It's happening in Risør in November
There's a lot going on in the city in November - this is the perfect time to take a trip to Risør, enjoy good food and drink, take in concerts and exhibitions, and maybe do some Christmas shopping in the city's many niche stores while you're here.
👉 Check the “What's happening” calendar at Visit Risør
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Music & stage life
The Saturday concerts at Stranden continue throughout November, with warm tones and an informal atmosphere by the sea.
Yngve Kristiansen will be guesting on stage with super bassist Finn Tore Tokle , known for his energetic playing and warm humor – a pair that always lifts the mood. Later in the month, there will be more musical surprises in the same series, from acoustic sets to jazz and folk-influenced evenings.
Risør Jazzklubb is also keeping the heat going this fall, with concerts at Risør Hotel . On Friday, November 14, Into the Wild Hills will play – an exciting mix of musicians drawn from four decades of Norwegian jazz history. Later in the fall, several intimate club nights will follow with talented musicians and a great atmosphere in the hotel bar.
In addition, there will be a classic big band Christmas when Gjerstad Storband invites you to "Swinging Christmas" in both Gjerstad Church on November 22nd. and Risørhuset on 23.11.
And for the youngest, magician Davido offers magic and laughter in Risørhuset on 22 November.
Musical at Risørhuset
Risør Music Theatre invites you to a magnificent production of My Fair Lady at Risørhuset on November 7-9 and 13-16 .
The classic story of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins is full of humor, warmth, and familiar melodies like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “The Street Where You Live” .
Local volunteers, choirs and orchestra are behind the production – an impressive project that truly shows what is going on in the city's cultural life.
Tickets and more information:
risorhuset.no/risor-musikkteater-my-fair-lady-nq98ky
Arts, crafts & exhibitions
November is a great time to stroll between the city's galleries and workshops.
- Embla Design celebrates 30 years with a pop-up on November 8th and a Christmas exhibition from November 15th.
- Galleri Nylund Larsen opens a winter exhibition on November 22nd with local and regional artists.
- The art market in Kunstparken on November 14–15 offers ceramics, textiles, glass and handmade Christmas gifts.
Talks & lectures
For those of you who like to learn something new or be inspired:
- Political history from the Agder bench on November 5th in the Literature Room.
- Saturday University on November 8th with the theme of outsiders – communicating research in an understandable way.
- The UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will be marked on November 25th at the library with an exhibition and conversation.
- Beyond Risør in week 47 fills Risør with energy, brainstorming and creativity when 65 students from Kristiania Vocational School and the University of Agder take over the city for Beyond Risør Pop-up Campus 2025. Over the course of a week, the students will work with real challenges from Risør's business community - and develop ideas that can help shape the city's future.
Read more about Beyond Risør here
Markets & pre-Christmas season
Towards the end of the month, the first signs of Christmas appear in the cityscape:
- Christmas mass at Frydendal parish house on November 29th – with crafts, Christmas baking and a café .
- The art market in Kunstparken on November 14–15 offers ceramics, textiles, glass and handmade Christmas gifts .
- Christmas market in the boatyards at Moen on November 22nd – with a gingerbread boat competition, children's workshop and crafts straight from the wooden boat builders .
- Christmas street opening at Torvet on November 29th at 5:00 PM – a permanent highlight for young and old.
- On Sunday, November 30th, Hrímfaxi Riding Club invites you to a pre-Christmas party with horseback riding, a bonfire and mulled wine.
Food & nightlife
Risør has a lot to offer even when the evenings get darker:
- Tapas Friday at Sardinfabrikken – Friday, November 7. Informal evening with a large tapas buffet and a good atmosphere.
- Danish Breakfast on Rådhusgata – last Saturday of every month. Herring, rye bread and warm conversation around the table.
- Quiz at Peterhead – regular every week on Thursday, also music quiz on Friday.
Stay up to date
The program is updated continuously. For a full overview and more events:
👉 Check the “What's happening” calendar at Visit Risør
Give Risør as a gift!
Buy a gift card that can be used anywhere in Risør town; shops, restaurants, nightlife, accommodations.
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Risør Wooden Boat Festival has been visited by 10-15,000 people every year since 1984 at the beginning of August. We are the meeting place for some of the world's most beautiful wooden boats. In addition, we promote coastal culture and traditional crafts in boats and construction. We have activities for all generations through a large program, both academic and social.
It's no wonder that people flock to Risør during the wooden boat festival, these are beautiful days with a fantastic atmosphere in the town, and the world's finest boats!
