It takes place every year in late August to early September (in weeks 35–36).

The first Aarhus Festival happened in 1965, after being established the year before as an experiment to bring together and activate the city's institutions and associations.

[citation needed] The happenings spans a broad range of cultural genres, such as music, theatre, architecture, food, art installations, talks, and dancing, as well as general entertainment.

Thereby, Aarhus Festival creates a platform for creativity, development and cooperation between the city's cultural actors, businesses, restaurants, venues, and associations.

Aarhus Festuge was established in 1964, debuted in September 1965, and has since then become one of the largest themed festivals in Northern Europe.