Gladmat, or the "happy food" festival, is held annually in mid-July and is sure to delight all curious foodies. Renowned as Scandinavia's greatest food event and the highlight of summer, the festival presents all kinds of national food from Norway itself as well as other Nordic countries, and also international cuisines.
Festival Highlights
Four days of food fun draw around 250,000 visitors to the picturesque Stavanger's harbor that hosts the festival. The city center transforms into a vibrant hub with hundreds of exhibitors, themed areas, and a brewery festival. Attendees can indulge in various culinary experiences, from purchasing products to take home to enjoying hand-held dishes or seated meals. Many venues host live music, outdoor restaurants feature DJs, and Fargegata transforms into a bustling dance floor, adorned with disco lights and an infectious atmosphere.
Activities
Everyone has the opportunity to embark on the Gladmat trails, guided paths connecting various restaurants (separate ticket required). For the youngest festival-goers, there's Children's Gladmat–an immersive experience center at Torget. Here, kids can delve into the origins of ingredients and craft tasty dishes through sensory exploration. Additionally, visitors can explore the cooking point, a vibrant tent brimming with entertainment and insights from celebrated chefs.
Entrance
Admission to the festival grounds is free, although registration in advance may be necessary for certain events. The festival area is open from Wednesday to Friday, opening at noon and closing at 9 pm, and on Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. Additionally, some exhibitors remain open until midnight each day.
