of solitary take place at Fælledparken all day.
Rød Havnefront 1. maj at La Banchina
Kick-start summer with the lovely combination of sunshine, sea breeze, and the first spritz of 2019 on La Banchina’s pier. Lowlife Brotherhood play bluegrass at 5.30 pm and Resident Selectors Giovanni and Antonio treat you to the favorites from their record collection at 8.30 pm. From 4 – 10 pm.
Mad & Fad x Caribbean Housewife at KIHOSKH
KIHOSKH is collaborating with The Caribbean Housewife for a night of food and craft beer. The meal of the night is JACK LOVE, a jackfruit burger made with homemade BBQ sauce; it’s vegan but everyone will love it. Wash it down with a great beer; what a treat! Tickets are 100 DKK, but you can get them for only 90 DKK with the code SCANDILOVE. Get your tickets here – they must be purchased in advance.
Gorda Empanadas Opening Day
Gorda Empanadas is opening its doors and is giving away a free empanada to the first 100 people to order drinks. Give it a try from 4 – 9 pm.
Friday 3rd May
Human Flow by Ai Weiwei
The documentary “Human Flow” by internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei explores both the scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly human impact. It follows stories that stretch across the globe and is witness to its subjects and their search for safety, shelter and justice. AMIS Culture Club invites you to a free screening of the documentary, followed by a debate and drinks.
Tech & Tonic Talks: How to be founders and friends? at Talent Garden Rainmaking
The founders of Frankly Juice, Christian Seiersen and Christian Bowall, talk about how to be founders and friends. Hear about their honeymoon phase, reality check, and the importance of giving each other space for what you are really good at from 3 – 4 pm. Free tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Friday Food: Kulturtårnet meets Cph Village
See Copenhagen from a new perspective while a boat takes you from Kulturtårnet to Cph Village. Dinner is served in Cph Village Fælleshuset and there will be music and a bar. Cph Village is an initiative to provide affordable living space by converting shipping containers into student housing. The event runs from 6 – 10 pm and tickets are available for 195 DKK via Madbillet.
Test Kitchen: Friday Bar at SPACE10
Depanneur celebrates beloved Danish asparagus season with a barbecue in the SPACE 10 Test Kitchen. Swing by from 4 – 9 pm for good food, beer, and wine. Through spring and summer there will be a series of Friday Bars aiming to explore seasonal greens, so stay tuned!
&Tradition x 506 Friday bar
The courtyard café of Danish design company &Tradition celebrates the arrival of spring together with food lab 506. Be the first to get a taste of the new spring menu especially developed by 506. The celebration starts at 4 pm.
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th May
Forårsbazar Ydre Ø X Kelim Kiosken
Prep your home for the summer season or just browse the boutique. For this year’s Forårsbazar, Ydre Ø has partnered up with Kelim Kiosken, so make sure to also check out their colorful blankets and pillows from Kurdistan and Turkey. From 10 am – 3 pm.
Saturday 4th May
Blågårdsgade Loppemarked
Locals and boutique owners have organized a few market days with special offers, food, and drinks over the summer. There will be an additional event on Sunday 26th May. From 11 am – 5 pm.
Keramikmarket at Absalon
Yonobi Studio and Absalon invite you to browse their gorgeous, artistic ceramics, have a bite to eat, a cup of coffee and a drink. From 10 am – 3 pm.
Urban Festival
Bring the whole family for music, food, and all kinds of activities when Remiseparken is turning into a festival site. From 11 am – 5 pm and entry is free.
Black-Owned Business and Entrepreneurship Summit
Come network and form relationships across career paths, job functions, and industries, specifically for the black community in Scandinavia. The summit covers topics such as financing your business, social media, legal compliance, and customer service. Get useful knowledge and network! Tickets are available via Eventbrite. From 10 am – 6 pm.
Sunday 5th May
Fashion Flea Market at Israels Plads
Trendsales is turning Israels Plads into a fashion flea market. Freshen up your summer wardrobe, have a coffee, and enjoy the weather while browsing pre-loved fashion. From 10 am – 4 pm.
Monday 6th – 17th May
“Audre Lorde – The German Years (1984 – 1992)” at Cinemateket
Brilliant black lesbian poet, writer, academic, and activist Audre Lorde spent several years in West Berlin. This film documents that time, specifically her relationship to the German black diaspora, as well as Afro-German history and the anti-racism movement in the country.
Pop up restaurant at Kulturtårnet på Knippelsbro
Over two weeks, each from Monday to Friday, Kulturtårnet på Knippelsbro turns into a pop-up restaurant with a maritime themed menu. Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine pairing by Rosforth & Rosforth in a unique location. Tickets are available via Madbillet.
Tuesday 7th May
Mild Orange at Vega’s Ideal Bar
Let Mild Orange’s dreamy pop take you on an imaginary sun-drenched road trip. The band was founded by four childhood friends in Dunedin, New Zealand, and their sound is inspired by the optimistic color orange. The doors open at 7 pm and tickets cost 200 DKK.
Wednesday 8th May
Workshop: Rødvin, Jazz & Gips at SMK
Get inspired by artist Sonja Ferlov Mancoba and create small sculptures of your own. While jazz music and an included glass of wine spark your creativity, artists of the museum help you to put your ideas into practice. The workshop goes one hour and costs 30 DKK in addition to the regular ticket. From 5 – 6 pm and from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
Thursday 9th May
Talk Town 2019
This festival provides a democratic platform to discuss feminism and gender equality in a number of talks, debates, films, art, and music. Entry is free and it will be a deeply inspiring day.
CPH Kitchen Race
Prepare and host either an appetizer, main, or dessert and enjoy the other two courses at other homes during the second edition of CPH Kitchen Race. The appetizer is served at 6 pm and there will be an after-party at 11 pm. Sign up via the link in the Facebook event until 4th May to receive your personalized itinerary.
Friday 10th May
Lambrusco Disco at Vinsupernaturel
Friday bar has never been this good! Head to wine shop and deli Vinsupernaturel between 5 – 7 pm to get a glass of Lambrusco BTG by Il Farneto for only 50 DKK, as well as “mystery snacks” at good prices by Copenhagen Italian restaurant Italo Disco. Good company, good food, and very good wine: what are you waiting for? The after-party will be at Rouge Oysters.
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th May
Fuglebakke Salonen
Kunstsalonen organizes public art exhibitions in private homes across Denmark. This time, Mette Helena Rasmussen and Anne Aarsland who stand behind the concept are hosting the so-called Fuglebakke Salonen at Fuglebakkevej 93 in Frederiksberg. Experience a curated exhibition in the home of Tine Møller and Jesper Romme who live in sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen and violinist Emil Telmanyi’s villa in the Fuglebakke neighborhood. The vernissage is from 4 – 7 pm on Friday and the doors are open to everyone on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm. Admission is free.
Saturday 11th May
Rabens Saloner Pop-Up Market Day
Eclectic fashion and home goods brand Rabens Saloner is hosting a pop-up market from 10 am – 4 pm outside their Vesterbro location on Amerikavej. Join them for vintage clothes, ceramics, flowers, and other beautiful items at reasonable prices. It’s sure to be a fun day!
Vild Vin Festival at Villa Kultur
Taste a wide selection of wines accompanied by food pop-ups, a variety of experiences, and music at Vild Vin Festival. The wines from small productions are usually organic and the festival is co-organised by Bite Me Crew, Kaoskassen, importers, producers, and chefs. Tickets for the festival tasting and the final winemakers dinner can be purchased via the Bite Me Crew website. From 2 pm.
Loppemarked at Absalon
This is the place where you’ll find “alt mellem himmel og jord” (everything between sky and earth). Clothes, lamps, or a new item for your ceramics collection; go treasure hunting and enjoy some coffee and freshly baked buns. If you’d rather free up some space at home, you can rent a table via Billetto.
Sunday 12th May
Mother’s Day Flower Crown Workshop
Learn how to make gorgeous flower crowns with Aiepathy Studio; the perfect gift for your mom on Mother’s Day! This workshop takes you through the full process, from choosing the flowers, to binding, to making the crown. Tickets are 425 DKK and include all materials, plus snacks and treats. Purchase tickets here. The event runs from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
Mors Dag at Glyptoteket
Glyptoteket celebrates mother’s day with a tour dedicated to the role of mothers in art. The tour starts at 1 pm and takes 45 minutes. There will be additional tours at 2 pm and 3 pm.
Jægersborggade Loppemarked
Spend a sunny Sunday on picturesque Jægersborggade and browse the stalls. From 10 am – 4 pm.
Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th May
Made By – Son of a Tailor at Paustian
Customized t-shirt brand Son of a Tailor will be holding a pop-up event at the beautiful Paustian store, where you can not only get your own shirt customized, but actually see the process of tailoring that goes into each shirt. It’s a unique chance to see how your clothes get made, when it’s done right. The opening hours are: Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
Wednesday & Thursday 9 am-7:30 pm, and Saturday 10 am-7 pm.
Transform the Norm – Book Club at Think
Do you struggle to prioritize reading? Why not do it with a group!? Think is hosting a monthly book club so we can motivate each other to read and reflect on thought-provoking books. Join from 4 – 8 pm. The event is free but donations to the center are welcome.
Tuesday 14th May
Viva Varda – Kortfilm, Mindeord og Fransk Café at Cinemateket
Agnès Varda passed away at the age of 90 after having left her mark in film, photography, and feminist history over 65 years. In remembrance of her, Cinemateket will be screening her short film “Salut les Cubains,” a blend of film and photography based on Varda’s travels to Cuba in 1962-63. After the screening, Agnès Varda fan and francophile DJ Sofie Jekel plays her collection of 60’s chanson, beat, and yé-yé pop on vinyl. Stine Omega of the DJ trio Beat Mermaids, an institution of Copenhagen’s 60’s scene, will also be spinning. “Salut les Cubains“ will be screened with English subtitles.
Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th May
Skyggesiden by Teaterkollektivet Vi at Xenon
Teaterkollektivet Vi invites you to join an interactive exploration of pain, evil, and loneliness. Doors open at 7 pm.
Wednesday 15th May
Pipilotti Rist at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Meet the artist Pipilotti Rist in conversation with Tine Colstrup, curator of the current exhibition “Åbn min lysning (Open My Glade)” as they take a close look at Rist’s art. Pipilotti Rist has worked across a broad array of video techniques and themes since the mid-1980s and is considered a trendsetting figure in the international art scene.
By Malene Birger Rent the Look Pop-up
Have summer weddings to plan for? No one likes to have to spend a fortune on new outfits for summer events, but somehow we end up doing it anyway.
Rent the Look, the platform developed in collaboration between Danish fashion house By Malene Birger and Continued, allows you to rent unique occasion wear, including pieces from their archive and the latest collections.
At their Atelier September pop-up, you can have a glass of bubbles with friends while you try on the available pieces, then reserve what you’d like to rent. Summer party wardrobe sorted! The event is free and runs from 11 am – 6 pm.
Thursday 16th May
HVOB (Her Voice Over Boys) at Lille Vega
Unconventional electronica duo HVOB combines the voice and piano sound of Anna Müller with Paul Wallner playing drums and DJ-ing. The resulting melodies will get under your skin. See them perform at Lille Vega, with doors opening at 8 pm. Tickets cost 200 DKK.
Friday 17th – Saturday 18th May
Copenhagen Rosé Festival
Who doesn’t love rosé? It’s the perfect time of year to have a glass (or several), and this festival showcases the best rosé importers in Denmark. A ticket gets you a welcome glass, two tokens for tastings, a bottle of water, a festival poster, and the chance to buy bottles at a discounted festival price. Cheers to this summertime treat!
Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th May
CLICK Festival in Helsingør
This festival celebrates contemporary art, science, and technology. Over two days, this year’s theme “death worlds” is explored through the work of artists and performers as well as scholars and philosophers. CLICK features installations, performance, hybrid art, poetry, music, film, and lectures. More information and tickets can be found via the festival website.
Sunday 19th May
Danish on a Sunday: A Fortunate Man
On his quest for happiness, Per moves from his parents’ strict household in Jutland to Copenhagen. Next to his studies, he dives into the joys of city life and works on a visionary project involving wind and wave energy. However, his childhood keeps haunting him and his family doesn’t accept his new life and Jewish fiancé. The film is screened at 2:15 pm.
Monday 20th May
No White Savior Panel Debate
Together Against Racism organizes an interactive, educative, and solution-oriented panel debate to improve practices related to youth volunteering abroad. The aim is to challenge the culture of white saviorism by dealing with topics such as the culture of “making a difference, social media,” and neo-colonialism. The event will be held in English. From 4 – 7 pm.
Tuesday 21st May
Spicy Hot Pot Challenge
Think you can handle it hot? Hot Pot Republic is here to test you! Join their competition, starting at 5:30 pm, where you and your team of 2 – 5 people will enjoy a hot pot, slowly adding more chilli to it in five separate rounds. If you can make it through when others drop out, you win and get your hot pot for free! If multiple teams make it through, the team that eats fastest will be the winner. You get a free beer upon arrival, and drinks during the event (no water though). Your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
Wednesday 22nd May
Charlottenborg Art Talks: New Narratives For Europe
In collaboration with ATLAS magazine, this edition of the Charlottenborg Art Talks invites Anne-Marijn Epker, Reka Kinka Papp, and Kristoffer Granov for a panel discussion about Europe.
Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th May
3 Days of Design
Discover new, inspiring work and innovation within lifestyle, furniture, and interior design during Copenhagen’s annual design event. Selected brands from the Danish and international design scene showcase their work in events all over Copenhagen, as well as open showrooms, industry events, and parties. Much of the festival is open to the public, so be sure to check out their program!
Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th May
Art Week CPH’19
Explore Copenhagen’s contemporary art scene in exhibitions, talks, performances, and events. Acting as a collective platform, Art Week strives to provide all visitors with an in depth insight into the leading artists, institutions, galleries, exhibition spaces and their programs and events.
Friday 24th – Saturday 25th May
The Food Poster Shop by Sweet Sneak Studio
Who doesn’t like a tongue-in-cheek food poster? Check out the pop-up shop from food innovators Sweet Sneak Studio, located at their lovely space in Vesterbro. On Friday from 3 – 8 pm, you can enjoy drinks from Copenhagen Distillery and the Syrup Company, snacks, and good company, as well as first chance at buying posters.
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th May
BLOOM Festival
This festival celebrates nature and aims at making an often scientific topic accessible for everyone. Feed your mind and body with talks by scientists, philosophers, artists, and thought leaders. There will be walks, debates as well as food, concerts and art. BLOOM takes place among the trees of Søndermarken and it is a truly unique experience.
Saturday 25th May
Banana Club Season Opening
As the days become longer than the nights, Banana Club starts the day party season with a grand opening. From 12 noon.
Fortovsfest
Music, food, activities, and a flea market await when Enghave Plads in Vesterbro turns into a playground for the whole family. From 10 am – midnight.
Tuesday 28th May
Period Talks: Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019
The 28th of May is Menstrual Hygiene Day. For that occasion, Kvinde Din Krop, Kærlig Hilsen Underlivet, She for She, and Talerum are co-hosting a talk about menstruation and the way it impacts daily life around the world. The event is free and starts at 6 pm in Huset-KBH’s Balsalen.
Wednesday 29th May – Sunday 2nd June
Distortion Festival
The 21st edition of Copenhagen’s Distortion brings street parties and a festival site to the city. It’s a booze-filled, music-drenched, kinda gross few days, but it’s a Copenhagen classic. Get out there and enjoy!
Thursday 30th May – Saturday 1st June
Heartland at Egeskov Castle
Heartland combines live talks and contemporary art with music and food; what’s not to love? The festival takes place in the scenic gardens surrounding Egeskov Castle on the island of Funen. This year’s line up features music by Solange, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Die Antwoord, as well as talks by Vivienne Westwood and Guy Standing. There will be art by Henrik Vibskov, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Olafur Eliasson among others. Find out more and buy your tickets on the festival website.
Ongoing
UP – The Rooftop Session
Start the weekend with a view over Copenhagen, great DJ line ups, and cold drinks. Every Friday all summer long, Hotel Danmark opens up it’s rooftop terrace for free. Go enjoy your Friday night! From 4 – 11 pm.
David Shrigley Exhibit at Galleri Nicolai Wallner
British artist David Shrigley is known for his mix of humor, honesty, and child-like imagery. His show “Exhibition of Giant Inflatable Swan-Things and Other Things” will be a treat for those who love him and those just getting to know his work. On from 3rd May til until 22nd June.
Afgang 2019 – Exhibition by graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts
The exhibition presents new works created by the graduates of The Art Academy. From video and painting to sculpture and performance art, you’ll get insights into the future of contemporary Danish art. The exhibition runs until 19th May.
“Awakenings” at SIRIN Copenhagen
Former design shop SIRIN has become a gallery for one-of-a-kind design pieces and contemporary art. Go see “Awakenings,” a group exhibition focused on spring, cycles, beginnings, and endings. The exhibition runs until 22nd May.
“Perfect Poses?” at Glyptoteket
In “Perfect Poses?“ the collections of Copenhagen’s Glyptoteket and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon are brought together to present the French sculpture from a new angle, working from the poses of the sculptures. Admire works by such great artists as Rodin or Dalou while live activities focus on bodily ideals and the body as a means of expression. The special exhibition runs until 16th June.
Åbn min lysning (Open My Glade) at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist has worked with video technologies since the middle of the 1980s and has continuously explored, challenged, and exploded its potentials, rules, conventions, and limitations. “Åbn min lysning” is her first major presentation in Scandinavia. The exhibition is on display until 23rd June.
Europa Endlos at Kunsthal Charlottenborg
In collaboration with CPH:DOX, Kunsthal Charlottenborg puts Europe and the EU on the agenda with a group exhibition that explores stories and themes central to the upcoming EU elections. Artists include Wolfgang Tillmans, Sara Jordenö, Olafur Eliasson, and Monica Bonvicini. The exhibition is accompanied by film screenings, discussions, and talks. Until 11th August.
There I Belong – Hammersøi by Elmgreen & Dragset at SMK
A safe and friendly space? In this art project, artists Elmgreen and Dragset challenge our ideas about „home“. Enjoy masterpieces by the Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi presented in unconventional company, juxtaposed with international contemporary art. The exhibition runs until 1st September.
The Vitality of Colour at Kunstforeningen GL Strand
Having been declared a “degenerate” artist by the National Socialist regime and a close friend of Matisse, Hans Purrmann was one of Germany’s most significant modernist artists. Kunstforeningen GL Strand is showing a retrospective of his works along with a selection of the artists with whom he collaborated or was inspired by. These include Max Liebermann, Henrio Matisse, and Mathilde Vollmoeller as well as writer Hermann Hesse. From 27th April – 15th September.
“Bauhaus – #itsalldesign” at Designmuseum Danmark
Designmuseum Danmark takes part in the international celebration of 100 years Bauhaus with the research based exhibition “Bauhaus – #itsalldesign.” Developed by Vitra Designmuseum and Bundeskunsthalle Bonn, the exhibition explores all aspects of this design school’s activities and how contemporary design passes and builds on the heritage of Bauhaus. Until 1st December.
If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!
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