Part of our team are out in the Lofoten Islands this weekend for Elijazzen Festival. The 15°C days and magnificent fjords perfectly complement the sun, sand, and sea. In the spirit of this weekend, we have compiled a list of 8 fantastic festivals held in the Arctic each year.
Elijazzen Festival
The boutique festival is perfectly matched with dramatic fjords and glowing orange skies to create a truly unique vibe to the jazz music played. Artists this year include Sami musician Mari Boine, quartet Steinar Raknes, Zimbabwean Vee Mukarati among others. You can see the full lineup on their Facebook page.
WHEN: April 26 – 28, 2019
WHERE: Hamnøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway
WHAT: Jazz Music
ARCTIC CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
The world’s northernmost classical festival welcomes you to the start of summer season in Svalbard. An environment and artists with the highest standards, the Arctic Philharmonic forms the base for the festival. If you would like to go this year, contact us to see if there are any all-inclusive packages left!
WHEN: June 6 – 9, 2019
WHERE: Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
WHAT: Classical Music
MIDNIGHT SUN FILM FESTIVAL
Each year in June, the small village of Sodankylä is filled with film enthusiasts from all over the world. The mix includes film directors, up-and-coming talents, fans, and locals. The Midnight Sun sets the mood for the venue, where films are shown 24 hours a day. Combining timeless masterpieces with cool contemporary films, you do not want to miss this programme, or the spirit of Sodankylä!
WHEN: June 12 – 16, 2019
WHERE: Sodankylä, Lapland, Finland
WHAT: Films for cinema lovers
SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL
Mentioned in The Travel Magazine among other news outlets, the Secret Solstice Festival provides the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to party inside a glacier! The festival is completed by the surrounding scenery, midnight sun, and an impressive line-up. Artists set to play in 2019 include Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Black Eyed Peas, Pussy Riot, and more. If you’re interested in going this year, book this weekend, as there will be a price rise in tickets on Sunday! Check out their trailer for the glacier party.
WHEN: June 21 – 23, 2019
WHERE: Reykjavik, Iceland
WHAT: Multi-Genre Music
Riddu Riddu
This Sami culture and music festival is a celebration of the indigenous local culture. The name means “small storm at the coast”, a fitting name for a festival with a rocky start. The origins of Riddu Riddu trace back to the 1990’s, when a young group of Sami decided to showcase the proud elements of their culture. At a time when the government was trying to assimilate the Sami with the rest of Norway, the developing organisation was met with much resistance. Now, they have received national recognition as one of 12 hub festivals in Norway.
WHEN: July 10 – 14, 2019
WHERE: Manndalen, Norway
WHAT: Sami Culture & Music
Iceland Airwaves
The Iceland Airwaves Festival is held before the impending polar night in Iceland. Hundreds of artists take the stage on this four-day rave, ranging from headliners, up-and-coming acts, to unheard-of underground talent. Read a review on last year’s experience by Substream Magazine. Show your interest here!
WHEN: November 6 – 9, 2019
WHERE: Reykjavik, Iceland
WHAT: Electronic Music & More
Tromsø International Film FESTIVAL
Looking for a cinema experience outside, in the snow? TIFF is held every January, during the dark polar night in Arctic Norway. Films are screened outside in the dark, so bring extra layers in case it snows! The programme includes special screenings, short films and documentaries, as well as other unique events. You can check out last year’s programme here.
WHEN: January 13 – 19, 2020
WHERE: Tromsø, Norway
WHAT: Outdoor film screenings
Northern Lights FESTIVAL
Known as Nordlysfestivalen by the locals, the Northern Lights Festival hosts a music extravaganza like no other. Genres range between opera, jazz, modern, chamber music, and symphonic orchestras. Incidentally, this year’s Elijazzen star Mari Boine has also performed here. Check out a clip from the festival in 2018 below.
WHEN: Last week of January 2020
WHERE: Tromsø, Norway
WHAT: Multi-Genre Music
Looking to book an Arctic Holiday for this season? Check out our coolest new multi-day packages, or contact us for other available tours in various destinations.
