Göteborgskalaset announces the first artists of the year – Miriam Bryant, Teddybears, Sahara Hotnights and Arvingarna

Göteborgskalaset now reveals the first artists for this year’s city celebration. Confirmed for the festival’s main stage at Götaplatsen are Miriam Bryant, Teddybears, Sahara Hotnights and Arvingarna. They are joined by newly crowned Grammy winner Yukimi and rock veterans LOK, both performing on the stage at Kungstorget. Gothenburg’s city festival takes place 27–30 August.

As Götaplatsen returns as the festival’s largest stage, the line‑up promises to raise the pulse at the top of Avenyn. Gothenburg’s own pop queen Miriam Bryant will be joined by established live favourites Teddybears, Sahara Hotnights and Arvingarna. The stage at Kungstorget will feature two acts from Gothenburg: Yukimi and LOK. Göteborgskalaset and Götaplatsen will also host RIX FM Festival, with its programme announced around Midsummer.

With increased funding, Göteborgskalaset 2026 is expanding across the city centre — from Götaplatsen and Avenyn to Bältespännarparken, Kungstorget, Grönsakstorget and Kungsparken. The upper part of Avenyn will be closed to traffic during the festival, allowing restaurants and bars to move out onto the streets and create a lively meeting place before and after the concerts.

New this year is a dedicated dance area in Bältespännarparken, offering opportunities to try different dance styles — from bugg to Bollywood — as well as enjoy dance performances. Local operators will be on site with food and drink.

Grönsakstorget will highlight emerging local talent, giving audiences the chance to discover new bands and artists — straight from the garage or rehearsal room to the stage. The initiative aims to give unestablished acts greater visibility in a larger context.

“This year, we are placing extra focus on working with local partners and highlighting artists from Gothenburg, both established and emerging. Not everything is local — but much of it is. We want to reflect the best of Gothenburg today: the atmosphere, the warmth, the vibrancy and the creativity,” says Anna Mjörnvik, Project Manager for Göteborgskalaset.

Göteborgskalaset takes place 27–30 August, with the programme released continuously. The festival is free and open to everyone.

CONFIRMED ARTISTS

Miriam Bryant
Since her debut in 2012, Miriam Bryant has become one of Sweden’s most charismatic voices. Earlier this year, she released the stripped‑back EP Isby Sessions and toured with an intimate concert hall show. Her latest album, Okej att dö, was a major success and widely praised.

Teddybears
Known for their boundary‑breaking mix of hip hop, rock, pop, dancehall and electronic music, rooted in hardcore punk. Teddybears combine playfulness, curiosity and bass‑heavy swagger, and have collaborated with artists such as Iggy Pop, Robyn, Neneh Cherry, The Flaming Lips and The B‑52’s.

Sahara Hotnights
One of Sweden’s most acclaimed live bands, Sahara Hotnights released their eighth album No One Ever Really Changes earlier this year. Formed in Robertsfors in 1992, the band have earned gold and platinum records, toured internationally and were inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame last year.

Arvingarna
Winners of Melodifestivalen with “Eloise”, recipients of several Grammis awards and with more than 20 songs on Svensktoppen, Arvingarna are an institution in Swedish music. The quartet from Partille blend dance band traditions with pop, strong stage presence and an inclusive atmosphere.

Yukimi
A Gothenburg‑based artist with international recognition as the vocalist of Little Dragon. Her solo debut For You recently earned her a Swedish Grammy for Soul/R&B of the Year.

LOK
Rock veterans from Partille known for their uncompromising mix of metal, hardcore and rap. After saying farewell in 2002, including a show at Göteborgskalaset, LOK reunited in 2019 and remain a powerful live act today.