Umeå Guitarshow, Sweden: 9 to 10 May 2026 (Cancelled)
Update: the May 2026 edition was cancelled. The organisers announced a new edition for October 2026. Check the official Umeå Guitarshow website for the latest dates.
Sweden has a quietly strong guitar culture, and the Umeå Guitarshow is one of its most visible expressions. Organised by Sweden Guitar Works with support from the municipality of Umeå, this two-day fair in northern Sweden has built a loyal following.
What Is the Umeå Guitarshow?
The show runs over a weekend at Umeå Folkets Hus, a well-known cultural venue in the heart of the city. It covers a wide range: hand-built guitars from independent luthiers alongside amplifiers, microphones, pedals, music software and accessories. It’s a fair for making music in general, but guitars and guitar gear are at the centre.
The planned opening times for the May edition were Saturday 9 May, 11:00 to 17:00, and Sunday 10 May, 11:00 to 15:00.
A Real Community Feel
What sets Umeå apart from bigger European shows is its atmosphere. It’s a community-driven gathering where manufacturers, shops, independent builders and music lovers mix without a strict commercial hierarchy. The format encourages real conversations with the people behind the gear, which is harder at big shows where exhibitors are busy with crowds.
It’s also a chance to discover Swedish and Scandinavian makers doing interesting work who rarely appear at the big central European events.
Practical Details
- Venue: Umeå Folkets Hus, Skolgatan 59, 903 29 Umeå, Sweden
- Website: umeaguitarshow.com
Umeå has an airport with connections to Stockholm, and you can also take the overnight train from Stockholm. If you’re travelling from outside Sweden, it’s worth staying a few days: the city has a lively cultural scene and a very walkable centre.
Who Is It For?
Players who want to discover independent Scandinavian builders, and anyone who prefers a warmer, more personal atmosphere. It’s also a great excuse to visit a part of Europe the guitar world doesn’t pay enough attention to.
Planning a Guitar Trip?
Make sure your guitar is travelling in good shape. Changes in temperature and humidity on the road can affect the neck and action, as we explain in how humidity affects your guitar. GuitarBuddy in Zandvoort offers guitar setups and repairs for players in Haarlem, Aerdenhout and Amsterdam.
