Oslo Events and Festivals

St Hallvard's Feast Day: held every year in May, the celebration of the city’s patron saint is a quiet affair which dates back hundreds of years. The festivity takes place in the ancient quarter of Oslo and remembers the saint's death. There are speeches by the mayor and the bishop of Oslo as well as and an awards ceremony and musical performances, with a big event held at 16:24. This day is significance as it marks when Oslo burnt down in 1624. The highlight of the day is a religious service held at 18:00 in a local medieval church.

Norwegian National Day: held annually on 17 May, this celebration marks the day Norway was finally granted independence in 1905. Hundreds of thousands of Norwegians pour into the city’s streets in the biggest event of the entire year. Brass bands parade through the city and crowds participate with whistle-blowing, flag-waving and singing. Schoolchildren parade through the streets in national costume and the usually shy and retiring locals let their hair down and feast on the atmosphere. It is a celebration of political independence and should not be missed if you are in Oslo at this time.

Oslo Summer Festival: this popular event sees a number of performers and markets stalls descend on the streets of downtown. Live concerts are common and a fair, which is packed with games and rides, ensures entertainment for the younger ones.

Summer Parade: allows the people of Oslo to get outside and take advantage of the long summer nights. There is a colourful parade throughout the city and a big outdoor party every June around the summer equinox.

King's Guard's Day: once a year in June, the King's Guard opens its doors to the public. There is a tattoo performance, a display of military equipment and vehicles, and the chance to try your luck at indoor shooting.

St Olav's Day: St Olav is the patron saint of Norway and is held in high regard by every Norwegian. This special day is a national holiday and sees feasts held in his honour and religious services hosted at churches across the country.

Oslo Jazz Festival: is not strictly limited to jazz as the festival also includes performances by classical musicians and ballet dancers. More than 100 outdoor performances are held at venues across the city.

Oslo Chamber Music Festival: showcases both classic and contemporary chamber music and sees Norwegian musicians perform at the Akershus Castle and other venues citywide.

Ibsen Festival: this annual event celebrates the life and works of Henrik Ibsen, Norway’s most famous playwright. International theatre companies arrive in the city to perform his plays in both English and Norwegian; non-English plays are subtitled to make sure that everybody can fully appreciate his work.

Designers' Christmas Market: Norwegian designers flock to the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture every December to sell their products. Clothes, jewellery, bags and other accessories can all be found here. It is a great place to pick up Christmas gifts as well as a few treats for yourself.

Great Annual Christmas Fair: the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History opens its gates every December for the annual Christmas Fair. It is the largest fair in Oslo and made up of many parts including over 100 old-fashioned stalls which sell a variety of arts and crafts. There is entertainment throughout the festive season which includes concerts, a service held in the 12th century church, Santa's Workshop, and some traditional folk dancing.

Easter Festival: this annual event has a different date each year and is a seven-day festival which showcases aspects of Saami culture with concerts, art exhibitions, theatre performances, a film festival and sporting activities. It is great fun and well worth watching if you are in Norway at this time.