Gladmat 2025: Get Ready for Norway’s Biggest Food Festival in the Heart of Stavanger

Iryna Bila
Jun 27
2 min read

Stavanger, Norway’s undisputed food capital, is once again preparing to explode with flavors, aromas, and vibrant crowds. Gladmat 2025 is just around the corner, and from June 25th to 28th, the city’s streets and harbor area will be transformed into Scandinavia’s leading and Norway’s largest food festival. For anyone with a passion for good food and drink, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Gladmat, which translates directly to “happy food,” was first organized in 1998. Since then, the festival has grown into an institution that annually attracts over 250,000 visitors. The festival is a celebration of the rich food culture and fantastic local ingredients that Rogaland has to offer, serving as a vibrant showcase for everything from traditional producers to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.

What is Gladmat? A Feast for the Senses

The heart of Gladmat is the bustling festival area along Vågen in Stavanger city center. Here, hundreds of exhibitors set up stalls and serve unique “Gladmat dishes” – small, flavorful portions that allow you to sample a wide variety of foods without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re craving fresh langoustine, juicy grilled meats, exotic street food, or delicate plant-based creations, you’ll find it here.

But Gladmat is much more than just food stalls. The festival offers a rich and diverse program for all ages and interests:

Kokepunktet (The Boiling Point): Follow live cooking battles where the city’s best chefs compete, and enjoy inspiring demonstrations from well-known culinary profiles.
Children’s Gladmat: A dedicated area for the youngest visitors, where kids can learn about ingredients, try simple cooking classes, and have fun with food-related activities.
Gladmat in Pedersgata: Experience the unique and international atmosphere in Stavanger’s most exciting food street. Here you’ll find everything from vegan fine dining to authentic street food from around the world.
Knowledge and Courses: For those eager to learn, a wide range of courses and lectures are offered, whether you want to deepen your knowledge of cider production, wine and food pairings, or sustainable cooking.

Gladmat and Stavanger’s 900-Year Anniversary

The year 2025 is special for Stavanger, as the city celebrates its 900th anniversary. Gladmat plays a central role in the celebration. The festival will have an extra focus on history and tradition, with one of the major highlights being “The World’s Best Long Table” in Pedersgata, where over a thousand guests will gather for a shared meal right in the street to mark the city’s milestone birthday.

Gladmat is not just a four-day party; it’s a manifestation of Stavanger’s identity as a city with strong food traditions and a constant drive for innovation. It brings the local community together, promotes locally sourced food, and provides a platform for the countless talented players in the region’s food industry.

Mark your calendar for June 25th to 28th, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience in Stavanger.