The city of Stavanger hosts many of Norway’s biggest events and festivals throughout the year. Here’s what to expect if you’re planning a visit in 2026.
Planning a trip to Norway this year? If you’re passing through the Stavanger region on your travels, then why not time your visit to coincide with a special event or festival?
As Norway’s oil and gas capital, the city of Stavanger is home to a large international community, which is reflected in its cultural calendar.
We keep our eyes on the major concerts, festivals and other big events in Stavanger and the surrounding region so you don’t have to! Whether you’re a resident of Stavanger or you’re planning a visit, check out this guide to make the most of your time.
Food and Fun
18 – 19 February, 2026: Known for its top-tier restaurants and exceptional local ingredients, Stavanger will welcome 13 world-class guest chefs to collaborate with the city’s most exciting eateries.
Together, they’ll create exclusive festival menus inspired by Rogaland’s renowned, locally sourced produce, adding a unique international twist. This celebration of food brings the best of both worlds: global culinary expertise and a commitment to local sustainability.
With 13 participating restaurants, diners can look forward to an unforgettable gastronomic experience that supports local producers while showcasing international flair.
Stavanger Wine Festival
18 – 21 March, 2026: It’s the 26th year of Stavanger’s showcase of all things wine-related. The city’s restaurants will be filled with people tasting exciting wines from all over the world.
Popular ticketed events include the ‘wine train’, surprise dinner, lunch, plus events hosted by the individual venues. The ‘wine train’ planned for the evening of 18th March is already sold out.
National event Stavanger
1 – 3 May, 2026: Often referred to as LS, Landstreff Stavanger is Norway’s leading music festival for 18 and 19-year-olds.
Over the years, the festival has become a key tradition and cultural highlight for graduating students, selling out in advance year after year. Continuing the tradition, the 2026 event is already sold out.
With a lineup that includes international and national artists, Landstreff Stavanger has featured major names like Martin Garrix, Mac Miller, Karpe, The Chainsmokers, Macklemore, Metro Boomin, Wiz Khalifa, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Bebe Rexha.
Having been a cornerstone event for approaching four decades, Landstreff continues to be a must-attend celebration for Norway’s youth, blending world-class music with the festive spirit of Russian time.
May jazz
7 – 10 May, 2026: MaiJazz began life in 1989 and has since gone on to become one of Norway’s leading jazz festivals. The almost-week-long event presents international jazz stars and the best in national and local jazz every year.
In collaboration with Stavanger Jazzforum, MaiJazz aims to develop and contribute to increased interest for jazz music in Stavanger and the surrounding region.
This year’s line-up includes Nils Petter Molvær & Daniel Herskedal, Maridalen & Lars Lillo-Stenberg, Kinga Głyk, Silje Nergaard & Stavanger Symphony Orchestra.
Mablis Festival
19 – 20 June, 2026: This music festival is held in beautiful natural surroundings at Vålandskogen close to the city center of Stavanger. Mablis seeks to be an inclusive festival and so is a family-friendly event with no age limit.
Among the highlights of the 10th anniversary year of 2026 are Getdown Services, Dumdum Boys, Winterstø, Ramon, Diddi Velle, Pumpegris, Thomas Dybdahl, and Sigrid.
Tall Ships Races
22 – 25 July, 2026: Stavanger will welcome one of the world’s largest sailing regattas back to the city. Vågen will come alive with spectacular tall ships, concerts, exhibitions and family-friendly activities, all free and open to everyone.
The annual regatta focuses on sail training and youth development, with crews aged 15–25 at its heart, promoting international friendship and inclusion.
Often described as Europe’s largest free family event, the 2026 race features host ports including Aarhus, Harlingen, Antwerp, Stavanger and Aalborg, in partnership with Sail Training International.
Gladmat Food Festival
24 – 27 July, 2026: As Scandinavia’s biggest food festival, Gladmat attracts over 250,000 visitors to sample the flavors of the Stavanger region every year. The region enjoys a growing culinary reputation thanks to pioneering agriculture and Gladmat helps to showcase that work to a hungry audience.
Whether you’re curious about the increased focus on local food production or want to tuck into street food from around the world, the 28th edition of Gladmat is sure to offer something for you. One thing is for sure: you won’t leave hungry!
Island hopping
TBC 2026: This nine-day summer festival “Island Hopping” celebrates art, culture, and diversity across the stunning islands near Stavanger’s city center, including Lindøy, Steinsøy, Tunsøy, Langøy, Hellesøy, Kalvøy, Vassøy, and Store Marøy.
These island vanues come alive with music and vibrant experiences, offering a unique celebration in the heart of nature. It has not yet been announced if a 2026 event will take place, so watch this space.
Stavanger Chamber Music Festival
4 – 8 August, 2026: A week of intimate classical music experiences. The city’s churches, concert halls and unexpected venues host world-class musicians for performances that bring audiences close to both the music and the performers.
Recognized as one of Norway’s leading chamber music festivals, it unites international stars and emerging talents to explore everything from beloved classics to innovative works.
Alongside concerts, the program includes masterclasses and talks, making the festival a vibrant meeting place for musical passion, artistic curiosity and community.
Blink Summer Ski Festival
5 – 8 August, 2026: Blink is Norway’s summer ski festival. Yes, skiing in the summer is possible in a Norwegian city thanks to roller-skis!
Contestants from the national elite in cross country skiing and biathlon race through the streets of Sandnes, just a few miles south of Stavanger. The festival begins down at the Lysefjord, with a race from the quay in Lysebotn up the hairpin bends to Øygardstøl.
Utopia
28 – 29 August, 2026: One of the region’s biggest music festivals, Utopia attracts international artists in pop, dance and urban music to the heart of Stavanger.
Acts announced for 2026 include Steve Aoki, Highasakite, Roc Boyz, Tobias Sten, and Kjartan Lauritzen. Early bird tickets are already on sale. Buy your tickets for Utopia early as this event always sells out in advance.
Stavanger Marathon
29 August, 2026: The annual Stavanger Marathon event includes a series of races both in and out of the city centre. Registration for the 2026 event begins at the end of January.
Usually, there’s a 5k route along the harbor promenade, with start and finish by the main square. Meanwhile, the half and full marathon routes skirt two lakes and shorelines before returning to the city centre.
Chapter
16 – 20 September, 2026: Stavanger’s international festival of literature and freedom of expression offers five days of literature, film and debate, with many events held in English.
Norwegian Organ Festival
5 – 13 September, 2026: Experience a rich program of concerts, performances, organ tours, youth workshops, festival services, and more, showcasing the breadth of organ music from classical and sacred works to folk and contemporary compositions.
Organized by Stavanger’s Church Council, the festival welcomes everyone to celebrate the timeless beauty of the organ.
Did I miss anything? Let me know.