Cultural Events in Oslo and the Region This October
October is filled with music, outdoor events, and cultural events in Oslo and the region. Don’t miss the spooky tours in Oslo and Horten, as exciting animation festival in Fredrikstad. Discover what’s happening in Oslo and the region this October!
Photo: CH - VisitNorway.com
Oslo based events
Oslo 2024 - 400th and 100th jubilee!
This year we mark two anniversaries in Oslo. It is 400 years since the medieval city of Oslo burned down in the biggest fire in the city's history, and since Christiania was founded in today's Kvadraturen. The fire was on 17 August, and on 27 September of the same year, King Christian Kvart stood where Christiania torv and the sculpture Hansken are today, and decided that "here the city shall lie" and that it should be named after him. In addition, it is 100 years since it was decided that the city should change back to its old name, Oslo.
We take the opportunity to learn Oslo's history, everything that has happened in the streets we walk in every day, and to celebrate Oslo and all of us who live here.
Join the celebrations and check out the full program on www.Oslo2024.no
Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) tours and events
The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) organizes a variety of events for families and children, including hiking trips, cabin stays, kayaking, paddling, and more. This October, you can learn kayaking, paddle under the night sky, and enjoy the streetlit views of Oslo. Explore their fall tours and get tips on how to make the most of the outdoor autumn weather. While most of their events are in Norwegian, they also offer international hikes for non-Norwegian speakers.
International events in October
On October 27, join DNT's calm hiking tour from Sognsvann to Vettakollen. Bring a packed lunch, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and enjoy the guided tour. No registration is required, and it's completely free! For more information on the time and details, check their official page.
On November 3, discover Oslo's history and explore the ruins of Ljansviadukten on a scenic hike from Fiskevollen to Skullerud. This route follows the Ljanselva river, taking you from charming residential areas into a beautiful primeval forest. Visit their page for the meeting place, time, and additional details.
Expats of Oslopolitan
Are you attending one of the events and want to share your experience with other internationals in Oslo and the region? Oslopolitan has created the Expats of Oslopolitan Instagram account, where internationals showcase their Oslo region life.
Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug - VisitNorway.com
Vigeland museum exhibition and workshops
From September 27, 2024, to January 12, 2025, you can visit Åsne Kummeneje Mellem's fascinating exhibition (Sinne) Käsin. The title has a double meaning in the Kven language, translating to "over there," indicating movement or direction toward a place.
The Vigeland Museum offers family workshops throughout October, where children can create their own sculptures and engage in other creative activities. Check out their program to see the full list of planned events.
Photo: VisitOSLO/Fara Mohri
The Oslo Fjord Light Art Festival: October 31-November 3
The Oslo Fjord Light Festival transforms the Harbour Promenade into an unforgettable light art exhibition each year. Showcasing mesmerizing installations by renowned artists, the festival brings a fascinating display of light art to Oslo. From October 31 to November 3, 2024, between 18:00-23:00, you can enjoy the installations at Tjuvholmen, Aker Brygge, Rådhusplassen, and Akershusstranda.
Though the nights may grow colder and longer, this artistic experience will brighten the harbor, offering the perfect blend of Oslo’s landscape and captivating art installations. This year's theme, "Contact," highlights the importance of communication, experience, and emotions in fostering connection. The installations aim to evoke these themes, inviting you to reflect on the power of contact in our lives.
Photo credit: Oslo Fjord/Edition 2021
Oslo World: October 28- November 3
Oslo World continues its mission since 1994: to bring the world to Oslo and Oslo to the world. Focusing on music from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, the Oslo World Music Festival brings international musicians to Oslo, offering an opportunity to experience different cultures through music and discover bands from around the globe. As part of the festival, there are also events for children and youth, exhibitions, and various seminars.
During Oslo World, you can enjoy talks and concerts at various venues in Oslo, such as Oslo Konserthus, Becco, Deichman Bjørvika, Sentrum Scene, Cosmopolite, Victoria National Jazz Scene, Parkteatret, Blå, and many more. The full program is available in English.
Photo: Oslo World 2023
Oslo Ghost Tours: Six tours in English in October
If you're looking for a thrilling and historic night, why not spice it up with a bit of spookiness? Join one of the Ghost City Walks in Oslo and explore the streets of old Christiania and the area around Akershus Fortress. You'll hear fascinating stories about these historic places, along with eerie tales of ghost sightings and strange happenings. There are six tours available in English in October. Check out the dates here.
On October 31, join their family friendly English tour at 18:00 to make your Halloween even spookier. Meeting point is at Christiania Torv, between Café Celsius and Brasserie Hansken. Arrive earlier to purchase a ticket directly from the guide. For the pricing and more information, take a look at their website.
Events Around the Oslo Region
Night at the Museum at Horten: October 29
The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum and Preus Museum are organizing a spooky and free of charge event for families and kids on October 29, 2024, from 17:00 to 21:00. The tour begins at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum and continues through the Preus Museum, where you'll explore spaces that are usually closed to the public and experience the museums in a completely different—and perhaps haunted—light.
Tours are organized in groups, with fun activities happening outside while you wait. While some stories are in Norwegian, it’s still exciting to see the museums decorated for the occasion and discover what surprises they have in store, especially for children.
Find out more, and see for yourself if the museums are truly haunted!
Fredrikstad Animation Festival: October 24- October 27
Fredrikstad Animation Festival, the largest festival for animated film in the Nordic region, runs from October 24 to October 27. The festival began in Oslo in 1994 under the name Animerte Dager and is now held annually in Fredrikstad. It is a competitive festival, awarding Nordic-Baltic prizes for categories such as best short film, student film, commissioned film, children's film, and young audience film. This year, they have introduced the Best Global Short Film award. For all the details, see the program.
Each year, the festival hosts seminars and lectures by top industry experts, with past guests from renowned studios like Pixar, Disney, and Aardman. It provides an excellent opportunity for students of animation, graphic design, and digital media production to learn and stay updated on the animation industry. This year’s symposium theme is Visual Music, exploring the connection between sound and visual art.