We are proud to present the first names for the 2026 edition of WOW Talks. Nooshi Dadgostar, Simona Mohamsson, Johan Rockström, Valter Nilsson, Tone Schunnesson, Karin Pettersson and many more are confirmed for our stage WOW Talks – where this year’s program will address some of the most important issues of our time – including politics, sustainability, equality and how we shape the future of food and fashion.
Earlier this year we proudly announced that WOW Talks will return as part of this year’s festival edition – a stage entirely dedicated to inspiring conversations formed around some of today’s most important topics. The program will be hosted by comedian, journalist and TV personality Messiah Hallberg.
We are now revealing the first glimpse of this year’s WOW Talks edition! Party leaders Nooshi Dadgostar (V) and Simona Mohamsson (L) will meet in a conversation hosted by Messiah Hallberg, exploring the connection between politics and music.
Journalists and authors Karin Pettersson and Tone Schunnesson will present a live podcast with Café Bambino – in a conversation exploring how the upcoming election will impact women.
Together with the City of Gothenburg, as part of its role as a UN hub for sustainability, we will present three sessions: a conversation with climate scientist Johan Rockström, a discussion on the future of food and a discussion on the future of fashion – featuring, among others, Gothenburg-based artist Valter Nilsson.
WOW Talks is presented together with Storytel and the talks will also be available to stream after the festival via the Storytel app.
WOW Talks will take place on Slottsskogsteatern’s existing outdoor stage, which will also become a new area for our festival visitors. More titles will be announced shortly!
WOW TALKS 2026:
Beyond Politics (Nooshi Dadgostar & Simona Mohamsson in conversation with Messiah Hallberg)
Café Bambino Live (Karin Pettersson & Tone Schunnesson)
Eat the Future (Sofia B Olsson, Maria Bodin, Kenneth Gustavsson & Kalle Wannerskog)
Wear the Future (Valter Nilsson, Anna-Karin Dahlberg, Sally Bjerre Gaarde & Anna Lidström)
Too Hot to Ignore (Johan Rockström in conversation with Messiah Hallberg)
