UPDATED Your personal guide to small and big experiences in Stavanger and beyond
What's on June 12th - 14th 2026
A quick resend due to an error in Saturday's listings.
Hi,
This weekend was a magical mix of all kinds of fun. A Viking Festival in Avaldsnes with beautiful weather and surroundings. A kite festival at Ølberg, crab hunting in a small cove on Sola, and ice cream at the “new” ice cream bar in Hafrsfjord. The highlight was when we discovered two magical hidden gems by taking detours on Rennesøy and in Tysvær. For someone who grew up in the back seat of a car with a driver (hi Dad!) who never took detours, it has become a bit of a mission of mine. I always see something new and I love the feeling of being an explorer.
Before we jump into this weekend, a small update. Over the past few months, I have spent quite a few hours every week digging up events, activities, and experiences across the Stavanger region. And I will continue doing that in the autumn.
But summer is a little different. The truth is that some of my best memories do not come from events at all. They come from spontaneous swims at Solastranden. An ice cream at Ølberg. A ferry ride to Vassøy. A detour that turned into an adventure.
That is why this newsletter will look a little different over the next few weeks.
Instead of focusing on what is happening this particular weekend, I will be sharing some of my favourite places, summer outings, hidden gems, and things I think everyone should experience at least once in our region.
The goal is still the same as always: to help you experience more of the place where you live.
So whether you are on holiday, working all summer, or simply trying to find something fun to do with family or friends, I hope these summer editions will provide a little inspiration.
And as always: if you discover something fantastic, send me a message. And if you feel inclined share the newsletter with others. The thing that makes me happiest is the thought that someone gets to experience magical moments in our region.
Have a wonderful summer!
If you’re reading this for the first time - welcome!
This is my weekly newsletter, sent out every Wednesday (nyhetsbrev på norsk her). My philosophy in life: every place in the world has something exciting happening. I believe there is always something to experience, no matter where you are (in fact, I’m willing to bet I can find something for you no matter where in the world you are reading from*). Sometimes it is big events, other times small experiences that make a weekend memorable. Everything I pick out is something I am considering doing myself, with or without two small children.
These are my tips for things to do in Stavanger and beyond this weekend:
Heads up: often the pages are in Norwegian, but you can always use Google Translate to check them out.
Friday
Sans kids
Dance Off Stavanger: 90 minutes of a morning DJ promising summer vibes. At 07:30 in the Mezzanine at Stavanger Concert Hall. What a fantastic way to start the day and the weekend! From 07:30. Ticketed. More info here.
Open Stage: Experience artists sharing their work in all kinds of forms. Watch, participate, have a drink, or simply help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. From 19:30. Pay-what-you-want tickets. More info here.
Saturday
Pirate Day at Sola: If you have little pirates at home, this could be right up their alley. Expect paper boats, pirate hats, and a treasure hunt—the kind of simple activities that often turn out to be surprisingly successful. From 10:00 to 14:00. Free and no registration required. More info here.
Nordsjørittet 2026: This is one of the truly iconic cycling events in the region. Hundreds of cyclists set off from Egersund through the beautiful Jæren landscape before finishing in Sandnes, with ocean views, food stations, and cheering crowds along the route. Whether you are riding yourself (it is still possible to sign up) or know someone who is (we will be cheering on someone close to us), it is hard not to be impressed by the effort. The first group starts from Egersund at 10:00. More info here.
Sunday
Motor History Day: Everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to tractors and other motorised curiosities comes together here, while Rogaland Car Museum opens its doors with a renewed exhibition. I especially like events where enthusiasts get to showcase what they are passionate about. It tends to be just as interesting as the vehicles themselves. From 11:00 to 15:00. Free and no registration required. More info here.
Knudaheio and Garborgheimen: Visit the home of Arne Garborg and take a walk up to Knudaheio, his small writing cabin overlooking the beautiful Jæren landscape. Perfect to combine with a drive around Jæren and some fresh air. Open from 12:00 to 16:00. More info here.
The weekend
Relay for Life: This is one of the most moving events on the calendar. Over the course of 24 hours, people walk and run together to show support for everyone affected by cancer, with concerts, activities for children, a candlelight ceremony, and a strong sense of community throughout. Whether you participate or simply stop by, it feels like a reminder of how much strength exists when people come together around something that truly matters. From Saturday 13 June at 12:00 to Sunday 14 June at 12:00 at Sandtangen, Bryne. Free to visit (and cheer). More info here.
Nærbødagane: This is exactly the kind of village festival that makes me think Jæren is pretty awesome. Two days filled with concerts, food, activities for children, pony rides, bouncy castles, the Nordsjøritt cycling race, free breakfast, and lots of life in the town centre. And when Postgirobygget headlines Friday night, there is a very good chance of singalongs and great atmosphere well into the evening. From Friday 12 June to Saturday 13 June. Many activities are free, while concerts require tickets. More info here.
Strandadagene: Ryfylke has to have its own “days” too, and they do it in style. Concerts, market stalls, bouncy castles, vintage boats, a duck race, balloon releases with gift cards, RIB tours, and activities for both young and old fill the town centre. And as if that were not enough, there is also the Fjordlyd Festival, the 10-year anniversary of Solspeilet at Klungholmen, and the chance to speed off towards Preikestolen in a RIB boat. From Thursday 11 June to Saturday 13 June. More info here.
This week’s tips
Place I want to try: Hebnes Vineyard. A vineyard in Ryfylke still sounds a little unlikely in my head, which is probably exactly why I want to visit. On a south-facing farm overlooking the Sandsfjord, thousands of grapes are grown and turned into white wine, rosé, sparkling wine, and even wine made from honeyberries. During the summer you can join guided tours and wine tastings. I always cheer for people who dare to take a chance!
Place worth a stop anytime: Helland-Flekksta on Rennesøy. We discovered this place completely by accident after taking a wrong turn, and it was simply magical. You drive down a road that feels like it leads nowhere. Then suddenly there is the world’s smallest parking area, with green fields and sheep as far as the eye can see. From there begins a beautiful walk with views of my favorite thing in the world - the sea. I will definitely be returning with more practical footwear and clothing.
Hope you are inspired to try some of these things and that you have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter. My goal is to send this out every Wednesday with my weekend tips (and occasionally weekday ones) for Stavanger and the surrounding area. If you’d like to get it straight to your inbox, hit “subscribe” and feel free to share it with a friend who might need some weekend inspiration.
* If you’re reading this from somewhere outside Stavanger, feel free to challenge me to find something for you :)