Events Calendar for the Oslofjord Region

The Oslofjord Region is a vibrant cultural hub that spans Oslo, Akershus, Vestfold, Østfold, and Drammen, offering a wide variety of annual events, festivals, and exhibitions. From music festivals and outdoor markets to art exhibitions and historical reenactments, the region has something for every season. Here’s an overview of the key annual events and temporary exhibitions to help you plan your visit.

1. Events in Oslo

Oslo Jazz Festival

• When: August

• What: A week-long festival celebrating jazz music, featuring international and local artists. Venues range from concert halls to outdoor stages across the city.

• Location: Various venues in Oslo.

Øya Festival

• When: August

• What: One of Norway’s biggest music festivals, Øya Festival draws international and local acts from indie, rock, electronic, and pop genres. It’s a major cultural event and attracts music lovers from all over the world.

• Location: Tøyenparken, Oslo.

Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and Concert

• When: December

• What: Held annually in Oslo, the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony honors the laureates, followed by a spectacular concert featuring international musicians. It’s one of the most prestigious events in the city.

• Location: Oslo City Hall for the ceremony, Oslo Spektrum for the concert.

Oslo Medieval Festival

• When: May

• What: Step back in time with the Oslo Medieval Festival, where the Akershus Fortress transforms into a medieval village. This family-friendly event features reenactments, markets, and performances.

• Location: Akershus Fortress, Oslo.

2. Events in Akershus County

Follo Medieval Festival

• When: June

• What: A celebration of medieval culture with period costumes, battle reenactments, and historical markets. It’s a great family event, offering educational activities about the region's history.

• Location: Follo Museum, Akershus.

Christmas at Eidsvoll 1814

• When: December

• What: Visit Eidsvoll Manor, where Norway’s Constitution was signed in 1814, for a festive Christmas market filled with traditional crafts, food, and holiday spirit.

• Location: Eidsvoll Manor, Akershus.

3. Events in Vestfold County

Slottsfjell Festival

• When: July

• What: Slottsfjell is one of Norway’s biggest outdoor music festivals, held on the historic Slottsfjellet hill in Tønsberg. The festival features a diverse line-up of Norwegian and international artists and offers stunning views over the town and fjord.

• Location: Slottsfjellet, Tønsberg.

Tønsberg Viking Festival

• When: July

• What: Experience Viking history come to life with battle reenactments, Viking markets, and traditional crafts at the Tønsberg Viking Festival. It’s a fun, educational event for families and history enthusiasts.

• Location: Borre National Park, Vestfold.

Færder Sailing Week

• When: June

• What: One of Scandinavia’s largest sailing events, Færder Sailing Week attracts sailors from across Europe. The race begins in Oslo and ends in Tønsberg, with festivities, concerts, and food markets taking place in both cities.

• Location: Oslo to Tønsberg, Vestfold.

4. Events in Drammen City

Elvefestivalen (River Festival)

• When: August

• What: This lively festival takes place along the Drammenselva River and features outdoor concerts, a food market, boat parades, and family activities. It’s a highlight of the summer season in Drammen.

• Location: Drammenselva River, Drammen.

Drammen Sacred Music Festival

• When: September

• What: A unique music festival that celebrates spiritual and religious music from around the world, the Drammen Sacred Music Festival brings together a wide range of genres and traditions.

• Location: Various venues in Drammen.

5. Events in Østfold County

Fredrikstad Animation Festival

• When: October

• What: The largest animation festival in the Nordics, the Fredrikstad Animation Festival showcases animated films from around the world. There are also workshops and talks from leading animators.

• Location: Fredrikstad Kino, Fredrikstad.

Hvaler Summer Festival

• When: June to August

• What: A series of cultural and musical events held throughout the summer in the Hvaler Archipelago, known for its stunning coastal scenery. The festival includes concerts, outdoor performances, and art exhibitions.

• Location: Hvaler Archipelago, Østfold.

Moss Jazz Festival

• When: July

• What: A vibrant jazz festival held in Moss, featuring Norwegian and international jazz artists. The event takes place in multiple venues across the town, combining music with the coastal charm of the Oslofjord.

• Location: Moss, Østfold.

6. Special Exhibitions and Temporary Art Shows

Munch Museum (Oslo)

• What: The Munch Museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting the works of Edvard Munch and contemporary artists influenced by him. The museum also features changing exhibitions focusing on modern Norwegian art.

• Location: Bjørvika, Oslo.

Kunstnernes Hus (Oslo)

• What: Kunstnernes Hus is a dynamic contemporary art space that hosts rotating exhibitions from emerging and established Norwegian artists. Its calendar is filled with exciting installations and multimedia exhibitions.

• Location: Oslo city center.

Galleri F 15 (Jeløya, Moss)

• What: Galleri F 15 is known for its contemporary art exhibitions set in the stunning natural surroundings of Jeløya. The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibits featuring both Norwegian and international artists.

• Location: Jeløya, Moss.

Conclusion

The Oslofjord Region offers a wealth of cultural and outdoor experiences throughout the year, with something for everyone. Whether you’re attending a vibrant music festival in Oslo, enjoying historical reenactments in Vestfold, or celebrating the arts in Østfold, the region’s event calendar ensures that there’s always something exciting happening. Plan your visit around these annual events and exhibitions to fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Oslofjord.