Marstrand Island · great festivity · the whole town turns out
The clock is turned back to the last turn of the century!
Bathing attendants, kings, automobiles, markets, theatre performances, star boats and orchestras transform Marstrand into something magical that only existed in days gone by.
On 7–9 August 2026 it is once again time to turn back the clock to the last turn of the century and experience Marstrand as a seaside resort. Bathing attendants, kings, motorcars, markets, theatre performances, star boats, orchestras and much, much more are in place to transform Marstrand into something magical that only existed in times past.
The Turn of the Century Days are a delightful folk festival where the visitors themselves add to the atmosphere. More than 300 performers entertain: musicians, actors, dancers, singers, sailors, guides, a king with his adjutant, a storyteller and a conjurer, to name but a few.
Add to this all the enthusiasts who return year after year — some in beautiful dresses, stately uniforms or folk costume, and others in rags, like Lus-Anna.
From our special correspondent
King Oscar II arrives aboard the steamship Bohuslän
Fortress Commandant Svanberg receives His Majesty on the quay — the ribbon is cut and the Turn of the Century Days declared open
On Saturday 8 August at about a quarter past one, Fortress Commandant Eiwe Svanberg welcomes King Oscar II as the steamship Bohuslän comes alongside the quay. The King cuts the ribbon and declares the Turn of the Century Days of 2026 open, amid music, song, dance and entertainment on the quay.
Already at half past twelve the costume parade assembles in Paradise Park — the Kungälv Brass Band, the Drill Girls, folk dancers and opera singer Olof Söderberg entertain the waiting crowds. On Sunday His Majesty returns at the King's Steps, welcomed by Bath Director Bobo Wallmander.
Musical life
Olof, Erika and Anders come to Marstrand Church
"Jussi Our Way" — it does not get better than this!
Our own tenor Olof Söderberg brings colleagues from the Gothenburg Opera: mezzo-soprano Erika Tordeus and, at the grand piano, Anders Ottosson. They perform the favourites of Jussi Björling and Kristina Nilsson in Swedish — Saturday 8 August at 18.00 in Marstrand Church. Tickets at the door and in advance via Swish.
Friends of the ballad
Ballad festival in the Art Chapel
On Saturday at 19.00 the Marstrand Ballad Festival is given — Taube and others — with troubadours Dan Fägerquist, Frida Ferrada Eriksson, Rasmus Dahlstedt, Batal Jon and Lars Anders Johansson. Tickets SEK 300 via kulturbiljetter.se.
Bathing life
The Royal Dip — for the daring
In period bathing costumes, all who wish and dare gather at "Kallberget", the bathing place by the Southern Strandverket. Some ten bathing suits are available to borrow, and after the swim the daring are treated to hot punch. Saturday and Sunday at 14.15.
The arts
Paint like Zorn
Artist Sussi Willgren Lamm teaches fundamental techniques in oils — Friday 15.00–17.30 and Saturday 13.00–15.30 in the Art Chapel. No prior skill required. SEK 2,400 incl. materials.
For the little ones
Circus school on Saturday and cake party for every child on Sunday
Together with Kungälv Energi, all children are treated to squash and cake in Paradise Park at 12.00 on Sunday 9 August. Plenty of dance, song and music — the brass band plays children's tunes, the play leaders do face painting and the Drill Girls help with the dancing.
Already on Saturday, Kultur i Kungälv holds a circus school in Paradise Park, 14.00–15.30, for everyone from 6 to 100 years of age. Join a workshop where circus artist Joakim Keskinen guides you through thrilling tricks and classic circus arts — try the Chinese yo-yo, juggling balls and colourful devil sticks! Drop-in welcome.
A question of dress
Do come dressed in period attire
Choose a role you fancy — and step straight into another age
Experience the special feeling of wearing period clothing in Marstrand during these days.
Herring fisherman · fine lady · market woman · sailor · gentleman in a top hat
Moreover, whoever arrives at Carlsten Fortress in period attire enters two for the price of one — dressing the part pays off!
From the programme
Sunday 17.00 · Marstrand Church
Jubilee concert — Kungälv Brass Band, 40 years
Music from the years gone by, conducted by Jan Eliasson.
Friday 18.00 · Marstrand Church
Summer concert
The summer workers conducted by Linnéa Johansson.
Every day 10–16 · The Quay
A market as in days of old
Cheeses, bread, ropemaker's wares, rag rugs, hats and old photographs.
Saturday, all day
King Gustaf V's hunting car on show
Behold a treasure — a Buick of the year 1929.
Lör & sön 10.00 · Rådhuset
"In Oscar's Footsteps"
Town tour with Göran Kristensson. SEK 50; children free.
The town beautified
The Society of St Erik — Marstrand Anno 1882
In this year's programme paper you will find a map showing not only the streets and squares of Marstrand but also the roads, parks and plantings in the unplanned part of Marstrand Island.
Since 1882 the Society of St Erik has tidied and cleared paths old and new, laid out ponds, planted woodland and kept it all in good order. Walk the paths and discover a new Marstrand.
Shipping news
The boats of yore take the harbour
Wooden boats, model builders and classic vessels at the Event Jetty
Come and see wonderful models of fishing boats, rowing boats, yachts and motor vessels — all presented by the West Coast Wooden Boat Society in the Harbour Office house, straight ahead where the ferry berths on Marstrand Island.
At the Event Jetty, moreover, lie classic boats of older model — aboard several you are welcome. The finest model-boat builders also display their skill opposite the ferry berth.
Association news
A non-profit association behind the festivities
Since 2015 the Turn of the Century Days have been run by "Sekelskiftesdagarna i Marstrands ideella förening". The association works to make the event sustainable in the long term and even better in years to come.
More than 300 performers entertain throughout the days — musicians, actors, dancers, singers, sailors, guides, a king with his adjutant, a storyteller and a conjurer. And the enthusiasts return year after year, some in beautiful dresses and stately uniforms, others in rags, like Lus-Anna.
Public notice
Become a member of the association
200 kronor
per annum
Would you like to support and help make the Turn of the Century Days a sustainable and ever better event in the future?
You may also pay by Swish: 123 63 286 29 or Bankgiro: 695-8813
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See you on Marstrand Island, 7–9 August 2026!