What is True Northern Arts Festival?
True Northern Arts Festival is one of Northern Norway’s largest cultural festivals, held every year in Harstad. For one week, the whole town becomes a festival arena, with experiences in the cultural centre, squares, parks, the harbour, churches, galleries and out in the urban landscape. Here you can go from a major concert to an art exhibition, from family theatre to midnight moments by the sea – all within walking distance.
In the 2026 programme you will find, among others, Madcon, Silje Nergaard and Bodø Big Band, No. 4, Nils Bech, Katarina Barruk and the opening performance Láhppon/Lost with the Norwegian National Ballet – a powerful work about the Kautokeino rebellion, dance, joik, power and resistance.
When is it happening?
The festival takes place from 20 to 27 June 2026. That means eight days of culture, town life and long, light summer evenings in the north.
How do I get there?
More easily than many people think. You can fly to Harstad/Narvik lufthavn Evenes, which has connections from several places in Norway. From there, it takes around 50 minutes to reach Harstad town centre, and an airport bus runs between the airport and the town. Once you are in Harstad, much of the festival is easy to reach on foot.
Where can I stay?
Harstad has several centrally located hotels, and during the festival it is wise to book early. Look for accommodation in or near the town centre, so you can walk between your hotel, concerts, restaurants, the harbour promenade and festival venues. The festival programme uses the whole town, but many of the largest experiences take place in the centre and at central venues.
What is Harstad like in summer?
Harstad in summer means mountains, sea, fresh air and bright nights. You get Northern Norwegian coastal atmosphere, short distances and a town that comes especially alive when the festival is taking place. Between events, you can stroll along the harbour, visit Trondenes, enjoy good food, have a coffee in the town centre or simply savour the feeling that evening never quite turns dark.
Can I travel here with children?
Yes. True Northern Arts Festival has a large children’s programme, and Barnas Festspill celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. There will be performances, workshops, a parade, SNN Park and a birthday party. Children under 13 receive free festival tickets when accompanied by an adult, and young people aged 13 to 18 get half-price tickets for performances.
> See the full children’s programme
What does it cost to experience the whole festival?
To experience as much as possible, you can buy a festivalpass. It costs NOK 2,970 and gives you one ticket to each performance. That means you can experience all eight festival days for under NOK 400 per day. Perfect for anyone who wants to let curiosity lead the way and take in both the big names and the unexpected festival gems.
So, dear southerner: this summer, you can do something different. Take the plane north, hop on the airport bus to Harstad, and join us for a week of art, music, public celebration and Northern Norwegian summer light.
True Northern Arts Festival takes place in Harstad from 20 to 27 June 2026.
Questions about tickets? Contact billett@festspillnn.no