If you’ve got a hankering for some Scandinavian cuisine, do I have the festival for you! The Gladmat Festival will be held June 26-29, 2024, in Stavanger, Norway. This year’s theme is “Locals,” focusing on local ingredients and products. Gladmat translates to “happy food,” so how can you go wrong?!

Gladmat is an annual festival held in June or July, serving up all kinds of delights for foodies. Since being established in 1998, Gladmat has become Scandinavia’s best food festival and a summer highlight. They serve more than just Norwegian food. You'll find dishes from all over Norway, other Nordic countries, and a variety of international cuisines.

This festival doesn’t stop at food booths. They have a Children’s Gladmat in the main square, offering young attendees an immersive experience. Kids can learn about ingredient sources and have fun making some dishes.

Adults can enjoy entertainment and celebrity chefs at “the cooking point.” There are hundreds of exhibitors, a brewery festival, and various themed areas to explore. You can purchase food to go, eat while strolling, or enjoy a restaurant setting. Many restaurants will host live music or DJs, and Fargegata, Stavanger’s “colorful street,” will be transformed into an outdoor disco.

And it doesn’t end there. The festival offers guided tours for those who want to dive deep into food history. There are tours for both food and beverages, each lasting about 2 ½ hours. The activity list never ends including cooking competitions, food courses, and art workshops. With so much happening, you'll need all four days to see everything!

The festival is staged around the charming port area of Stavanger and is open from noon to 9:00 pm (opening one hour earlier on Saturdays). Some vendors may choose to close early, while others might stay open until midnight. The festival is environmentally friendly, encouraging recycling of food and serving products through nearly 20 recycling stations.

Keep in mind that approximately 250,000 people attend this festival each year. It’s a good idea to look at the map and plan what you want to see and do in advance. The festival is free to attend, but some activities, like the tours, have fees. Dress in layers and don’t forget water and sunscreen.

Let us know about your experience at Gladmat in the comments below. Skål!