Almedalsveckan began in 1968 when Olof Palme, then Minister of Education, delivered a speech from the back of a lorry in the city park Almedalen near Kruttornet in Visby. Over time, it became a tradition for Palme and the Social Democratic Party to hold speeches in the Almedalen Park. Until 1974, he was the sole speaker.

In 1991, Almedalsveckan became independent of the Social Democratic Party, and since then, all parliamentary parties have participated in the event.

Almedalsveckan is the annual result of cooperation between the main organizers, the host and other co-organizers. The main organizers are the parliamentary political parties, via their local representatives in Gotland. The Municipality of Gotland serves as the formal host, managing the event through its dedicated project office.

Almedalsveckan attracts an estimated 30,000 visitors and 1,200 organizers. Many ALF members take part and organise events or attend as speakers.