I keep my eyes on the major concerts, festivals and other big events happening around Norway so you don’t have to!
Whether you’re a resident of Stavanger or Sandnes, or planning a trip, check out this guide to make the most of your time throughout 2015.
Vintage Jazz
29 January – 1 February
A new name to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this traditional jazz festival. The line-up is mostly traditional jazz/New Orleans jazz, but elements of funk, latin, swing and soul are also on offer.
vintagejazz.no
Stavanger Wine Festival
15 – 18 April
The 17th year of Stavanger's showcase of wine sees 12 of the city's restaurants and bars team up with exhibitors from all around Europe.
stavangervinfest.no
Maijazz
5 – 10 May
MaiJazz has been running for more than 20 years. Since the first festival in 1989 MaiJazz has developed to be one of Norway's leading jazz festivals presenting international jazz stars and the best in national and local jazz every year. This year's line-up will be announced soon.
maijazz.no
Landstreff Stavanger
8 – 10 May
Major festival for graduating students.
landstreff.no
Tour des Fjords
27 – 31 May
An international cycling race through the scenic landscape of Fjord Norway.
tourdesfjords.no
Viking Festival at Karmøy
4 – 7 June
Western Norway's viking festival provides fun for all the family. Held at Karmøy, north of Stavanger.
vikingfestivalen.no
Grand Slam Stavanger
16 – 21 June
The Beach Volleyball World Tour is back in Stavanger. The main stage is moved to the quay outside the Stavanger Concerthouse.
wtstavanger.com
Rangle Rock at Bryne
10 – 11 July
This annual rock festival is held in the small town of Bryne, a short train ride south of Stavanger.
ranglerock.no
Gladmat Food Festival
22 – 25 July
As Scandinavia's biggest food festival, Gladmat attracts over 200,000 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.
gladmat.no
Blink Summer Ski Festival
30 July – 1 August
Norway's summer ski festival. Contestants from the national elite in cross country skiing and biathlon race through the streets of Sandnes.
blinkfestivalen.no
International Chamber Music Festival
10 – 16 August
One of the world's finest festivals in chamber music. Renowned musicians perform together with artists ranging from the young and promising to the truly great.
icmf.no
Ålgård Water Festival
15 – 17 August
A family festival in Ålgård with an exciting and varied program, including live music.
vannfestivalen.net
Stavanger Marathon
29 August
Stavanger Marathon is a series of races both in and outside of the city centre. The 10k and 5.5k races are along the harbour promenade, with start and finish by the main square. The half and full marathon includes two lakes and shorelines before returning to the city centre.
stavangermarathon.no
NuArt
TBC
Where the streets come alive! Nuart is an independent international contemporary street and urban art festival. The event aims to stimulate debate by challenging entrenched notions of what art is, and more importantly, can be. Runs for approximately six weeks. The 2015 event is yet to be confirmed.
nuartfestival.no
Kapittel 14
16 – 20 September
Stavanger's international festival of literature and freedom of expression offers five days of literature, film and debate.
kapittel.no
Norwegian Science Week
16 – 27 September
People of all ages can experience science through a multitude of different events, many of which are held at venues that today bear little resemblance to the traditional lecture hall with its podium and blackboard. Events range from science fairs, demonstrations, lectures, “stand-up scientist” performances, exhibits and discussions, to tours, information stands, and cultural and hands-on activities.
forskningsdagene.no
Norwegian Organ Festival
17 – 20 September
The 25th edition of the festival with a focus on organ music, concerts, workshops and more.
orgelfestival.no
Did I miss anything? Let me know.