Way Out West isn’t just a festival—it’s an experience that blends music, nature, and culture in a uniquely Swedish way.
Way Out West is a three-day music festival held each August in Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s called Way Out West because Gothenburg lies on the country’s western edge, nestled in the historic heart of Nya Lödöse—an early city that began developing in the late Middle Ages.
The festival takes place in a beautiful green park right in the city center, making it one of the most accessible festivals in Europe. Whether you arrive by bus, train, or plane, getting to WOW is incredibly easy and straightforward.
Although the festival has a limited capacity, the lineup punches well above its weight. Year after year, Way Out West delivers carefully curated acts across a variety of genres—and 2025 is no exception.
This lineup is a rollercoaster: punk, pop, psych, legends, newcomers—WOW-25 is about movement and contrast. From Iggy’s wild chaos to Chappell’s glitter storm, from Fontaines’ doom-laced punk anthems to Khruangbin’s dreamy grooves, this summer you dance, you sway, you sweat—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Way Out West isn’t just a festival—it’s an experience that blends music, nature, and culture in a uniquely Swedish way.
Get your WOW tickets here!
Every August, Gothenburg’s lush Slottsskogen Park transforms into a sonic playground for thousands of music lovers from across Europe. Since its launch in 2007, Way Out West has earned a reputation as one of the continent’s most forward-thinking festivals—both musically and environmentally.
🌿 A Festival With Purpose
What sets Way Out West apart isn’t just its eclectic lineups or idyllic setting. It’s also the first major European festival to go fully vegetarian (in 2012) and to embrace full sustainability standards, including KRAV-certified food and ISO 20121 certification. This is a festival where enjoying world-class music means leaving a minimal footprint.
Past editions have featured giants like Prince, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Robyn, and The Cure, earning WOW its place among Europe’s elite music festivals.
Acts to be at WOW-25
Fontaines D.C., the Irish post-punk poets are coming in hot this year with their powerful fourth album |Romance|, featuring their first UK Top 10 single “Starburster.” Their shows are emotional punches with loud guitars and a frontman who looks like he’s fighting ghosts with every line. They bring raw energy, disillusionment, and Irish grit to the green fields of Gothenburg—if you like rock with heart, this is a no-brainer for WOW-25.
Chappell Roan, the Midwest Princess herself, is a must-watch for every pop lover. Her theatrical glam, pink-leather aesthetic and booming synth-pop bangers like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot To Go!” are made for big festival moments. This is her year—massive Billboard hits, queer pop icon status, and viral stage moments. Expect costumes, choreography, and controlled chaos. If Charli XCX is hyperpop royalty, Chappell is the new-school queen-elect.
Khruangbin offers something totally different—a slow, psychedelic swim through grooves and vintage textures. No big drops, no shouting—just instrumental bliss. Their 2024 album |A La Sala| is all about space, tone, and atmosphere. This Texas trio delivers calm after the storm. When you’ve danced enough and need to float, this is where you want to be. Sunset set? Yes, please.
Pet Shop Boys, synth-pop legends and British icons, need no introduction. If you’ve ever heard “West End Girls” or “It’s a Sin,” you already know the level of nostalgia and polish they bring. These guys helped invent the stadium pop experience—expect dazzling visuals, deadpan vocals, and three decades of dancefloor classics. A rare festival appearance that should not be missed.
Charli XCX—fast, bold, hyperpop energy. From indie darling to mainstream provocateur, she’s always ahead of the curve. Her live sets are sweaty, stylish, and loud—mixing experimental textures with pop bangers. If you like your pop messy, sexy, and futuristic, Charli’s set will be a full sensory attack. Plus, she’ll probably bring out a surprise or two—this is her playground.
Wet Leg, the most fun you’ll have with guitars. Their 2022 self-titled debut was full of witty, cheeky, and ridiculously catchy indie rock (“Chaise Longue,” “Wet Dream”). Their live show is tight, funny, and filled with crowd energy. The British duo may play it cool, but their songs get people moving—expect dancing, shouting, and a whole lot of “is this really happening?” faces in the crowd.
Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk, needs no hype—he is the hype. Shirtless, ageless, and raw as ever, his live performances are unpredictable blasts of punk energy and primal rock. From The Stooges to his Berlin years with Bowie, the guy’s a legend. If you’ve never seen Iggy live, this might be your last best chance—and he will not go quietly.
And of course, WOW wouldn’t be complete without some Swedish firepower, Way Out West also makes space for the Swedish scene, and this year should be no different. Expect to see artists like:
Kite (Sweden) – The Epic Synth Duo You Should Know at WOW
Kite is a critically acclaimed Swedish synth-pop duo formed in 2008 base in Stockholm, consisting of Nicklas Stenemo and Christian Berg. They’re known for their grand, cinematic sound that blends emotional intensity with electronic precision. Kite creates soaring, melancholic, and theatrical synth-pop—think massive synthesizer walls mixed with vulnerable vocals. Their music often features dark, atmospheric textures, dramatic melodies, and futuristic yet nostalgic tones. Rather than traditional albums, Kite has released a series of numbered EPs, each representing a new chapter in their sound evolution:
- Kite I–VI (2008–2015): A progression from raw synth-pop to more expansive, epic compositions.
- Kite VII (2015) and Kite VIII (2019): Featuring the acclaimed single “Tranås/Stenslanda”, blending orchestral drama with electronic grandeur.
- Kite Mark I (2023): A 2023 live recording with a full orchestra at the Royal Swedish Opera. This marked a huge milestone in their career.
🎬 Way Out West Film: A Festival Within the Festival
While Way Out West is best known for its unforgettable music lineup, there’s another side to this Gothenburg event that film lovers shouldn’t miss. Since 2011, Way Out West Film has grown into Sweden’s third-largest film festival, and today it’s just as essential for cinephiles as the music is for fans of live acts.
Every year, between 35 and 40 films are selected and screened across cinemas in central Gothenburg—completely free for all festival ticket holders. It’s an incredible opportunity to dive into thought-provoking cinema during the day before heading into the park for live performances in the evening.
🎥 What’s on Screen?
The selection is always diverse and bold. Expect a carefully curated mix of:
- Feature films
- Documentaries
- TV series
- Short films
The programming tends to focus on music, social justice, identity, and culture, often showcasing stories that challenge, inspire, and linger long after the credits roll.
Over the years, Way Out West Film has hosted screenings and Swedish premieres for critically acclaimed works like:
- Searching for Sugarman
- The Square
- Boyhood
- Palme
- Monica Z
These films didn’t just entertain—they sparked conversations, won awards, and defined cultural moments. The first batch of 2025 film titles will be announced soon, and expectations are high. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a full-blown film nerd, Way Out West Film adds another rich layer to the festival experience.
Music and movies, side by side—WOW has it all. Whether you’re coming for the bands, the documentaries, or a little of both, Gothenburg in August is the place to be.
🌙 Beyond the Main Stage: Stay Out West
Once the sun sets over Slottsskogen, the festival spills into the city’s clubs and bars with its “Stay Out West” program. This parallel nighttime experience offers intimate performances by emerging artists in venues scattered across Gothenburg—perfect for discovering your next obsession.
You’ll also find a rich program of:
- Art house film screenings,
- Talks and panels on sustainability and culture,
- Vegetarian food experiences,
- Installations and pop-up performances all over the city.
🎧 Why It Matters
Way Out West isn’t just another music festival—it’s a curated cultural experience. With a lineup that spans from the avant-garde to the iconic, a proven track record in environmental responsibility, and a genuine commitment to local talent, it hits that rare balance between big and boutique.
