Norway is easily one of the most fascinating and beautiful destinations in the entire world! While hundreds of thousands of people fly into Oslo every year because it’s the gateway for exploring the gorgeous country, there’s actually tons of amazing places to explore in the Oslo region, as well as amazing music festivals to check-out! The region’s motto is “where city and nature unite”, and it really captivates everyone who visit with outstanding scenery for adventure seekers and vibrant nightlife / live-music scene.
While Norway is widely known as being a rather expensive country to visit, it’s actually one of the cheapest countries to fly to in Europe! If you haven’t heard of the crazy deals that Norweigan Air offers between popular U.S cities and Oslo, then you’re in for a real treat!
For example, you can fly one-way from New York to Oslo for as little as $160 U.S.D one-way! I’d recommend taking advantage of those cheap fares, spending 4-5 days exploring Oslo and the surrounding areas, and hitting up one of these music festivals!
Also, be sure to read my other guides on European Music Festivals & Techno Festivals in Europe for more amazing events!
Top 20 Music Festivals in Oslo & Norway
1) Øya Festival
Øya Festival in Oslo | Credit: Helge Brekke
When: August 6-10, 2024
Where: Tøyenparken, Oslo, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/oyafestivalen/
This all-ages festival is one of the biggest and best in the country, and brings over 60,000 attendees to enjoy an impressive line-up covering a wide variety of genres. Located in Oslo’s gorgeous and spaceous Toyenparken, you’ll love spending 4-days exploring all the stages, food stalls, and meet travelers from around the world.
2) PiP Festival – Piknik i parken
Credit: PiP Festival
When: June 13-15, 2024
Where: Sofienbergparken, Oslo, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/pipfest
Piknik i Parken (PiP), is an intimate music festival in Oslo! The festival focuses on quality and good music, with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Behind the festival are some of Norway’s most experienced people with a desire to create a festival that goes back to the roots of what a festival should be; a unique experience in fantastic settings.They encourage guests to bring some friends, bring their own food, and listen to quality tunes in one of Oslo’s most beautiful areas!
3) Oslo World Festival
When: October-November, 2024
Where: Oslo, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/osloworld/
Annual music festival that gathers artists from all over the world at venues all over Oslo.
While some would call it a music festival, Oslo World is actually much more with dozens of events, seminars, and concerts throughout the city. During the day you can take your pick of one of the many free things to do in Oslo, and each night decide which event you find most appealing!
It’s one of the best times to visit the Oslo region, as you can do tons of exploring, as well as experiencing one of the cities best live-music conferences.
4) Mela Festival Oslo
When: August 16-18, 2024
Where: Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square), Oslo, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/melaoslo
One of the most frustrating parts about attending a music festival can be outrageous ticket prices, but that’s something you don’t have to worry about at Mela Festival! This completely free event is conveniently located in City Hall Square, so who would say no to a free festival?
“The main stage is the arena where you can hear the popular Pakistani singers and the new exciting names from the underground, the rapper from Sandvika or Stovner, international Grammy winners, and artists who for some mean everything in the world, but who are completely unknown to others.”
5) Slottsfjell Music Festival
Credit: Slottsfjell Music festival
When: July 10-11, 2024
Where: Tønsberg, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/slottsfjell
“Since its establishment in 2003, Slottsfjell has been one of Norway’s most popular and important festivals. After a couple of years’ absence, we are ready to present the festival of the ages – adapted to a new decade. Because one thing is certain: You won’t want to miss the party of all time in Norway’s coolest summer town!
The festival area itself is located at Kaldnes, just 4 minutes’ walk from the legendary Tønsberg Brygge. Here you will experience the festival of the future right in the center of the summer town, surrounded by the archipelago and dining options. Here we serve you a broad and exciting music profile from outdoor stages, concert halls and our own festival beach.
And when you want to retreat a bit, we have lounge areas and a giant food hall where you can enjoy food from all over the world with your friends. And when the sun goes down, and the sound from the main stage has died down on the festival grounds, we present Norway’s biggest festival nightclub
6) Fjordfesten Festival
When: August 2-3, 2024
Where: Fjordfesten, Sandefjord, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/Fjordfesten/
“Fjordfesten is an all ages music festival in the center of Sandefjord. For two days, Badeparken is filled with great concert experiences and a high social factor.
The weekend is a folk festival where children, young people and adults enjoy themselves together. We are proud to have created a wonderful cultural tradition in our city. Fjordfesten is primarily a lot of good music, but we aim for a total festival experience. In the area there are food stalls with food from all corners of the world. In the Beach bar and Drink bar, our DJs create a good atmosphere, here you and your friends can dance throughout the weekend.”
7) Peer Gynt Festival
Credit: Arne Hernæs
When: August 1-10, 2024
Where: Gålå Lake, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/peergyntas
This is celebrated as one of “Norway’s leading cultural festivals”, and would definitely be something worth adding to the bucket list. While it may not necessarily be a music festival, there’s tons of amazing events to check-out during the nine-day event.
8) Oscarsborg Operaen
Credit: Oscarsborg Operaen Festival in Norway
When: August, 2024
Where: Oscarsborg Fortress, Oslofjord, Norway
https://www.oscarsborgoperaen.no/
https://www.facebook.com/OscarsborgOperaen
Are there any opera lovers reading this? Well, then I’ve got the perfect event for you! It is be a week-long event of some of the best opera you’ve ever heard. I’m not personally a big fan of opera, but I would never say to to getting dressed up and listening to music in a Norwegian Fortress!
9) Inferno Metal Festival
When: March 28-31, 2024
Where: Oslo, Norway
https://www.infernofestival.net/no/festival/news.aspx
“Celebrate the Easter holiday at an extreme metal festival in Oslo, Norway. With over 40+ bands over 4 days, this is Norway’s largest metal festival.”
10) Neon Festival Norway 2024
When: June 7-8, 2024
Where: Trondheim, Norway
“Trondheim’s NEON Festival Is a 2 day music festival that brings together a mix of electronic and hip hop music.”
11) Bergenfest 2024
When: June 12-15, 2024
Where: Bergen, Norway
“Don’t let the title of “rainiest city in Europe” chase you away from Bergenfest. This boutique festival in a castle feels like having some of the largest acts on tour performing in your backyard. And in a city where the sun never truly sets, this is one of the most relaxing and lovely fests in the North.”
12) Tons of Rock 2024
When: June 26-29, 2024
Where: Oslo, Norway
“If it wasn’t obvious from the name, Tons of Rock is a whole lot of rock and heavy metal taking place in Oslo, Norway.”
13) Stavern Festival 2024
When: July 3-6, 2024
Where: Larvik, Norway
https://www.stavernfestivalen.no
“Stavernfestivalen started in 2001 with only 175 attendees, but since then the annual pop and rock festival has grown to a crowd of 75,000. It takes place every July at the Larvik Golf Arena in Norway.”
14) Palmesus 2024
When: July 5-6, 2024
Where: Kristiansand, Norway
“Billed as Scandinavia’s biggest beach party, Palmesus is a two-day music and camping festival held in Kristiansand, Norway. This summer party takes place right on the city beach!”
15) Traena Festival
When: July 10-13, 2024
Where: Traena, Norway
“Træna is one of the smallest municipalitys in Norway, and every year the little community hosts a music festival for their guests.The Træna festival takes place on an island in northern Norway, 65 km far out in the Atlantic. An unique community where all the 500 citizens participate to give you a fantastic experience with music and culture in magnificent settings. You can eat gourmet food from the sea, feel the magic of the ocean, watch sea eagles, feel the love and enjoy the fabulous concerts.”
16) Malakoff Festival
When: July 19-20, 2024
Where: Nordfjordeid, Norway
“Malakoff Festival out of Norway features 35 artists across 3 stages with 30,000 festies in attendance.”
17) Beyond The Gates 2024
When: July 31-August 3, 2024
Where: Bergen, Norway
“It’s metal. It’s Scandinavia. It’s 5 days of darkness in the heart of Bergen, Norway.”
18) Pstereo Festival 2024
When: August 16-17, 2024
Where: Trondheim, Norway
“With a lively student population, the third largest city in Norway is also home to the three-day Pstereo Festival. Up and coming acts mix with worldwide headliners and which take place on the idyllic Marinen – a beautiful outdoor greenspace next to the the river and adjacent to the 1,000-year-old Nidaros Cathedral. Along with the main festival, the nights are filled with club events and there’s even a free Saturday family concert.”
19) Findings Festival 2024
When: August 16-17, 2024
Where: Oslo, Norway
“It’s one of the biggest parties in Oslo and the best way to end the summer! Findings Festival brings a collection of pop, rock, and everything else to Bislett Stadium for two days of celebration.”
20) Full Metal Cruise 2024
When: September 6-10, 2024 (cruise festival)
Where: Germany to various stops in Scandinavia / Norway
“Set sail to the northern seas and a Viking adventure with the Full Metal Cruise. Departing from Germany and making stops across Scandinavia, metal fans are in for the ultimate cruise ship festival.”
Am I missing any amazing music festivals in Oslo and Norway?
I’m always trying to keep these lists as up to date as possible, so please do reach out if you know of any other incredible festivals in Norway that should be added to the list!
Interested in other European festivals?
My website is filled with tons of helpful guides showcasing the world’s coolest events! Be sure to read through and save some of these below!
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Which of these festivals would you be most interested in? I know that’s a tough question, because they all seem like a pretty great time! Whether you’re planning a two-week trip to explore Norway, or just a quick weekend trip to Oslo, definitely keep these events in mind for the future!
Heard so much good things about Oslo! Really can’t wait to go there soon!
I have never been to Norway but after reading your post it is right at the top of places to visit. Some of these music festivals look fabulous.