The city of Stavanger hosts many of Norway鈥檚 biggest events and festivals throughout the year. Here鈥檚 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聽concerts, festivals and other big events in Stavanger and the surrounding region so you don鈥檛 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鈥檚 most exciting eateries.
Together, they鈥檒l create exclusive festival menus inspired by Rogaland鈥檚 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 鈥榳ine train鈥� planned for the evening of 18th March is already sold out.
Landstreff Stavanger
1 – 3 May, 2026: Often referred to as LS, 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鈥檚 youth, blending world-class music with the festive spirit of russetid.
Maijazz
7 – 10 May, 2026: 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 aim to develop and contribute to increased interest for jazz music in Stavanger and the surrounding region.
This year鈥檚 line-up includes Nils Petter Molv忙r & Daniel Herskedal, Maridalen & Lars Lillo-Stenberg, Kinga G艂yk, Silje Nergaard & Stavanger Symphony Orchestra.
Mablis Festival
19 – 20 June, 2026: This music festival is held in beautiful natural surroundings at V氓landsskogen close to the city centre of Stavanger. 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, Winterst酶, Ramon, Diddi Velle, Pumpegris, Thomas Dybdahl, and Sigrid.
Tall Ships Races
22 – 25 July, 2026: Stavanger will welcome one of the world鈥檚 largest sailing regattas back to the city. V氓gen 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鈥�25 at its heart, promoting international friendship and inclusion.
Often described as Europe鈥檚 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, attracts over 250,000 visitors to sample the flavours 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 in to 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鈥檛 leave hungry!
脴测丑辞辫辫
TBC 2026: This nine-day summer festival 鈥淚sland Hopping鈥� celebrates art, culture, and diversity across the stunning islands near Stavanger鈥檚 city centre, including Lind酶y, Steins酶y, Tuns酶y, Lang酶y, Helles酶y, Kalv酶y, Vass酶y, and Store Mar酶y.
These island vanues come alive with music and vibrant experiences, offering a unique celebration in the heart of nature. It hasn't 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鈥檚 churches, concert halls and unexpected venues host world-class musicians for performances that bring audiences close to both the music and the performers.
Recognised as one of Norway鈥檚 leading chamber music festivals, it unites international stars and emerging talents to explore everything from beloved classics to innovative works.
Alongside concerts, the programme 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 脴ygardst酶l.
Utopia
28 – 29 August, 2026: One of the region's biggest music festivals, 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 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 is along the harbour 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.
Kapittel
16 – 20 September, 2026: Stavanger's international festival of literature and freedom of expression offers聽five days of literature, film and debate, with many events held in English.
Norwegian Organ Festival
5 – 13 September, 2026: Experience a rich programme 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.
Organised by Stavanger's Church Council, the festival welcomes everyone to celebrate the timeless beauty of the organ.
Did I miss anything? Let me know.
Hi David
Happy New Year! Thank you for the information on events in Stavanger.
Do you have any further information on the Organ Music Festival in September, in terms of who is organising it?
I am askiing in behalf of my son who is a senior organ scholar at a University in the UK.
Thanks
Mark White
Hi Mark, their website is
Wine fest this year sold out pretty damn quick. Shame, as we had a great time last year.
One thing that made me feel very sad about being in Stavanger when I visited 5 years ago was the tremendous amount of graffiti that was everywhere. Why don’t they clean it up? It makes the city ugly. My father grew up in Stavanger and I spent time there as a child. There was no graffiti then. It was a beautiful, pristine little city.