Kristiansund is an important cultural centre in the region of Nordm�re. The city is probably best known for housing Norway's oldest opera, which was established in 1928 by Edvard Br�in. There is an annual opera festival held every February in Kristiansund named The Opera Weeks (Operafestukene). In addition to this, Kristiansund is also host city of Northern Europeslargest photo festival, Nordic Light. Even though this is a rather "young" festival, (Est. 2006) it has grown to become one of the most important of its kind in Europe, attracting famous photographers from all around the world, like Don McCullin, Jock Sturges and William Klein. Other smaller festivals held in Kristiansund include The Tahiti Festival and Kristiansund Church, Art and Culture Festival (shortened to the KKKK-festival in Norwegian).
Kristiansund's main football team, Kristiansund BK, is a result of the merger between the two largest football teams in the city, KFK and Clausenengen, which got together so they could make an elite football club in Kristiansund. KBK now plays in the second division in the Norwegian football league.
Other popular sports in Kristiansund include Volleyball, Wrestling, Swimming, Ice skating and Handball
