On May 7-11, the Eurovision Song Contest takes over Malmö, when Sweden hosts the legendary music competition. Having hosted it on two previous occasions (1992 and 2013), Malmö knows how to organise a cracking festival, and the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is sure to be at least as magical an event as previous years. Eurovision spans five full days and is, in addition to a competition and TV show, also a glittering live event that attracts people from all over the world. In the days before the actual competition begins, the pre-party starts in several places in town with events, concerts and other fun. In this guide, we've collected everything you need to know before the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, from information on programme items and sub-competitions to tips on good hotels and restaurants near the arena.
The guide to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
The semi-finals
ESC week consists of two semi-finals and a final, with each heat performed three times on stage: the evening previews the night before the broadcasts, the family shows in the afternoons, and the three live shows that take place at 9 p.m.
- When: 7, 9 and 11 May
- Where: Malmö Arena
- Tickets: ticketmaster.se
The warm-up
Everyone loves Eurovision
50 years have passed since ABBA won Eurovision with Waterloo and, led by Måns Zelmerlöw, a group of artists offers a cavalcade of hits and highlights from the music competition over the years. A celebration of the 50th anniversary, as well as a warm-up for Eurovision in Malmö with a sparkling show. The performance will be accompanied by the Malmö Symphony Orchestra.
- When: 1-2 March
- Where: Malmö Arena
- Tickets: malmolive.se
Eurovision Village
Folk festival in the park
During Eurovision Week, Folkets Park is transformed into Eurovision Village, a place for unique experiences and meetings between ESC lovers, residents of Malmö, and other partygoers. The schedule includes concerts, social activities, and special events organised by the park's independent cultural and food operators. If you're a fan of glitter, glam and good food, check out EuroGlam, a colourful dinner party in Eurovision Village, complete with drag, karaoke and dancing.
- When: 4-11 May
- Where: Folkets Park
Eurovision Street
Musical pedestrian street
Friisgatan temporarily transforms into Eurovision Street, a delightful pedestrian street connecting Triangeln and Eurovision Village. Take a stroll and soak up the festive atmosphere, discover musical surprises, and enjoy food from vendors with roots from around the world.
- When: 4-11 May
- Where: Friisgatan
The heart of the celebrations
The centre of the Eurovision celebrations will be Malmö Live, where both the opening ceremony and the glamorous after-party, The Grand Final Party, will take place. In between, there will be various activities, musical celebrations and other fun events. The journalists' "Turquoise Carpet" and the international ESC fan club Euroclub will also be located here.
- When: 4-11 May
- Where: Malmö Live
-
Dag Hammarskjölds torg 4, Malmö Centrum
- Website • 040-34 35 00
- Read more on Thatsup
It had barely been announced that the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 would take place in Malmö before all the hotels in the city were fully booked. Luckily, charming Lund is just a fifteen minute train ride or half an hour by bus away, and there are plenty of delightful hotels there. Check out our tips for great hotels in Lund!
-
The guide to Lund's best hotels The guide to Malmö's best hotels
Take the opportunity to experience Malmö's culinary offerings while energising yourself for singing, dancing, and partying. In our guide to Malmö's best restaurants, we've made it easy to navigate among the city's eateries. If you want to try Malmö's national dish, check out our guide to the best falafel.
-
Malmö's best restaurant experiences The guide to Malmö's best falafel
Meet up with your Eurovision crew for a drink and some snacks before the show is a nice way to create an extra festive atmosphere. In Malmö, there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail/mocktail. We've gathered our best tips in this guide.
When the festive feeling strikes and the desire to dance the night away arises, Malmö offers a vibrant club scene with everything from schlager to indie, latino and hip-hop – in case a bit of variety from pop and ballads is desired. In the guide to Malmö's best nightclubs, there is truly something for every preference!
The Eurovision Song Contest is an event that unites and includes the entire population, regardless of sexuality and gender identity. With the rainbow flag flying high, we list here Malmo's most popular LGBTQ clubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes with an open atmosphere.