From musical festivals to a focus on film, Tromsø hosts many major events throughout the year. Here's our guide to the highlights in Northern Norway’s biggest city during 2026.
Most people visit Tromsø in the winter to see the northern lights, or in the summer to enjoy the endless days under the midnight sun. But there are many other reasons to visit too, year-round.
Although only 78,000 people live in Tromsø, the city punches far above its weight in cultural circles. That's because as the biggest city in Northern Norway, it serves as a regional capital and a cultural hub for all things Arctic.
Events in Arctic Norway
As you might expect, there are many events related to Arctic culture. But there are also a handful of big festivals that compete with the very best in Norway. This is an exciting place to be!
For example, Tromsø International Film Festival attracts film lovers from all over Europe, while Sami Week showcases the indigenous Arctic people in the heart of the city. Popular music festivals include Insomnia, Bukta, and Tromsø Jazz festival.
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During the summer, people again travel from all over Europe to Tromsø to participate in the Midnight Sun Marathon. Shorter races take place in the winter.
And don’t think the lack of daylight and cold temperatures in the winter means festivals in Tromsø are a summer pursuit. Far from it! In fact, there’s just as many major events during the winter months.
We keep our eyes on the major festivals and other events in Tromsø so you don’t have to! Whether you're a resident or planning to visit Northern Norway, check out this events calendar to make the most of your time.
Polar Night Marathon
3 January, 2026: Norway's biggest winter race attracts around 2,000 runners from across Norway, but also across the world. It’s a truly unique experience for road runners keen to test themselves in cold weather conditions.
During the event, there are four different road races, all certified by AIMS. In addition to the marathon and half-marathon, there’s a 10km and 5km race. “For many, the race is not only a physical challenge, but a memory for life,” state the organisers.
Although the race takes place in the middle of the day, you won't see the sun as it's still the polar night period. It’s approximately two weeks after the shortest day. In fact, there's even a chance the northern lights might dance overhead on the day to serenade the winners!
Tromsø International Film Festival
19 – 25 January, 2026: As I said earlier, locals don't let the winter get in the way of having fun! Held every January, Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) serves as an important meeting point for the Norwegian film industry, and brings the city to life in the dark time.
Screenings take place across Tromsø of films from Norway and around the world. First held in 1991, the festival has gone on to become a major event in the lives of Tromsø residents.
In 2025, the 36th TIFF presents a program shaped by youth: “The programme has been developed in close collaboration with the city’s younger voices and reflects Tromsø’s role as the European Youth Capital, as well as the experiences of a new generation.”
The festival opens with SOLOMAMMA by Janicke Askevold, setting the tone for a programme that spans political themes, moving stories and some of the most talked-about international films.
Festival Director Lisa Hoen says this year’s line-up ranges from comedy to the absurd, with several powerful dramas so emotionally affecting they are likely to move audiences to tears.
Northern Lights (Nordlys) Festival
29 January – 7 February, 2026: What was once a small classical music event in 1988 has grown into a large music festival. Although classical music remains, the Northern Lights Festival now encompasses a broad range of music genres.
Tora Daa meets Konsen, the music conservatories present humorous Baroque in Northern Norwegian, the Northern Norwegian Youth Big Band takes the stage, Rising Stars return, and Vegard Bjørsmo takes the stage on the festival’s final day.
Sami Week
2 – 8 February, 2026: From reindeer races through the streets of Tromsø to a traditional arts and crafts market, Sami Week is a major highlight of the cultural calendar in Northern Norway.
Other things on the calendar include craft workshops, book readings, debates, speeches, exhibitions, and concerts for all ages. Even if you don't attend any events, the winter market in the centre of Tromsø is full of arts, crafts, and local food.
The week concludes with the Norwegian Championship in Reindeer Racing, which attracts thousands of people to the city centre to watch the fastest reindeer in the country compete for the championship title.
The festival has grown up around the Sami National Day. Held every year on 6th February, the day commemorates the first meeting that brought Sami people together from north and south and from Norway and Sweden.
Midnight Sun Marathon
20 June, 2026: The twin event of the winter marathon, the Midnight Sun Marathon attracts even more people to the north. Many thousands join the event, which is understandable given the weather is likely to be better!
In fact, the 2025 edition was one of the most successful yet. Approximately 9,000 people from 88 different countries took part.
The event is a collection of five different races, from a certified marathon to a 500-metre race for children. There's a festival atmosphere throughout the day with the streets usually lined with locals cheering on the participants.
Bukta Festival
17 – 18 July, 2026: Held at Telegrafbukta, a beachside park at the southern end of Tromsø island, Bukta has become a firm fixture on the cultural calendar over the past 20 years.
The lively music festival hosts some of Norway's most popular artists, with a handful of international musicians joining in the fun too. Dumdum Boys, Gluecifer, Soft Play, Honningbarna, Lambrini Girls, and Ida Maria are among the acts scheduled for 2026.
Tromsø Jazz Festival
TBC August, 2026: First organised in 2016, Tromsø Jazz Festival has helped to build interest in jazz music throughout Northern Norway. It replaced a former jazz event that had been held in the winter.
Plans for the 2026 event are yet to be announced, but it usually takes place in August.
Tromsø Mountain Challenge
22 – 23 August, 2026: The Tromsø Mountain Challenge offers a thrilling weekend of cross-country racing across the stunning landscapes of Tromsø.
With five races spread over three days, the event includes two uphill races (one as a relay), an ultra-distance race, and two cross-country runs.
Participants can choose to tackle a single race or take on the full triple challenge. Northern Norway's mountains provide a striking backdrop, featuring a mix of easy trails, steep climbs, rocky sections, marshlands, verdant slopes, and fjord views.
Rakettnatt
27 – 29 August, 2026: Northern Norway's largest music festival, right in the heart of Tromsø. Rakettnatt offers three days of music, art, street food, and great vibes.
Artists announced for 2026 include Steve Aoki, Tobias Sten, Undergrunn, Ari Bajgora, Espen Lind, and Fjellrev.
SMAK Food Festival
TBC September, 2026: This annual event attracts about 70,000 visitors to explore the best of North Norwegian cuisine. Dates and plans for the 2026 event are yet to be announced.
Insomnia Festival
14 – 18 October, 2026: Billed as a festival for innovative electronic music, Tromsø's Insomnia celebrates all things electronic music and techno culture.
Live concerts attract the big crowds, but there's also DJ/club events, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, installations and debates. Specific plans for the 2026 event are still to be announced.
Ordkalotten (Tromsø International Literary Festival)
TBC November, 2026: First held in 2000, Ordkalotten is a November festival featuring Norwegian and international authors. Its artistic profile reflects its northern roots with a global perspective, emphasizing indigenous voices and the trilingual heritage of Sami, Norwegian, and Kven.
The festival connects with circumpolar neighbours and addresses north-south contrasts, aiming to stay relevant in both literary and global contexts.
Arctic Pride
9 – 16 November, 2026: A celebration of the diversity of gender and sexuality in the city centre of Tromsø. As with other LGBTQ+ Pride festivals, there is a parade though the streets along with a series of events throughout the city.
The festival website states: “Everyone is welcome to join in honouring the fact that we are all unique and equally valuable—and that we all have the right to be as similar or different as we choose. Let’s celebrate human dignity and the joy of bringing warmth to a cold winter week.”
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Have you attended any of these events in Tromsø, or other festivals in Northern Norway? Let us know in the comments below.
What about the Arctic Race of Norway cycle race from August 7 to August 10? The fourth and final stage begins and ends in Tromsø.