The Northern Lights Festival coincides with Sami Week in 2026, and we’re celebrating in full force! In collaboration with Gáisi Language Centre, we invite you to Sámi Guovssahasidja – a Sami celebration at The Edge.

Sámi Guovssahasidja brings together fashion, stories, humor, and music in honor of Sámi National Day (Sámi Álbmotbeaivi). The evening features a fashion show by Nina Erdahl, stand-up comedy from Åse Kathrin Vuolab and Isalill Kolpus, and powerful electro-joik from Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio.

Nina Erdahl, well known to many in Tromsø, has worked with Sami fashion for twenty years and will open the evening with her latest show. Åse Kathrin Vuolab—one of the creators behind the new NRK series Heajastallan – Bryllupsfesten—will share stories that are honest, relatable, and hilariously funny.

The beloved Isalill Kolpus returns to the stage in Tromsø with brand new material, while Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio lift the evening into a musical universe that lets the audience dance, laugh, and cry all at once.

On Sunday, February 1, we present a rare world premiere as Andreas Fliflet performs his musical universe Jienat in an entirely new form: the repertoire has been specially orchestrated for Tromsø Big Band and will premiere on the Main Stage. Together with joikers Anne Gro Gaup and Inger Johanne Oskal, they create a powerful musical encounter between Sami tradition, improvisation, and big band energy.

This program release also includes several unique concert experiences: Vocal Nord performs Finnish repertoire based on the Kalevala in Alfheim swimming hall; Hamid Sakhizada’s Afghan musical heritage meets Nordic tradition and jazz with the Friby Orchestra; Ensemble 4Femten celebrates its 10th anniversary with Murder Ballads and Dances in Mack Kjeller 4; and Klubb Dagdrønn invites the whole family to a folk music party on the Little Stage on Saturday, February 7.

Read more and find your favorites here!

‍