In case our top 5+1 reason to travel to Oslo didn’t already convince you to visit the capital of Norway, we put together a list of 10 events that will be happening in 2019. There is something for everyone: for the sporty one, for the foodie, for the music lover and so on.
- Oslo Wine Festival
1-3 February 2019
Let’s face it: Norway is not a wine producing country, but we do love our wine. The great thing about not being a wine producing country is that the selection of top wines from literally all over the world – not just one or a few countries – is impressive. The Oslo Wine Festival is located in the Aker Brygge / Tjuvholmen area. There will be over 100 events happening in 20 different restaurants in the area, ranging from quick courses to guided tours. Learn more (only in Norwegian – sorry!) - Biathlon World Cup
21-24 March
The annual, international event takes place at Holmenkollen and gathers tens of thousands of winter sport and ski enthusiasts. In addition to a great sports event atmosphere, you also get to experience the unique closeness of the hills of Holmenkollen – just a short tube ride from the city center. As a bonus, you get to admire the amazing views over entire Oslo. For program and tickets, visit the Holmenkollen Ski Festival website.
- Norwegian National Day
17 May
This is a day worth experiencing. It’s a day that, to many, begins very early: a festive breakfast, often enjoyed with a glass of champagne, is an important start of the often long day. To Norwegians, 17th May means school and marching bands, ice cream, getting dressed up in traditional outfits (bunad), meeting friends, overdosing on cake and waving small Norwegian flags to anyone and anywhere. This is the day when you’ll see the streets filled with people, regardless of the weather. If you’re planning to dine out, make sure you book a table well in advance. It’s also good to know that 17th May is a public holiday, meaning all shops and most services are closed (except for the public transport). - Nor-Shipping
4-7 June
Every two years, the global maritime industry gathers in Oslo for a 4-day event called Nor-Shipping. The actual fair is in Lillestrøm, some 10 minute train ride from the Oslo city center, but there are maritime and shipping related events all over Oslo, especially in the Aker Brygge area. Read more. - Oslo Pride
Jun 14 – Jun 23
Oslo Pride is the biggest Pride event in Norway, and brings together tens of thousands of people to celebrate and enjoy arts, diversity and culture. The highlight of Oslo Pride is the parade which is 22 June. For full program, visit the Oslo Pride website. - Øyafestivalen
6-10 August
The name literally stands for “the island festival”, and while the event moved onshore many years ago, it really started off as a festival on island called Kalvøya outside Oslo. It’s now one of the biggest urban music festivals in the Nordics, and is held in Tøyen Park, some 20 min walk from the Oslo city center. There are also tens of events and concerts around the city. Some of the names for 2019 have already been announced: Robyn and the Cure. For more info and tickets, visit the Øyafestivalen website. - Oslo Jazz festival
11-17 August
Each year, thousands of jazz lovers gather in Oslo to enjoy up to 90 concerts around the city. The festival is well established with a history that dates back 30 years. The program for the 2019 festival will be published soon. - Matstreif
6-7 September
Foodies have a good reason to visit Oslo in September when the biggest food festival Matstreif takes over Rådhusplassen between Aker Brygge and the Akershus Fortress. There will be some 200 exhibitors, and you can pamper your taste buds with flavours from all over Norway and the world. The program and info for the 2019 event will be announced soon.
- Oslo marathon
21 September
The timing of Oslo marathon is actually quite ideal: in late September, the chances for the weather being too warm are minimal, and the risk for rain and cold weather is not too high. For runners this means good weather conditions. The running event offers several other distances too, including half marathon and kids marathon. You’ll find more info and registration on the Oslo marathon website. - Christmas fair
Opens 30 November
The Christmas fair – Winter wonderland – seems to get bigger and better each year, and is a must for anyone visiting Oslo in December. It’s a great place for Christmas shopping, tasting through Norwegian specialities, trying your luck on ice skates and much more.
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