Calendar of Events

Note: Exact dates below apply for 2007. Should you be using this guide in 2008, check with local tourist boards for exact dates.

May

Carnival in Copenhagen. A great citywide event. There's also a children's carnival. For information, call tel. 35-38-85-04; www.karneval.dk. Mid-May.

Ballet and Opera Festival (Copenhagen). Classical and modern dance and two operatic masterpieces are presented at the Old Stage of the Royal Theater in Copenhagen. For tickets, contact the Royal Theater, Box 2185, DK-1017 Copenhagen (tel. 33-69-69-69-33; www.kgl-teater.dk). Mid-May to June.

Aalborg Carnival. This is one of the country's great spring events. The streets fill with people in colorful costumes. Thousands take part in the celebration, which honors the victory of spring over winter. For information, call tel. 98-13-72-11; www.karnevalaalborg.dk. Late May.

June

Viking Festival (Frederikssund, 8 miles southwest of Hillerød). For two weeks every summer, "bearded Vikings" present old Nordic sagas in an open-air setting. After each performance, a traditional Viking meal is served. Call tel. 47-31-06-85 or visit www.vikingespil.dk for more information. Late June to early July.

Midsummer's Night (countrywide). This age-old event is celebrated throughout Denmark. It is the longest day of the year. Festivities throughout the nation begin at around 10pm with bonfires and celebrations along the myriad coasts. June 21.

July

Roskilde Festival. Europe's biggest rock festival has been going strong for 30 years, now bringing about 90,000 revelers each year to the central Zealand town. Besides major rock concerts, which often draw big names, scheduled activities include theater and film presentations. For more information, call tel. 46-36-66-13; www.roskilde-festival.dk. Early July.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival. International jazz musicians play in the streets, squares, and theaters. Pick up a copy of Copenhagen This Week to find the venues. For information, call tel. 33-93-20-13; www.jazzfestival.dk. Early July.

July 4th (Rebild). Rebild National Park, near Aalborg, is one of the few places outside the United States to honor American Independence Day. For more information, contact the Aalborg Tourist Bureau, Østerågade 8, DK-9000 Aalborg (tel. 99-30-60-90; www.visitaalborg.com). July 4th.

Funen Festival. This annual musical extravaganza draws big, international headliners. The festival's music is often hard-core rock, but gentler, classical melodies are presented as well. It takes place in the city of Odense, on the island of Funen. For more information, call the Odense tourist bureau (tel. 66-12-75-20; www.visitodense.com). Early July.

August

Fire Festival Regatta (Silkeborg). Denmark's oldest and biggest festival features nightly cruises on the lakes, with thousands of candles illuminating the shores. The fireworks display on the last night is the largest and most spectacular in northern Europe. Popular Danish artists provide entertainment at a large, fun fair. For more information, contact the Turistbureau, Godthåbsuej 4, DK-8600 Silkeborg (tel. 86-85-31-55; www.ildregatta.dk). Mid-August.

Fall Ballet Festival (Copenhagen). The internationally acclaimed Royal Danish Ballet returns home to perform at the Old Stage of the Royal Theater just before the tourist season ends. For tickets, contact the Royal Theater, Box 2185, DK-1017 Copenhagen (tel. 33-69-69-69; www.kgl-teater.dk). Mid-August to September.

Århus Festival Week. A wide range of cultural activities -- including opera, jazz, classical and folk music, ballet, and theater -- is presented. It's the largest cultural festival in Scandinavia. Sporting activities and street parties abound as well. For more information, contact tel. 89-40-91-85; www.aarhusfestival.dk. Late August to early September.