Bergen International Festival

For over 70 years the Bergen International Festival has been an international meeting-place for creative forces and people of diverse backgrounds.

The programme builds on classical music and theatrical art, branching out in a variety of directions. The Festival embraces international stars and newcomers, capacious concert halls and intimate recitals, the old, the new, and everything that occurs when they come together.

The UNESCO city of Bergen, encompassing such historical venues as the home of composer Edvard Grieg and the 750-year-old royal seat Håkonshallen, is the backdrop for hundreds of experiences of living art and memories for life created by the Festival for fifteen days in spring every year.

The Bergen International Festival coalesces when art forms meet, in encounters between tradition and renewal, reflection and rejoicing, stage and auditorium.

About the Bergen International Festival •  The Festival is under the patronage of His Majesty King Harald V. •  Presents music, opera, theatre, dance, debates and family events during 15 days in May/June every year.  •  The first Bergen International Festival was held in 1953.   •  Lars Petter Hagen has been the Festival director since 2022.   •  The Bergen International Festival had an attendance of 72.000 in 2023.

The Festival dates in the upcoming years are: •  Wednesday 21 May - Wednesday 04 June 2025 •  Wednesday 27 May - Wednesday 10 June 2026 •  Wednesday 26 May - Wednesday 9 June 2027