Guide: This summer's 6 biggest festivals and events in Stavanger

May 19

Summer in the Stavanger region is kicking off with a fireworks display of culture, music, food and maritime experiences. Whether you're looking for the best concert experiences, want to see world stars in action on roller skis, or want to experience spectacular sailing ships in Vågen – here are the six most popular events you must attend in June, July and August!

1. Vaulen Open Air (June 5–6)

What: Outdoor music festival

Where: Vaulen Beach

Summer kicks off in earnest in idyllic Vaulen at the beginning of June. This two-day festival has quickly established itself as a crowd favorite with a delightful mix of pop, rock and a great atmosphere right by the sea.

Highlights: This year's lineup includes international and national stars such as Zara Larsson, Black Eyed Peas, Dagny and Kamelen.
Worth noting: New this year is that the festival has a strict 18-year-old age limit without a guardianship, so this is an adult party and a great summer atmosphere.

2. Mablis (June 19–20)

What: Music and city festival

Where: Vålandsskogen / Vålandstårnet

Mablis celebrates its fantastic 10th anniversary this year! This is Stavanger's most charming city festival, located in the cozy and green surroundings of Vålandsskogen. The festival is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is just as suitable for groups of friends as for families with children during the day.

Highlights: The anniversary is celebrated with strong names such as DumDum Boys, Sigrid, Ramón and local hero Thomas Dybdahl.

3. Happy Food (June 24–27)

What: Scandinavia's largest food festival

Where: Vågen and Stavanger city center

Norway's food capital shows itself at its very best when Gladmat fills the entire Vågen with aromas, flavors and bustling people. With over 250,000 visitors over four days, this is the absolute highlight of the summer for food lovers.

What you can expect: Hundreds of exhibitors, unique Gladmat dishes at reasonable prices, cooking classes, and a completely unique folk festival along the quay. Best of all? Admission to the festival area itself is free!

4. BLINK (July 30 – August 2)

What: Ski festival and folk festival

Where: Sandnes city center, Lysebotn and Gjesdal

Just across the municipal border we find one of the summer's biggest draws. The BLINK festival brings together the world's elite in cross-country skiing and biathlon for spectacular roller skiing competitions, and the atmosphere in the region is electric these days.

Highlights: The legendary and brutal climb up Lysebotn Opp kicks it all off. Then the party moves to the center of Sandnes for fast-paced evening shows, free concerts with big artists and a huge life in the streets. This is a folk festival for absolutely everyone, and it is completely free to be a spectator.

5. The Tall Ships Races (July 22-25)

What: International Sailing Festival

Where: Stavanger Port / Vågen

At the end of July, one of the world's most spectacular maritime events will sail into Stavanger. Over 50 historic and enormous sailing ships from around the world will lie side by side in the harbor, transforming the city into a maritime adventure.

What you can do: This is a huge public festival for the whole family. It is completely free to walk along the quay and admire the ships, and many of the ships also open their decks to the public. The city will be buzzing with life, concerts and activities during these days.

6. Utopia (August 28–29)

What: The region's largest music festival

Where: Bjergstedparken

We end the summer season with a bang at the end of August. Utopia brings together thousands of party-goers in Bjergstedparken, just outside the city center. The festival focuses on pop, EDM and urban music, and is known for delivering a visual and musical feast that adds color to late summer.

Highlights: The festival brings in some of the biggest club and pop artists in the world, ensuring that the Stavanger summer ends on a high note.

Frode Steine