Norwegian culture blends with a proper fusion of Music, film, and other popular festivals. Which are a key part of the cultural scene!

Only Norway offers more than 900 festivals that include music, food, literature, sports, film, theatre, history, and many more. Throughout the year several festivals take place but summer is undoubtedly the biggest festival season. Before planning a trip around a festival, verify the festival dates at the festival’s website or visit Tour The Nordic! But remember one main thing, major festivals in major cities and national holidays are observed throughout Norway. Many sights and banks close down on national holidays. According to Rick Steves 2024 & 2025 major festivals and holidays in Norway:

2024

June 23:  St. John’s Eve (midsummer festival)

June 26–29:  Gladmat, Stavanger (food festival)

August 19–31:  Grieg in Bergen (concert series)

August 6–11:  International Chamber Music Festival, Stavanger

August 7–14:  Oslo Chamber Music Festival

August 11–17:  Oslo Jazz Festival

September 12–21:  Ultima Contemporary Music Festival, Oslo

October 19–22:  DølaJazz, Lillehammer

December 10:  Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony, Oslo

December 13:  St. Lucia Day, across Norway (festival of lights, parade)

December 24–25:  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (closures)

December 26:  Boxing Day (closures)

2025

January 1:  New Year’s Day (closures)

April 17–21:  Easter weekend (Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday; closures)

May 1:  May Day (parades, some closures)

May 7–11:  MaiJazz, Stavanger (international jazz festival)

May 8:  Liberation Day

May 15:  St. Hallvard’s Day, Oslo (theater, concerts)

May 17:  Constitution Day (parades, closures)

May 21–June 4:  Bergen International Festival (concerts, ballet, opera, theater)

May 29:  Ascension (closures)

May 30–June 1 (likely):  Oslo Middelalderfestival (medieval festival)

June 8 & 9:  Pentecost and Whit Monday (closures)

June 11–14 (likely):  Bergenfest (rock, pop, hip hop, and folk music)

June 23:  St. John’s Eve (Sankthansaften; midsummer festival)

June 25–28 (likely):  Gladmat, Stavanger (food festival)