Festivals and cultural events Norway

This blues festival is one of the most important in Europe, and the largest in Scandinavia. International artists perform for six days. In a beautiful setting in the city center, the Notodden Blues Festival offers small intimate concerts with local artists to blues cruises on the idyllic Heddalsvannet, workshops at Europe's Blues Center, family events and of course big concerts with the world's biggest stars: BB King, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, Otis Rush...

One of Norway's biggest music festivals. Bergenfest is located in the heart of the city, north of the medieval site of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year since 1993, the festival has featured a succession of international artists: Bryan Ferry, Oasis, Ellie Goulding, Neil Young, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Ben Howard... to name but a few. A festival of pop, rock, folk, R'n'B, hip-hop, world music and electro: in other words, something for everyone! Online programming and advance ticket purchase recommended.

The festival takes place at the Textile Industry Museum, a former textile mill in Salhus, about 20 minutes from Bergen by car. The festival features workshops, lectures and, of course, plenty of gorgeous wool to (self-)treat yourself to! Local and independent vendors and producers. You'll be able to find local wool, as well as hand-dyed and hand-spun skeins... a real pleasure for the eyes, the touch and the knitting ideas! You can get there by bus from Bergen. Information is available at the Bergen tourist office and on the festival website.

Scandinavia's biggest festival of traditional and world music! For 5 days, the small town of Førde vibrates to the sound of some 250 artists from the four corners of the globe, bringing locals and visitors alike to dance in the unique atmosphere of the Norwegian summer. On the festival website, you'll find Spotify playlists from previous years to give you a better idea of what to expect on the town's 30 stages.

It's THE festival of Oslo! During 5 days the festival welcomes very big names of the international scene, as well as Norwegian artists in the park of Tøyen. The festival also actively promotes environmental protection by offering only organic and ecological products. It is the largest open-air festival in the capital. From well-known bands to new talents, this festival is sure to have something to offer!

Bodø has been named European Capital of Culture for 2024, and the program promises to be packed! It's the biggest cultural project to take place in Norway in the last 10 years, and the biggest ever to take place in the Nord-Norge region. So it's a must-see, especially as numerous events will be taking place throughout the year. Dance, music, exhibitions, debates, cinema, literature, theater and many other artistic expressions are on show, to the delight of culture lovers.