Risør hosts some of Norway's most unique festivals - from crafts and classical music to boats of all shapes and sizes. There are also smaller events throughout the year, concerts and theatre performances.

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These festivals and cultural life make Risør a vibrant meeting place for both visitors and locals.

Culture Night in Risør

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Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Location: Risør city center

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Every year, Risør invites you to Kulturnatt – a magical evening filled with art, music, lectures, debates, exhibitions and exciting experiences. This is one of the most popular events of the spring for locals, and a perfect time for those who want to experience local culture and city life.

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The program is usually published in April each year - and it is packed with 50+ events of very high quality and for every taste - and best of all, it's all free !

Risør Classic Boat Festival

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Date: June 19 - 21, 2026
Location: Inner harbor and the piers around the city center

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Risør Classic Boat Festival is a new festival held for the first time in 2025, which pays tribute to plastic and hybrid boats from the post-war golden age of design. The boats from the 1950s–1980s, which many know from their childhood or summer memories, now get their own stage in Risør.

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The festival brings together rare classics such as Fjordling, Trifoil and Norseman – and offers exhibitions, boat trips, demonstrations and a social brewery life.

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Why visit the festival?

◦ Meet boating enthusiasts and experts from all over the country
◦ See unique, restored boats that you rarely find together
◦ Activities for children, workshops and lectures
◦ Feel free to combine with a chamber music party the following week

🚤 More info: risorclassicboatfestival.no

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Risør Chamber Music Festival

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Date: June 23–28, 2026
Location: Risør Church, Hollenderhagen, Stangholmen and several arenas in the city center

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In 2025, Risør Chamber Music Festival celebrated its 35th anniversary. The festival was started in 1991 and has since developed into one of Norway's leading venues for chamber music - known for its high artistic quality and close contact between musicians and audience. The historic church, the square, small stages and private homes form a unique setting for the concerts.

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Some of the artists who were included in 2025:

• Tine Thing Helseth – trumpet
• Sheku Kanneh-Mason – cello
• Pekka Kuusisto – violin
• Benjamin Grosvenor – piano
• Mishka Rushdie The moment - piano
• Ingrid Bjørnov – pianist and entertainer
• Marius Neset – saxophone and composer
• Ludvig Gudim, Sara Övinge – violin
• Lilli Maijala – viola
• Frode Berg – bass
• Jarle Storløkken – guitar
• Ingrid Neset – flute
  … and many more.

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Program highlights:

• Opening concert in Risør Church
• "At home" concerts in private homes
• Free outdoor concerts and artist talks
• "Marius in the Hollenderhagen" – jazz and chambers in the green
• "Sissel on Stangholmen" – with Sissel Kyrkjebø at the lighthouse

Here, world stars and young talents meet in one of Norway's most unique festival experiences.

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🎻 More info and tickets: kammermusikkfest.no

Wild Wine Craft Market

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Date: July 9–11, 2026
Location: Risør Torv and inner harbour
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The Villvin Crafts Market has been held in Risør since 1979 and is today one of Scandinavia's most important markets for professional crafts. Each year, over 100 exhibitors from all over the Nordic region gather with unique works in ceramics, glass, textiles, metal, leather, wood and more.

The market is not just a sales arena – it is a meeting place between creators and the audience.

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It happens at Villvin

◦ Opportunity to purchase original crafts directly from the artist
◦ Artist lecture and award ceremony (Wild Wine Award)
◦ Demonstrations and workshops
◦ Children's workshops with creative tasks
◦ Open stage and conversations with exhibitors

Villvin is a festival for those who want to experience real craftsmanship, straight from the workshop to the market square.

🎨 Read more: villvin.no

Risør Wooden Boat Festival

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Date: 30.7 - 1.08.2026
Location: Risør harbor

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Since 1984, the Risør Wooden Boat Festival has been Europe's largest festival for wooden boats. It brings together everything from small, hand-built rowboats to majestic sailing ships. The festival attracts thousands of boat enthusiasts, craftsmen and families who want to experience true coastal culture.

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What can you experience?

◦ Sailing regatta, motorboat parade, and rowing boat competition
◦ Open boat – board the vintage boats
◦ Concerts and maritime market along the pier
◦ Lectures and demonstrations of traditional crafts
◦ Activities for children and youth
◦ Free entrance to the entire festival area

There is just as much here for wooden boat enthusiasts as there is for summer guests and families with young children.

⛵️ More info: trebatfestivalen.no

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Plan your stay

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Whether you come for one festival or plan a whole month of experiences, Risør is a place you'll want to come back to. The city's compact center, vibrant coastal life, and friendly atmosphere make it easy to be a festival guest.

• Accommodation - get an overview here
• Food and drink: From fish soup on the pier to local specialties
• Travel: Good bus connections, guest harbor, parking at Tjenna

Welcome to the festival town of Risør !

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