Festival summer in Haugesund and Haugalandet

Vise- & Lyrikkfestivalen (folk song and poetry festival)

Vise- og lyrikkfestivalen takes place from 31 May to 1 June at the venerable Høvleriet in the centre of Haugesund. The folk song and poetry tradition has deep roots in Haugalandet, and you can see traces of a fascination and love for such text-based artistic expression dating back 2,000 years. So what could be better than a festival with a literary focus held right here in Haugesund?

Viking Festival at Avaldsnes

The largest Viking festival in Western Norway is held every year in June at Avaldsnes. From 6 to 9 June, the festival brings together ‘Vikings’ and spectators from all over Europe.

Bykalas in Haugesund

Bykalas is a brand new festival in Haugesund that will take place on 21 and 22 June. The artists who will ensure a great festival atmosphere include MODS, Broiler, CC Cowboys and Ballinciaga. More information and festival pass info can be found here.

Haugaland Pride – a celebration of diversity and human rights!

When Haugaland Pride takes place in June, Haugalandet celebrates diversity and is alive with rainbow colours. The programme will be packed with lots of fun activities, so come and join the celebration! Happy Pride!

Skånevik Blues Festival

Ever since 1997, Skånevik has attracted people from near and far to experience music in beautiful surroundings in the otherwise sleepy village. Skånevik Blues Festival will take place from 4 to 6 July.

Skudefestivalen – festival atmosphere on the southern tip of Karmøy

Skudefestivalen will take place from 4 to 7 July in the idyllic town of Skudeneshavn on the southern tip of Karmøy. At this year's festival, you can see artists such as Darling West, Postgirobygget, Carina Dahl, Rossman and Slogmåkane, as well as enjoy a range of other activities for children and adults. Maybe you want to participate in the classic pallet race?

Vikedal Roots Music Festival

The small village of Vikedal in Vindafjord really comes alive in the summer, especially during the Vikedal Roots Music Festival. Set aside 18 to 20 July and enjoy beautiful music and a great festival atmosphere in this otherwise sleepy village.

Sildajazzen i Haugesund

What may well be the best known festival in Haugesund will take place as usual in August, this year from 7 to 11 August. We’re looking forward to a great jazz and festival atmosphere taking over the town!

The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund

The Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund will take place from 17 to 23 August The festival celebrates the art of film, as has it has done for many years, by serving as a meeting place for the Norwegian and Nordic film industry and the general public. The festival is an important arena for professional and film policy discussion as well as a showcase for national and international films. The Amanda Award ceremony is an important part of the festival, and national film prizes will be awarded in 22 different categories. The entire film industry comes together for the award ceremony held in Festiviteten in Haugesund, and the winner is...

Magical atmosphere at Den Festivalen i Vangen

The festival is held in Vangen nature park in Haugesund, and promises a unique ambience and atmosphere. Den Festivalen i Vangen was first held in 2017, and has since become a regular tradition for many locals and visitors. This year, the festival will take place on 23 and 24 August.

The traditional Etnemarknaden fair

Etnemarknaden is a cultural festival that aims to give both adults and children great cultural experiences. The fair has been held since 1981 and is one of the largest of its kind in Western Norway. Etnemarknaden will take place this year from 2 to 4 August.

Havnedagene i Haugesund

Havnedagene i Haugesund is a festival that focuses on the town’s traditions and roots in maritime coastal culture. The festival is held in August and fills the town with activities that embrace the area’s rich coastal culture.

Siradagene on Utsira island

Siradagene is held annually, and the island’s inhabitants and visitors come together to enjoy days filled with food and drink, concerts, coastal culture and other cultural experiences. This year’s festival is particularly special as Utsira municipality is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, which means an extra special and fun-packed event this year.

Festival overview for 2025, 2026 and 2027

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

Sildajazz:

• 2025 - 6. - 10. August
• 2026 - 5. - 9. August
• 2027 - 11. - 15. August

The Norwegian international Film Festival

• 2025 - 16.- 22. August
• 2026 - 15. - 21. August
• 2027 - 14. - 20. August

The Viking Festival at Avaldsnes

• 2025 - 6. - 8. June
• 2026 - 5. - 7. June
• 2027 - 11. - 13. June

Skudefestivalen

• 2025 - 3. - 6. July
• 2026 - 2. - 5. July
• 2027 - 1. - 4. July

Harbour days (Havnedagene)

• 2025 - 14. - 17. August
• 2026 - 13. - 16. August
• 2027 - 19. - 22. August

Sildebord (The world's longest herring table)

• 2025 - 16. August
• 2026 - 15. August
• 2027 - 14. August

* subject to change and cancellation.