Norway — Events
Norwegian National Day
August 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010
On 17 May Norwegian National Day is celebrated all over Norway with parades, speeches, singing and music. Norwegians shed their inhibitions and take to the streets, often dressed in national costumes, or “bunad”, and accompanied by brass bands. There is much flag waving, whistle blowing and general merrymaking - it is an inexplicably exuberant occasion, celebrated noisily and with much energy. “Barnetog” parades composed of school children, often form the focal point of the celebrations, and students in their final year are known for performing practical jokes.
Stavanger Vinfest
April 5, 2012 - April 8, 2012
A weeklong wine festival, Stavanger Vinfest lets you get merry for less as well as giving you the chance to see a bit more of one of Norway’s prettiest cities. (www.stavangervinfest.no, Norwegian)
Landstreffet
May 1, 2012 - May 31, 2012
Popular music festival covering most of the musical bases from house to heavy metal, punk to pop. Showcases bands from far and wide – Belgium, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, the US and the UK have all been represented in recent years. Geared up for late teens in particular.
Bergen Night Jazz Festival
May 26, 2012 - June 5, 2012
Known as ‘Nattjazz’ for short, the Bergen Night Jazz Festival presents more than 60 concerts throughout the May-June season each year. Founded in 1972, the festival retains a strong following, employing a number of venues in the city with many of the performances taking place at the USF Verftet, a former sardine factory converted to concert and exhibition halls with theater and cinema screen. Each year there are a number of free concerts performed on an outdoor stage in the city center. The main focus is on modern jazz with a nod to rock, fusion and funk.
Norwegian Wood
May 31, 2012 - June 14, 2012
The Norwegian answer to Denmark’s Roskilde and the UK’s Glastonbury festival, Norwegian Wood is a long-running summer tradition that sees a slightly retro program of artists such as Eric Clapton and The Eagles take to the stage.
North Norway Festival
June 1, 2012 - June 30, 2012
The Festival of North Norway is one of the biggest and most important arts events of its kind in the land of the midnight sun. Occurring each summer, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a rich and varied program of cultural events during the week-long festival. First held in 1965, the North Norway Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience the many dance, theater, art and music performances.
Midnight Sun Marathon
June 24, 2012
Each year the arctic city of Tromsø in the north of the country hosts its Midnight Sun Marathon. Setting off in the evening during the 24 hours of summer sunlight is a surreal experience that ensures a good turnout of runners and supporters who line the route. The first Midnight Sun Marathon was held in 1989 and, at 70º latitude, it is the most northerly AIMS-certified (Association of International Marathons and Road Races) marathon in the world.
Ekstremsportveko (Extreme Sports Week)
June 26, 2012 - July 3, 2012
This annual event gives visitors the chance to try their hand at one of a number of different extreme sports and activities and is a must for adrenaline junkies everywhere. Including skydiving, rafting, kayaking, paragliding, climbing, hang-gliding, mountain biking and just about any other extreme activity you can think of, this energised event is open to all regardless of age, sex and experience. Events, competitions, demonstrations and activities take place throughout the week and there is live music and parties taking place each evening making this one of Norway’s coolest events.
Riddu Riddu Festival
July 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012
Promoting a truly eclectic program including artists and performers from all over the world, the Riddu Riddu Festival is a celebration of indigenous cultures. Originally organized by the coastal Sami people of northern Norway, the event has grown over the years to become an international celebration featuring everything from local Sami dance and poetry to Aboriginal dances and rituals from Australia. The fact that this modest event takes place in the near permanent summer daylight in Kafjord in Norway’s Arctic Tundra makes this festival all the more magical.
Forde Folk Music Festival
July 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012
Each July, the small coastal town of Forde in the west of Norway hosts the Forde Folk Music Festival. Bringing together an array of regional, national and international performers, this is a great setting for this fun weekend music festival.
