The Bergen International Festival, also known as the Bergen International Festival, is one of the most prominent music and theatre festivals in the Nordic region. Established in 1953, the festival has served as an international meeting place for creative forces ever since. Each year, it brings together a diverse programme that includes classical music, chamber music, contemporary works, opera, theatre and dance. The festival is known for presenting world premieres and new productions, and attracts prominent musicians such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Lise Davidsen.
The festival takes place in unique venues, including Edvard Grieg's home and the historic Håkonshallen, which provide a rich cultural context for the events. With hundreds of live performances on several stages, both indoors and outdoors, the festival offers a platform for both established and new talent. The Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation supports the festival with significant funding, which helps to maintain the artistic atmosphere characterized by collaboration and expression. In 2025, the festival will take place from 21 May to 4 June.