Sweden has a quietly strong guitar culture, and the Umeå Guitarshow is one of its most visible expressions. Organized by Sweden Guitar Works with support from the municipality of Umeå, this two-day fair in northern Sweden has built a loyal following since it began.
What is the event about?
The Umeå Guitarshow runs over a weekend at Umeå Folkets Hus, a well-known cultural venue in the heart of the city. The event covers a broad spectrum: hand-built guitars from independent luthiers sit alongside amplifiers, microphones, pedals, music software, and accessories. It is a fair for making music in general, but guitars and related gear are at the centre.
Opening Hours:
Saturday, May 9: 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday, May 10: 11:00 – 15:00
The Community Feel
What distinguishes Umeå Guitarshow from larger European events is its tone. This is a community-driven gathering where manufacturers, retailers, independent builders, and music lovers mingle without a strict commercial hierarchy. The format actively encourages conversation and connection with the people behind the gear, which is harder to do at bigger shows where exhibitors are busy with crowds.
It’s also an opportunity to meet and discover Swedish and Scandinavian guitar makers who are doing genuinely interesting work but rarely appear at the major central European events.
Practical Details
Date: Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2026
Venue: Umeå Folkets Hus, Skolgatan 59, 903 29 Umeå, Sweden
Website: Umeå Guitar Show Sweden
Umeå has a domestic airport with connections to Stockholm, and the city is also reachable by overnight train from Stockholm. If you’re visiting from outside Sweden, combining the show with a few days in Umeå makes sense as the city has a lively cultural scene and a very walkable centre.
Who Is It For?
Players with an interest in discovering independent Scandinavian builders, and anyone who prefers a warmer, more personal event atmosphere. Also a natural fit if you happen to be in northern Sweden in May, or if you’re looking for an excuse to visit a part of Europe that doesn’t get as much attention from the guitar community as it deserves.
Back to: The Guitar Lover’s Calendar: Every Major Guitar Event in Europe in 2026
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