Oslo Entertainment

Oslo’s nightlife scene is one of the most varied and vibrant in the world, something which local residents are quite proud of. Whether you want to chill out at a pub or rock to live music, you will find something going on to your liking every night of the week. But be warned, drinking is an expensive venture in Oslo, which is why many Norwegians save money by having drinks at friends’ houses before hitting the town. This is called a forschpiel.  For this reason, many bars remain quiet until 23:00 or so, when the first groups of forschpiel, begin to arrive.

To keep up with what’s happening during your visit, get a free copy of the monthly paper Natt og Dag or What’s on in Oslo. Interestingly, tickets to virtually every kind of performance in Oslo can be purchased at the local post office.

Nightlife

Oslo has a bustling nightlife scene that really kicks in after midnight and carries on until the early hours of the morning, often not ending until sunrise in the summer months. The city has more than 100 bars, clubs and cafés, with more opening all the time. The locals are very much a part of the nightlife in Oslo, as Norwegians love going out for a drink after work.

The most popular clubs are clustered along the main drag, Karl Johans Gate, where you can find many choices with people looking to relax at all hours of the day and night. Aker Brygge, the renovated wharf area, also has tons of bars and a few nightclubs, which mainly attract tourists and those willing to spend a little extra for the stunning waterfront location. The districts of Grunerlokka and Gronland are popular with the younger set, while a more mature, upmarket crowd heads to the quieter west end of town in Frogner and Bygdoy.

Theatre and music

Visitors looking for a bit of live music or something more cultural like a play or opera won’t be disappointed. Oslo has a thriving arts scene and the chances are good that you will be able to find what you’re looking for. The most important theatre in town is the National Theatre; however, the plays here are almost always performed in Norwegian. For plays in English, check out the Black Box, Oslo Nye or Nordic Black Theatre, all of which are excellent, smaller playhouses.

The world-famous Oslo Philharmonic performs regularly at the Oslo Konserthus (Oslo Music Hall), but there are no performances between mid-June and mid-August. Popular music concerts are also held here throughout the year, as Oslo is a favourite stop for international musicians and performing artists of all kinds. Autumn and winter are the busiest seasons for theatre, cabaret and concerts.

In the less classical music realm, Oslo offers plenty of great live music in a variety of venues. If you enjoy jazz, hip hop or any other alternative style of music, check out Bla, which has established itself as the hottest spot in town for live shows. So What! is another bar that is popular with those in the know and people in the music industry. Big outdoor concerts are often held at Valle Hovin, which can hold up to 40,000 spectators. Oslo Spektrum is the city’s largest indoor venue, but Rockefeller is the music hall which seems to have the perfect size and capacity. Most artists prefer to play at Rockefeller when they come to Oslo.

Festivals

Being the international cultural hub that it is, Oslo tries hard to keep an exciting schedule of festivals throughout much of the year. 

• The Oslo Summer Festival brings loads of entertainment and small markets to the streets of the downtown area. Live concerts, a fair and extended shop hours keep the fun going late into the night (June).
• The Summer Parade is a chance for the people of Oslo to get out and celebrate the long summer days, with a colourful parade through the city and a big outdoor party. At night, the festivities continue at nearly every club in the city (July).
• The Oslo Jazz Festival also includes classical concerts, opera and ballet performances in its schedule. More than 100 performances are held outdoors and in venues around the city (August).
• The Oslo Chamber Music Festival brings classic and contemporary chamber music to the city. Talented Norwegian musicians, along with international names, perform at the Akershus Castle and other venues around town (August).
• Ibsen Festival celebrates the plays of Norway’s most famous playwright. Theatre companies from around the world come to Oslo to perform many of Henrik Ibsen’s plays in both English and Norwegian. Non-English plays are subtitled, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this brilliant artist’s work (September).