1. South of the sun and west of the moon
Sunday 25 May at 18:00 - Ål Kulturhus - Tickets
Join us on a magical journey on Sunday 25 May east of the sun and west of the moon. The old folk tale is about the princess who must embark on a perilous journey to rescue White Bear, a friend who is bound to a curse and at night is a man. Along the way, she encounters icy mountains, deep forests and strong winds. The story tells of courage, trust and the will to fight for what you believe in.
The performance is brought to life through storytelling, dance and live folk music, performed by young performers with great commitment. Actors from Ål kulturskole and dancers from Hallingdal dansekompani take you on an atmospheric journey, accompanied by the folk music trio MOJNA.
2. Martin Steinum Brun - Young Folk Musician of the Year 2024
Friday 30 May at 15:30 - Evjens Minne - Tickets
Experience a powerful and intimate concert with Martin Steinum Brun, this year's young folk musician and winner of IntroFolk 2024. With roots from Vågå in Gudbrandsdalen and a voice that carries both power and warmth, he takes you on a musical journey that is both raw, poetic and personal.
Martin is first and foremost a folk singer, but he also uses the kravik lyre and village harp in his expression, creating a unique sound world with deep roots in tradition and an eye to the present. Through his music, he tells stories that range from the humorous and absurd to the vulnerable and human. With a strong stage presence and an ability to communicate that goes straight to the heart, he creates an intimate and engaging concert experience.
This is a rare opportunity to experience one of Norway's most exciting young folk musicians live, right in the heart of Hallingdal.
3. Bill.mrk: Heil ved
Friday 30 May at 17:00 - Ål kulturhus - Tickets
"Heil ved" is a raw, playful and moving dance performance about dating, love, firewood, realisation and self-respect. Here we follow a Halling dancer in search of both the audience and the woman of his dreams - with high-flying jumps and down-to-earth sensitivity. The production was named Production of the Year at Folkelarmprisen 2024, and is a collaboration between Riksscenen and Sprang. The cast includes Ådne Geicke Kolbjørnshus, Sivert Holmen and Andreas Bratlie.
Whether you're familiar with folk dance or not, this is a performance that hits both the heart and the smile.
4. Village assembly
Saturday 31 May at 15:00 - Ål Kulturhus - Tickets
Bygdamønstringa is an audience favourite that has been a regular and beloved part of the festival for several years. Everyone is invited to take to the stage and contribute with games, dancing, singing, poetry reading or something completely unique.
As an audience member, you'll experience a wide range of vibrant, authentic folk music and culture, while also attending the presentation of the Jens A. Myro Memorial Prize, a tribute to important contributions to the tradition. This is an inclusive, warm and inspiring time where community and tradition are at the centre, where you get to experience folk music up close!
5. Valkyries Allstars
Saturday 31 May at 20:45 - Sundrehall - Tickets (incl. in festival evening ticket)
Valkyrien Allstars is known as one of Norway's most recognised live bands and is considered a pioneer of new folk music. With their unique expression, they mix traditional folk melodies with modern rhythms and an energetic performance, which has earned them a loyal fan base and several awards.
In May 2025, they will release their new album, and the music from this brand new material will be part of the concert when Valkyrien Allstars take over Sundrehall during Folkemusikkveka. You'll hear brand new songs, combined with the band's warmth and nerve.
With solid musical craftsmanship and innovative arrangements, Valkyrien Allstars deliver a concert experience that both respects the roots of folk music and challenges the boundaries of the genre. This is music that hits both the heart and the brain - perfect for those who want to experience evolving folk music.
The festival manager's recommendations
Festival Director Solfrid Nestegard Gjeldokk has also picked out her own favourites from the programme - here are five things she thinks you should see:
- Stranda - games & Dekka tracks
- The church concert
- The Fanitull final
- Evening programmes Thursday – Friday – Saturday
- Sunday with Folk music service and family day at the village museum