Norwegian Wood Rock Festival

This annual rock-fest features a veritable who’s who of local and international bands in the picturesque Frogner Park. Recent years have seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Tori Amos, Foo Fighters, System of a Down, Keane and Duy take to the main stage. The Underwood stage, meanwhile, gives up-and-coming local bands the chance to make their name in front of large crowds.

Oslo Chamber Music Festival

First held in 1989, the annual Oslo Chamber Music Festival has developed into one of the most significant events of its kind in the country. During the 10-day event, visitors can expect a dazzling line-up of Norwegian and foreign musicians performing in some of the city’s most magnicent buildings, performance venues and outdoor settings.

Oslo Marathon

With more than 10,000 participants vying to take the laurels and hundreds of thousands of spectators, the Oslo Marathon is one of the Norwegian capital’s biggest sporting events. The race starts and ends at Festningsplassen near Akershus Fortress, taking in Oslo Opera House and Aker Brygge en route.

Oslo Jazz Festival

One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, performers at this impressive Oslo event have included the Liberation Music Orchestra, the Espen Eriksen Trio and Kevin Dean’s Nordic super group with Kåre Nymark Jr, Anders Aarum, Mads Vinding and Alex Riel all getting involved. The first day of the festival usually features a parade led by a brass band.

Nasjonaldagen (Norwegian National Constitution Day)

An annual national holiday celebrating the day the national constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. Parades of ag-waving adults and children led by various bands are the main event en route to see the royal family waving from the castle balcony.

Oslo Medieval Festival

Oslo Medieval Festival takes you 700 years back in time, to the era when Oslo became the capital of Norway. During the festival, the fortress will be steaming with life: Knights, re-enactors, musicians and performers will bring you an experience to remember. Our historical market is full of craftsmen and sellers from all over Europe, who’ll present historic crafts from the period. Discover history as you delve into a plethora of activities, performances and concerts, or simply relax with good food and drink, while you enjoy the atmosphere.

ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival

Under the motto of ‘Paths to Experience’, the organisers of the annual Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival strive to draw attention to the artistic creative process. Each year the festival presents a programme of contemporary artistic performances ranging from dancing and music to art installations and exhibitions.

Oslo Church Music Festival

During this 10-day event, whose patron is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, visitors can experience a wide and diverse range of musical performances in Oslo’s many wonderful churches and cathedrals. The line-up includes regional, national and international choirs and performers and always attracts large and enthusiastic audiences.