Great art and culture is even better when you share the experience. Music, film, and other popular festivals are a key part of the booming Norwegian culture scene.
Festivals in Norway
A feast of flavours, sights, and sounds.
Norway offers more than 900 festivals to match almost anyone's interests in music, food, sport, film, theatre, literature, history and much more.
Summer is undoubtedly the biggest festival season, but several exciting events take place throughout the year all over the country.
There is a myriad of music festivals in Norway, covering both popular genres such as jazz, blues and contemporary music, as well as niche festivals showcasing more experimental music. The festival scene in Norway holds a high international standard and measures up to the best festivals in Europe.
Want to know what's on during your visit? Check out our event calendar!
Find your next festival
Photo credit: Maja Brenna / Øyafestivalen
Popular Norwegian music festivals
- Øyafestivalen in Oslo in August
- By:Larm in Oslo in September
- OverOslo in Oslo in June
- Tons of Rock in Oslo in June
- Slottsfjellfestivalen in Tønsberg in July
- Stavernfestivalen in Larvik in July
- Pstereo in Trondheim in August
- Neon in Trondheim in June
- Parken in Bodø in August
- Buktafestivalen in Tromsø in July
- Palmesus in Kristiansand in June
Pop and rock festivals
Showcasing big-name international artists as well as up-and-coming local bands.
Black metal and jazz
Norway is in many ways a country of extremes, so it’s perhaps no coincidence genres like black metal and jazz have thrived here for decades. Norway is the home of black metal, and there is no better place to experience it than the Inferno festival, held every Easter in Oslo. There are also international jazz festivals in Bergen, Molde, Kongsberg, Haugesund, Oslo, Lillehammer and more.
For more extremes, enjoy Ekstremsportveko in Voss, the largest extreme sports festival of its kind, which also includes live music performances. And don't miss Voss's jazz festival, Vossajazz, usually held in April.
Jazz and Blues festivals
Experience Europe's oldest annual jazz festival in Molde and other top festivals.
Festivals for foodies
Food, and especially locally-sourced food, is increasingly important to Norwegians, and there are several annual bigger festivals, like for example the Matstreif festival in Oslo, the Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival and Gladmat in Stavanger, but also several niche festivals like the Rakfisk (semi-fermented trout) festival in Valdres and cider festivals in Hardanger.
Photo credit: Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visitnorway.com
Popular Norwegian food and drink festivals
- Trøndelag Food Festival in Trondheim in August
- Norway Seafood Festival in Trondheim in March
- Gladmat in Stavanger in June
- Matstreif in Oslo in September
- Bergen Food Festival in Bergen in September
- The Norwegian Rakfisk festival in Valdres in November
- Cider and fruit festivals in places like Hardanger and Telemark at various times
- The Shellfish Festival in Mandal in August
- Oslo Vegetarian Festival in Oslo in May
Food and drink festivals
A multitude of flavours and activities for foodies of all ages.
Book nowBønes19.11.2026Åpen Smaking, Juleøl Edition - Torsdag 19. November
JOIN US FOR AN OPEN TASTING AND BREWERYTOUR At the Open Tasting, you can sign up as a small group, or just bring yourself, colleagues, neighbors, or your partner. The tasting is suitable for all levels, whether you're a beer enthusiast, beginner, curious, or just looking to do something different. Enjoy a pleasant evening at the brewery where we take a slightly different and more relaxed 7 Mountain tour... There will be no blisters, sore feet or promises of "we're almost there." The tasting includes a welcome beer, a tour of the brewery, and tasting of six additional varieties from our diverse selection. There will, of course, be some storytelling about both beer and 7 Fjell along the way, and the event lasts 2.5-3 hours, depending on the number of questions and participants. A warm welcome to you!
Bergen10.03.2027Bergen Seafood Festival
Bergen Seafood Festival takes over the city when seafood is at its very best. For an entire week, the restaurants are filled with unique seafood experiences, special menus, and meeting places that celebrate the ingredients from our coast. The public can also join this year’s "cider train", experience the World Championship in the traditional dish røykerumpe, and end the week with a large free festival day at Fisketorget on the Saturday. Here you’ll get to experience why Bergen is one of Norway’s most important seafood cities, and take part in a celebration of everything the ocean has to offer – from fjord to plate. Welcome to the festival!
Book nowBergen23.10.2026Kjøtt Festival
Festivalen Kjøtt was held for the first time in 2025. Now we are repeating the success and inviting you to two days you don’t want to miss, where you will have the opportunity to hear something completely new and experience a festival out of the ordinary. Festivalen Kjøtt focuses on quality and creativity, and is a bridge-builder working to give new generations greater opportunities for diversity on and behind the stage.
Book nowBergen15.10.2026 - 16.10.2026Apollon 50-år: Musikkfestival 2026 | Fredag - lørdag
Apollon, founded in 1976, continues their 50th anniversary celebration with a two-day music festival at Kulturhuset, just a stone's throw from the shop, on 16 and 17 October! We invite you to the party of a lifetime with a total of 14 bands, and we will start releasing the first artists in early August. We recommend securing your ticket already now, and we look forward to celebrating together with you! Follow here and via social media for updates: Instagram: @apollonplatebar Facebook: /apollonplatebar Buy your ticket here.
Book nowBergen03.12.2026Christmas party at Madam Felle
Remember to book a table for the best experience ✨ This Year's Christmas Party ✨ We invite you to a full evening of Christmas atmosphere, good food and entertainment! At the buffet pinnekjøtt with all the trimmings awaits, and no Christmas dinner is complete without genuine rice pudding for dessert. After the food the evening continues with room for a chat with friends old and new, before we top it all off with a concert, quiz and other Christmas fun as the evening progresses. The ticket includes both food and concert – all in one package! For those who would rather come straight to the entertainment, there is also a separate concert ticket available (includes quiz). Gather the gang and join an unforgettable Christmas party evening with food, fun and music!- Narvik07.05.2025 - 07.05.2099
The Railway Café
The Railway Café is located inside Narvik's historic train station and offers a warm combination of modern comfort and nostalgic railway atmosphere. Here you can take a break with good food and coffee, whether you are waiting for the train, exploring the city or just want a nice café visit. 
Trondheim14.03.2027Snurrmila
🏃♀️🥐 SNURRMILA – 10 KM FOR A FREE SNURR! ❤️ Are you ready for a slightly different Sunday morning? 🤩 Sunday 14 March we invite you to Snurrmila – a social running event where the goal is not to run fastest, but to have fun together! The concept is simple: Run 10 km, finish at Snurr and get a free snurr as a reward! 😍🥐 👟 No timing – run at your own pace ❤️ Bring a friend, a colleague or your running group 🥐 10 km completed = one free snurr ☕ Opportunity to buy coffee and other treats after the run 📅 Sunday 14 March 2027 ⏰ 09:00 📍 Snurr Håndverksbakeri, Stjørdal Lace up your running shoes – we're treating you to a snurr! 🏃♀️🥐 Registration via email: [email protected]
Trondheim14.03.2027Children's race
🏃♀️❤️ CHILDREN'S RUN AT SNURR – LITTLE LEGS, BIG SMILES! 🥐🎉 Join us for a fun and social running experience for children! 🤩 In connection with Snurrmila, we also invite you to a children's run of approximately 3 km. This is not about running the fastest, but about being active, having fun and experiencing the joy of running together! ❤️ And of course, there is an extra special reward at the finish line: All children get a free skolebolle (sweet bun) from Snurr! 😍🥐 👟 One lap of approximately 3 km 🎉 Focus on joy of running and achievement 🥐 Free skolebolle for all children ❤️ Bring friends, siblings and family! 📅 Sunday 14 March 2027 ⏰ 10:00 📍 Snurr Håndverksbakeri, Stjørdal Get your running shoes ready and join us for an active and cosy Sunday together with us! We look forward to cheering on all the clever little runners! 🏃♀️🏃♂️❤️ Registration via email: [email protected]
Bergen16.03.2027 - 17.03.2027Borealis - a festival for experimental music
Borealis is a festival for genre-crossing music and art, taking place over five days each March in Bergen, Norway. It is a meeting point for adventurous listeners, celebrating music that resists a single definition. The festival presents new projects from Norway, Sápmi, and around the world that push the boundaries of what music is and how we listen.
Book nowBergen14.11.2026Juleølfestivalen 2026 (Christmas beer festival)
Bergen Ølfestival presents: JULEØLFESTIVALEN 2026 (CHRISTMAS BEER FESTIVAL) Saturday 14 November - Sardinen // USF Verftet In November the breweries release this year's Christmas brew and we have invited a wonderful selection of them to an exclusive festival at Sardinen at USF Verftet! The festival consists of two sessions on this day. No all-day passes or festival passes are sold. Only 300 persons per session! - so be early :) Please note! Purchased tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Saturday 14 November 1st session: 13:00 - 16:00 2nd session: 17:00 - 20:00 Ticket packages: Small package = ticket (NOK 250) + tasting glass + 5 tokens - NOK 425 Large package = ticket (NOK 250) + tasting glass + 10 tokens - NOK 600 Tickets are sold online only. Maximum 6 tickets per purchase/per session. Purchased tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Token sales at the festival area. Unused tokens will not be refunded. Therefore do not buy more tokens than you need.
Trondheim29.10.2026Quiz night October 29th
🧠☕️ QUIZ NIGHT AT SNURR! ☕️🧠 Gather your friends and join us for a fun quiz night at Snurr! 🤎 On Thursday, October 29th, we will fill the evening with fun questions, a bit of competition, great prizes and lots of fun atmosphere. 🍂 Thursday, October 29th ⏰ 6:30 PM–9:00 PM 📍 Snurr Handicraft Bakery, Stjørdal There will be a quiz, good food, something good in a glass and a perfect opportunity to bring the gang together. 😍
Book nowStolmen09.07.2027Palepop 2027
Welcome to Palepop 2027! 9–10 July 2027 we invite you to a magical Palepop weekend at Stangeland Gard! Who will perform? Booking is in progress! But as in our debut year there will be a good mix of well-known national artists, local heroes and new rising stars! Where is Palepop 2027 being held? Festival area at Stangeland Gard and selected satellite events, among others at Møkster! Family programme during the day Several stages at the festival Food trucks and stands at the festival area Several bars selling drinks and snacks Shuttle buses to and from Stangeland Gard between towns in the municipality So grab your ticket, pack your smile – and join the adventure! Follow palepop.no, Facebook or Instagram for updated programme.
Trondheim05.11.2026Women's evening
💕 WOMEN'S EVENING AT SNURR 💕 Thursday 5 November at 18:30–22:00 We invite you to a really lovely evening at Snurr – filled with good food, bubbles, fashion, prizes and lots of great atmosphere! 🥂✨ This is an evening for good friends, sisters, mothers, colleagues and everyone who wants a bit of extra everyday luxury. 💕 ✨ You get all this for just 499 kr: 🍾 Welcome drink upon arrival 🍽️ 3-course dinner 🥂 Wine/bubbles included with the meal 👗 Lovely fashion show 🎁 Wonderful prizes and giveaways ❤️ An evening with good food, laughter and lovely company 📅 5 November ⏰ 18:30–22:00 📍 Snurr Håndverksbakeri, Stjørdal 💰 499 kr per person Limited number of places – so gather your girl group and secure your spot! 🥂💕 We look forward to creating a really wonderful Women's Evening at Snurr with you! ❤️
Stavanger28.11.2026Christmas market in the city park in Stavanger
The period before Christmas in Stavanger is truly something special! The city is decorated with the finest Christmas lights, shops decorate their windows with elves and garlands, the sound of Christmas music spreads and the streets are filled with Christmas spirit - you can feel with all your senses that Christmas is approaching. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to get a sprinkling of snow? Christmas stalls with a wide variety The city park is transformed into the best place in the city for Christmas joy. It's a Christmas market showcasing the wide variety of trade, culture, food and crafts. At the Christmas market in Byparken, there will be a good mix of Christmas market stalls, tents and food trucks.
Book nowGålå30.07.2027The outdoor theater Peer Gynt by Ibsen
By a lake, between forests and steep mountains in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, you can experience Norways most famous folk tale in a spectacular outdoor theatre production. The dramatic poem "Peer Gynt" is staged all over the world, but it was here that Ibsen found his inspiration.
Book nowÅnneland29.07.2027UTKANT
UTKANT takes place the last weekend of July at the idyllic Skjerjehamn in Gulen municipality outside Bergen. Join one of Norway's finest festivals! For artists and programme, follow utkant.com or our channels on Instagram and Facebook. Get all the info first by signing up for our newsletter. Accommodation: Festival camping is free, with an age limit of 18 years. If you arrive by your own boat you must have a ticket for the boat harbour for the days you attend the festival. Purchase the ticket that matches the size of your boat. Please note that everyone staying on the boat must have a valid festival ticket. Accessibility and companion pass: Everyone with reduced mobility is warmly welcome at Utkant and most areas are accessible by wheelchair, but please note that the festival arena is hilly and steep in some places. For more information see utkant.com.
Bergen29.01.2027Bergen Spiser - Bergen’s restaurant festival
Discover Bergen one meal at a time. During Bergen Spiser, restaurants across the city centre invite you to try new flavours, explore somewhere new or return to a favourite, with selected dishes and menus at fixed festival prices. Meet friends for lunch, share an evening meal or find your next favourite restaurant. Choose from: Selected dishes at NOK 100, 125 or 150. Two-course lunches or three-course dinners at NOK 300, 450 or 600, depending on the offer. How to take part: Festival offers are available as coupons in the byVENN app. Download the app and register for free. Show your coupon at the restaurant and redeem it there before paying. Check each coupon for details and terms.
Bergen29.10.2026 - 28.10.2026EKKOFESTIVALEN 2026
EKKO FESTIVAL XXIII 30 October – 1 November 2025 BERGEN, NORWAY Welcome to the 23rd edition of the Ekko Festival. What is the Ekko Festival? Ekko is an annual festival for experimental and electronic music in Bergen, established in 2003. The festival is organised by Ekko at Østre and various other venues and locations in and around the city. Here, audiences can experience everything from new and established artists to sound art, installations, exhibitions, conversations, and club nights.
Book nowStjørdal17.10.2026Potato preparedness - a proper nerd course on potatoes
Registration via Hoopla. During the Høstfestivalen along Route 26, you can join Jeanette from Ydsti to geek out about potatoes! In this course, we explore the many possibilities of potatoes and how one simple ingredient can form the basis for many different meals. Through demonstrations and tastings, we look at what happens when potatoes are boiled, mashed and fried, and how leftovers can become new meals instead of food waste. We also look at how knowledge about ingredients can contribute to food enjoyment, economy and practical everyday preparedness. The course is suitable for adults and young people, and no prior knowledge is required. Tastings are included. The course is held at Ersgard. Welcome!
Trondheim13.10.2026Trondhei Stage
Trondheim Stage is the leading concert promoter in Central Norway, behind some of the region’s biggest music experiences. With a passion for creating magical moments on the city’s most iconic stages, they bring together international stars and beloved Norwegian artists for unforgettable concerts. Something for Everybody Trondheim Stage offers a diverse concert program with something for every taste — from global acts like Guns N’ Roses and Robbie Williams to Norwegian favorites like Kaizers Orchestra and Åge & Sambandet. They present everything from grand stadium experiences at Granåsen and E.C. Dahls Arena to intimate club concerts in the heart of Trondheim. In addition, they set the stage for festivals like Trondheim Rocks and Neon Festival.
Book nowHegra17.10.2026Fermentation course
During the Autumn Festival along Route 26, a fermentation course is arranged with Andreas Dønåsen at Fuldseth Gård. Fermentation is a traditional method that uses salt and lactic acid to preserve vegetables and other foods. Fermentation, along with drying, salting, and pickling, has been used for thousands of years to preserve food. The method also contributes to the development of exciting flavors. Fermented food is also healthy for digestion and intestinal health. In this course you will receive both theoretical introduction and practical experience so you can safely continue at home. Everyone gets ingredients to make Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Curtido or other mixture during the course. ABOUT COURSE TEACHERS Andreas Dønåsen is a physiotherapist and lifestyle counselor. Since 2014, he has been involved in holistic therapy and communication within lifestyle, diet, gut health, stress and breathing. He is also an urban gardener, permaculturist and forager. He takes us on a journey through history, ecology, gut health and culinary experiences with fermented food. PROGRAM 12.00-12.45: Theoretical introduction 12.45-13.00: Demo 13.00-14.30: Practical workshop 14.30-15.00: Summary, questions and rounding off BRING - Cutting board - Good knife - Baking bowl - Grater - 2 Norgesglass/glass with large opening (approx. 1 L total) - Apron (if you want) - Notebook (if you want) You do not need any prior knowledge to participate. Price: 850,- including lunch, ingredients, course compendium and recipes.
Festivals in the great outdoors
Try a unique festival in the wild surrounded by gorgeous Norwegian nature. Enjoy live music on remote islands where the sun never sets or high up in the mountains. It's perfect for combining a love of music and the outdoors and you'll be able to explore exciting parts of Norway.
There are also several festivals that focus on indigenous Sami art, music, literature and culture, such as Riddu Riđđu and Márkomeannu.
Photo credit: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com
Popular festivals in the wild
- Trænafestivalen on Træna island in July
- Vinjerock at Eidsbugarden in Jotunheimen in July
- Trevarefestivalen in Henningsvær in July
- Riddu Riđđu in Manndalen in July
- Bergtattfestivalen in Luster in July
- Márkomeannu in Tjeldsund in July
Enjoy international film festivals
Are you a cinephile? Norway is home to several international film festivals The international film festival in Tromsø in January has a unique Arctic atmosphere, while the Film fra Sør (Films from the South) festival in Oslo screens new and exciting titles from Asia, Africa and South America. Bergen is home to the popular international film festival BIFF, usually held in October.
And last, but not least, there are also a variety of theatre and literature festivals.
Photo credit: Vegard Stien / Visit Tromsø
Popular film festivals
- Tromsø International Film Festival in Tromsø in January
- Bergen International Film Festival in Bergen in October
- Film fra Sør in Oslo in November
- Dokfilm in Volda in Mai
- Oslo Pix in Oslo in August
Find your next art festival
Enjoy theatre, literature and film.
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