During the Bjørnson festival a broad selection of literature genres and themes are presented. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was deeply involved in matters of civil rights, freedom of speech and to support the less privileged in society. These themes are an important fundament for the festival profile. About 120 writers, artists and academics contribute annually to the program during the festival week in September.
The main cause of the Bjørnson festival is to promote literature and the art of writing. The festival was established in 1992 and is the oldest literature festival in Norway.