The Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen) was established in 1953 and is the largest of its kind in the Nordic countries. It is the longest standing and the foremost music and theatre festival in Norway. The Bergen International Festival presents art in all its guises: music, theatre, dance, opera and visual art.

In 2016 the festival takes place from 25 May to 08 June.

The Festival dates in the upcoming years are:

• 24 May–07 June 2017


• 23 May–06 June 2018


• 22 May–05 June 2016

With a combination of dramatic landscapes, local colour and imaginative programming, the festival is well established as a centre for the northern European arts scene, presenting premieres and new productions in the spheres of music, opera, theatre and dance. Each year some 200 events are staged in the course of 15 days in 15 venues, including the homes of Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull.

Classical music and the theatre are cornerstones of the festival, and every year new productions are presented in collaboration with international partners. The festival also gives priority to new music, commissioning several works every year. The festival welcomes over 80,000 visitors each year and receives governmental funding on both regional and national level, in addition to corporate sponsorships.

• Festivities

Entertainment and surprises. For young and old. Playful scenes in the streets and events at new and familiar venues broad appeal. Experiences for your head, heart and feet.

• Foundations

The best of the best in the classical art tradition. Tradition and renewal, depth and reflection. Performances and concerts with a history.

• Friction

Reckless and shrewd, experimenting and exploring. New technology and boundless artistic landscapes.