The Norwegian capital hosts many of Norway’s biggest events and festivals throughout the year. Discover what’s on in Oslo with our events calendar for 2026.
Are you planning a trip to Norway in 2026? If you’re starting or ending your trip in the capital, then why not time your visit to coincide with a special event? From music festivals to cultural events, there’s sure to be something for you.
Of course, there are so many things to do in Oslo, but sometimes it’s worth seeking out something special for your trip. We keep our eyes on the major concerts, festivals and other big events in Oslo so you don’t have to!
Whether you’re a resident of Oslo or planning to visit, check out this guide to make the most of your time. Some 2026 events are yet to have their dates confirmed, so check back regularly for updates.
Are you also visiting Bergen during your trip? If so, don’t miss our similar guide to what’s on in Bergen.
Oslo International Church Music Festival
13-22 March 2026: This year’s Oslo International Church Music Festival presents an ambitious program shaped by artistic, economic and environmental sustainability, with smaller ensembles and a strong contemporary focus.
The opening concert features the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under Tõnu Kaljuste performing music by Arvo Pärt, while the closing concert brings Det Norske Solistkor led by Peter Phillips of The Tallis Scholars.
Several world premieres are planned, alongside music that looks beyond Western church traditions, including Assyrian, Georgian Orthodox and Persian influences.
Baroque music, major organ concerts, immersive late-night performances and family-friendly events round out the programme, alongside services, open rehearsals and talks across churches in Oslo.
Holmenkollen Ski Festival
14-22 March 2026: Join thousands of people in the chilly yet fun atmosphere of Oslo’s world-class winter sports arena for some winter sports action. More than 2,000 volunteers help to make sure the event runs smoothly.
This year’s Holmenkollen Ski Festival incorporates FIS World Cup events in Nordic skiing (cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined) on 14-15 March and biathlon on 19-22 March.
Inferno Metal Festival
2-5 April 2026: Dimmu Borgir, Opeth and Ragnarok are among the names that have headlined this festival over the years. The four-day festival draws metal lovers from all over the world to Oslo’s Rockefeller and John Dee, and new daytime venues such as Goldie.
The 2026 line-up features Cult of Luna, Deicide, and Enslaved. Four-day passes are available for the festival although you can also buy entrance to individual venues, subject to availability.
Norway Constitution Day Parade
17 May 2026: The annual parades through the streets of Oslo along with concerts and special events throughout the city streets. Prime spots to watch the parade along Karl Johans gate fill up early.
While attractions are closed on the day and it can be hard to find a restaurant that hasn’t been booked out, it’s still one of the best days to visit Oslo.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the day check out our live blog from 2019. Although it was based in Trondheim, you’ll still get a feel for what to expect.
Oslo Medieval Festival
29 May – 1 June 2026: As authentic a medieval experience as you’ll find anywhere in 2026, this festival is suitable for people of all ages.
There’s activities for children, wandering jugglers, longbow demonstrations, market stalls selling crafts from across Europe, and much more. Adding to the atmosphere, the festival is held on the grounds of Akershus Fortress.
National Music Day
6 June 2026: ‘Musikkfest’ transforms the capital city into one big concert venue, with up to 30 outdoor stages spread across Oslo. It’s always a fun day and the best approach is simply to wander around.
Bislett Games
10 June 2026: Oslo’s flagship athletics meeting returns to Bislett Stadion as part of the Diamond League circuit. Held every summer since 1965, the Bislett Games is one of the longest-running international track and field events in the world.
The 2026 program features men’s races over 200m, 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m, plus the 400m hurdles, pole vault and triple jump. Women’s events include the 100m, 400m and 3,000m, alongside the 400m hurdles, triple jump, shot put and javelin.
Picnic in the Park (PiP)
11-13 June 2026: PiP is an intimate music festival in Oslo. The festival focuses on quality music with a relaxed 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 a fantastic setting.
The event is held in Sofienbergparken in Oslo, and both day and weekend passes are available. The 2026 event features Kings of Convenience and David Byrne.
Mini Island Festival
6-7 June 2026: The annual Miniøya festival for children and youth held in Tøyen Park. Music is the main element of the festival, which also features art, dance and theatre. The main target group for Miniøya is children ages 4-12, but this is a family event, and everyone is welcome.
Above Oslo
17-20 June 2026: Grefsenkollen is the venue for one of the biggest music festivals in Eastern Norway. Over Oslo hosts three stages idyllically located in the forest with spectacular views of Oslo.
The 2026 line-up includes Sigrid, Franz Ferdinand, Susanne Sundfør, Alan Parsons Live Project, Faithless, Astrid S, and Ka2.
Oslo Pride
19-27 June 2026: The biggest LGBT+ pride event in Norway, Oslo Pride features a parade, concerts, shows, parties, debates, workshops and lectures in the middle of June.
There is a main venue for the festival known as Pride Park, where live music and festival stalls can be found. But it’s the street parade that’s the undoubted highlight of the festival.
Tons of Rock
24-27 June 2026: In just a few years, Tons of Rock has become a major annual gathering point for rock and metal fans in Norway. From 2014, the festival took place at Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, but after five years, it was moved to Ekebergsletta in Oslo to have more space.
Artists who have performed at the already legendary festival include Ozzy Osbourne, Alice in Chains, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Def Leppard, Mayhem, and many more.
The 2026 line-up includes The Offspring, Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Anthrax, Yungblud, The Hives, Twisted Sister, and Limp Bizkit.
Norway Cup
25 July – 1 August 2026: This world-famous international football tournament for children and youth ages 10-19 attracts more than 30,000 participants from around the globe. Prior to the 2020 event, Oslo authorities upgraded the entire venue at Ekebergsletta.
Oslo Jazz Festival
9-15 August 2026: The one-week festival includes about 80 individual events held across 16 different venues. The definition of jazz has broadened in recent years and there are also many events aimed at children and younger people.
Island Festival
12-15 August 2026: Considered by many to be the defining music festival of Oslo, Øya is back at Tøyen Park for another year. International artists including Blur, Pulp, and PJ Harvey have graced the stage in recent years. The 2026 line-up will be announced shortly.
Findings Festival
August 2026 (TBC): Since 2014, electronic music fans in Oslo have had a major festival to call their own. Findings is held over two days at Oslo’s Bislett Stadium. Plans for 2026 are still to be announced, but you can find out more here.
Mela Festival
14-16 August 2026: The Annual multicultural festival held at Rådhusplassen is one of the largest events of its kind outside the Asian subcontinent. Expect concerts, arts, food, and a lot of colour.
City:alarm
10-12 September 2026: Positioning itself as the SXSW of Norway, By:larm is an ambitious festival that acts as a meeting place for the Nordic music industry.
After the lectures, seminars and debates of the day, everyone’s attention turns to the concerts by night that focus on artists on the verge of breaking out. Billie Eilish, Aurora, Karpe, Sigrid, and Röyksopp are among those artists to appear on the By:larm stage early in their careers.
Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival
10-19 September 2026: Celebrating its 36th year in 2026, Ultima’s goal is for you to hear something you’ve never heard before!
Held every autumn, the festival hosts a large number of contemporary music concerts, but one can also experience opera, puppet theatre, dance, film, installations, and composer meetings.
Oslo Marathon
12 September 2026: Held since 1994, the Oslo Marathon continues to gain in popularity and now attracts around 20,000 participants.
Aside from the full marathon, a range of distances are available from the 73km ‘Oslo Triple’ to a leisurely 10km and races for children too. Thinking of taking part? Read a first-hand experience here.
Oslo Innovation Week
19-23 October 2026: One of Norway’s biggest gatherings of entrepreneurs and innovators, Oslo Innovation Week challenges people to solve problems, collaborate and drive sustainable change. A total of 80 events are held across the week.
Oslo World Music Festival
October-November 2026 (TBC): In the late autumn every year, Oslo World is the capital’s most international and varied music festival. Many of the artists performing are big stars in their part of the world, even if they might be new names for most Norwegians. The 2026 event is yet to be announced.
Film from the South
November 2026 (TBC): This popular film festival presents the best cinema from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East to a Norwegian audience. It translates to ‘films from the south.’ The 2026 event is yet to be announced.
Woah. That’s quite a year ahead! Whatever you plan to do on your next trip to Oslo, I hope you have a great time.