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Culture and history

Festival summer in Haugesund and Haugalandet

Last updated: 24.02.2026
Glade mennesker på festival i skogen
Den festivalen i Vangen|© Henriette Lien
Den festivalen i Vangen|© Henriette Lien

In the Haugesund region, a wide range of festivals take place throughout May, June, July and August. We can’t promise sunshine, but great atmosphere and memorable experiences – that we can guarantee!

Festivals in May

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival in Kopervik

Karmøygeddon has been a staple since 2004, drawing over 4,000 visitors across three days. With renowned metal bands from Norway and abroad performing on two stages, this is a festival that’s here to stay.

konsert på Karmøygeddon

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival 2026

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Kopervik on Karmøy.

Kopervik festival

The annual Kopervik festival is a weekend filled with concerts with a high sing-along factor and stand-up comedy in Kopervik.

Festivals in June

Viking Festival at Avaldsnes

Western Norway’s largest Viking festival is held every year at the beginning of June. Vikings and curious visitors from all over Europe gather to see how the Vikings lived, try activities, buy traditional crafts and join engaging storytelling sessions.

Vikingfestivalen - Karmøy

Vikingfestivalen - Karmøy

The Viking Festival, Avaldsnes has become the biggest Viking Festival at the West Coast of Norway. The Viking Farm will be populated by more than 200 Vikings from all over Europe, living in their tents.

Sveiofestivalen

Sveiofestivalen is known as the Huagesund region’s biggest garden party and has quickly become a favourite. The festival, which began in 2025, focuses on local artists and good vibes. In 2026 you can experience acts such as Ingenting, Vestavind, Ford Rekord and Matti Røssland with band on 12–13 June.


Bykalas in Haugesund

On 20–21 June, Rådhusplassen comes to life when Bykalas takes place. In 2026, artists such as Highasaite, Tobias Sten, Ari Bajgora, Helibillies and Stavangerkameratene will take the stage. The festival often sells out, so be sure to secure your ticket!

Musikkfestivalen Bykalas

Bykalas 2026 - Haugesund

Join the Bykalas music festival from 20-21 June at Rådhusplassen (town hall square) in Haugesund.

Haugaland Pride

In June, the Haugalandet region bursts into rainbow colours as Haugaland Pride celebrates diversity and human rights. The programme is packed with events – join the celebration! Happy Pride!

Viking Festival
Vikingfestivalen på Avaldsnes|© Ørjan B. Iversen

Festivals in July

Skånevik Blues Festival

Since 1997, the Skånevik Blues Festival has attracted audiences from near and far. The festival takes place from 2–5 July, and in 2026 you can experience artists such as Ingenting, Adama Janlo, Pat McManus, D.K. Harrell and Bjørn Berge.

Skånevik Bluesfestival

Skånevik Bluesfestival

Skånevik Blues is an annual festival that takes place in July. For three consecutive days, the small village is filled with music-loving people.

Skudefestivalen on the southern tip of Karmøy

From 2–5 July, Skudeneshavn is filled with life, concerts and activities for the whole family. Maybe you’ll take part in the classic pallet race? In 2026, none other than Matoma takes the stage in beautiful Skudeneshavn.

Skudefestivalen

Skudefestivalen

Welcome to visit The Skude Festival - the largest gathering of coastal culture in Western Norway.

Vikedal Roots Music Festival

The small village of Vikedal truly comes to life from 16–18 July. Here you’ll find music, good experiences and festival atmosphere. On stage you’ll find artists such as DDE, The Dubliners, Diddi Velle, Pakkers and Ida Lova.

Vikedal Roots Music Festival

Vikedal Roots Music Festival

Vikedal Roots is organised every year in July in the small village of Vikedal in Vindafjord.

Siradagene on Utsira

Siradagene brings together both locals and visitors for days filled with food, drink, concerts, coastal culture and various cultural experiences.


Den festivalen i Vangen
Festivalstemning|© Henriette Lien

Festivals in August

Sildajazz in Haugesund

Perhaps the most famous festival in Haugesund returns as usual in August, from 5–8 August. The 2026 edition follows the same successful recipe as last year, and the inner harbour will be buzzing with life. This year’s line-up includes Ina Wroldsen, Kjartan Lauritzen and Di Derre, to name a few. We can’t wait for the wonderful jazz and festival atmosphere to take over the town!


Susanne Sundfør har spilt på Sildajazz.

Sildajazz in Haugesund

Sildajazz is an annual music festival organised in Haugesund in August. 5 eventful days are filled with music from national and international artists.

The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund

The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund takes place from 15–21 August, and has for many years celebrated the art of film by serving as a meeting point for the Norwegian and Nordic film industry as well as the general public. The festival is an important arena for professional and film-political discussions, and a showcase for national and international films. The Amanda Awards are a key part of the festival, with national film prizes handed out in 22 categories. The entire film industry gathers in Festiviteten – and the winner is...


Mennesker i kinosalen som venter filmvisning

The Norwegian international Film Festival

The Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund is a showcase for national and international film, and is held every year in August.

The Festival in Vangen – magical atmosphere

The festival is held in the nature park Vangen in Haugesund and offers a unique atmosphere. First organised in 2017, it has since become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors. This year, the festival takes place on 21–22 August.

Glade mennesker på festival i skogen

Vangenfestivalen

The Vangen Festival invites you to another round of music and magical experiences in Haraldsvang Nature Park on 21 and 22 August 2026.

Havnedagene in Haugesund

Havnedagene in Haugesund is a festival celebrating the town’s maritime heritage and coastal culture. Held in August, it fills the town with experiences rooted in rich coastal traditions. On the Saturday of Havnedagene, you can also experience Norway’s longest “Sildabord” (herring table)!

Sommer i Smedasundet Gjestehavn

Havnedagene i Haugesund

Haugesund Harbour Days is a yearly tradition in Haugesund since 1990 and keeps a focus on local traditions connected to Haugesund harbour.

Festival overview for 2027

The dates of some of the largest and most popular festivals in Haugesund and Haugalandet are available here.

Sildajazz

  • 2027 - 11. - 15. August

The Norwegian international Film Festival

  • 2027 - 14. - 20. August

The Viking Festival at Avaldsnes

  • 2027 - 11. - 13. June

Skudefestivalen

  • 2027 - 1. - 4. July

Harbour days (Havnedagene)

  • 2027 - 19. - 22. August

Sildebord (The world's longest herring table)

  • 2027 - 14. August

* subject to change and cancellation.

More events in Haugesund and Haugalandet!

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Your guide to Haugesund!

Your guide to Haugesund!

Haugesund is a perfect city to explore on foot. Between the streets of the city centre and the Smedasundet strait, you’ll find history, architecture, culture and a surprisingly lively café and shopping scene – all within easy walking distance.

Unique places to stay in the Haugesund region

Unique places to stay in the Haugesund region

Planning a weekend or a longer holiday? The Haugesund region offers a variety of places to stay - from fjordside accommodation, historic houses and cabins by the sea.

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