Festivals galore in the Stavanger region

The tomato festival, the potato festival, Norway's largest food festival, a jazz festival, a beer and wine festival, numerous music festivals, a ski festival, a hiking festival, a chamber music festival, a literature festival and a kite festival. And not to forget - sporting events of all kinds! There are marathons, cycling races along the coast and through fjord landscapes, and ski races and ski marathons. Have you worked up a sweat yet? Good! And welcome!

13 events and festivals not to miss this year

Make sure you visit when your favourite festival topic is on the books. We give you a list of what not to miss.

1. Mai:jazz 9 - 14 May 2023

Maj:jazz has been held since 1989 and is thus one of the Stavanger region's oldest festivals. From its humble beginnings until today, the festival has grown solid, strong and large. Maijazz seeks to contribute to musical joy, insight and reflection - as well as to superb entertainment, good experiences and bustling city life. Stay informed here.

2. Tour of Norway 26 - 29 May 2023

The tour of Norway as we know it today is a result of a fusion between Tour des Fjords and Tour of Norway. The fusion happened before the 2019 edition of the race. Tour of Norway is Scandinavia's largest annual professional race and has a number of the largest professional teams in the world at the start. The event is broadcast live on TV 2 in Norway and on a number of international channels every day. Do you want to know more?

3. Jærnåttå: 2 - 3 June 2023

Jærnåttå is Jæren's largest music festival with a large stage and capacity for approx. 4,000 every night in the town square. Enjoy two evenings with a fantastic atmosphere in Bryne town square. Most of the great Norwegian artists have performed at Jærnåttå; Gabrielle, Skambankt, CC Cowboys, Janove, Madcon, Onkl P, Nico & Vinz, Karpe Diem, Seigmen, Kaizers Orchestra, Kim Larsen, Admiral P and Dumdum Boys are among the headlines in recent years. The festival first started in 1993 and is stronger than ever. What are you waiting for?

4. Nordsjørittet 10 June 2023

Nordsjørittet is Norway's second-largest bike ride and one of spring's most beautiful adventures for many people. The 91 km route from Egersund to Sandnes goes through the magnificent nature of coastal landscapes, beaches, forests, agricultural areas, sea, heath, cosy towns and cities. The race is usually organised on the second Saturday in June. Nordsjørittet is suitable for everyone and is a great test of strength and a good training goal to get in good shape. Are you fit and ready?

5. Gladmat 28 June - 1 July 2023

Gladmat is known as Norway's largest food festival and has been taking place since 1998. Every summer at the beginning of July, thousands of foodies are drawn to the area around Vågen in the centre of Stavanger. Restaurants and pubs essentially take to the streets with special offers and new gastronomic concepts. Look forward to a long weekend of exciting food!

6. Blinkfestivalen 2 - 5 August 2023

The Ski Festival Blink has been held in Sandnes since 2006, it's a festival and a competition in roller skiing and roller skiing biathlon. Large portions of the world's skiing elite participate in front of a large audience. There are also competitions in age-specific classes in places in Sandnes, Lysebotn and Gjesdal. Welcome to a true folk festival!

7. Stavanger kammermusikkfestival 8 - 13 August 2023

The chamber music festival was established in 1991 by cellist Truls Mørk and oboist Gregor Zubicky who lifted the festival to an international top level. The festival is considered one of Europe's best chamber music festivals where artists meet to play together in different constellations over an entire week. Many of the great composers have created some of their foremost works in chamber format. Ready for some classic chamber concerts?

8. Tomatfestivalen 17 - 20 August 2023

Finnøy knows their tomatoes, and what better way to celebrate this than with a tomato festival! Every year in August, they bring people and families together to a folk festival focusing on tomatoes, food and agriculture. In the centre of Judaberg, there are exhibitors with activities and food, and of course, tomatoes in abundance. You can find the latest information on this year's festival here.

9. Trolljegerprøven Sandnes 17 June 2023

The Trolljeger test is Norway's roughest terrain obstacle course with a priority on teamwork and self-achievement. The Trolljeger (translates to troll hunters) test is about pushing your own limits, expanding your comfort zone, and doing what you never thought was possible. You can participate in the races either alone or with others in a team. Try your luck at the Trolljeger test!

10. Stavanger Marathon 26 August 2023

At this summer's running event, several races are arranged in one day: children's race, 5 kilometres, half marathon and marathon. Stavanger Marathon has its start and finish line at the square outside the Stavanger Cathedral. With great variation in length and route, the Stavanger Marathon provides a challenge suitable for all. Which distance are you up to?

11. Utopia 25 - 26 August 2023

The biggest music festival in the region is in the heart of Stavanger city centre. A festival which follows the trends of young people, presenting some of the greatest and most popular artists in pop, EDM and urban music. Be sure to book your ticket in time!

12. Kapittel, Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech 20 - 24 September 2023

Kapittel is one of Norway's largest literature festivals and has developed into an important literary arena both nationally and internationally. The festival was established in 1995 by Sølvberget Library and Culture Centre, the organiser and main arena for the festival. The theme for this year's festival is Hope. Read more about the annual literature festival.

13. 3-Sjøersløpet 4 November 2023

3-Sjøersløpet is an annual run for exercisers, super-exercisers and the elite. Many locals have it as their annual training goal, and for most this is the last run of the year. As the name suggests (3 sjøer means three lakes), the run goes around three lakes, Mosvatnet, Store Stokkavatnet and Hålandsvatnet, with a half marathon distance. Get fit and sign up!