The best summer festivals
I know what you're thinking - isn't it a bit late to post a blog post about summer festivals in Norway after the summer? Yes.. and no. The fact is that the vast majority of summer festivals in Norway sell out all their tickets. The most popular ones are often sold out a year in advance. This means that if you want to buy a festival pass for festivals in the summer of 2025, it is wise to do so very soon. And if you haven't been to a Norwegian music festival yet, it's highly recommended!
Here are some gems from some festivals around the country:
Vinjerock
Are you interested in experiencing high-quality music, and at the same time get a spectacular nature experience? Vinjerock is held in Bygdin in Vang every year. Here you must bring your own tent and sleeping bag, and various outdoor activities are arranged in addition to music.
Træna
Speaking of scenic surroundings - the Træna Festival is held on the island of the same name, along the Helgeland coast in Nordland county. This is also a festival where outdoor camping is a central part. Here, it's a good idea to book transport at the same time you buy a festival pass - there are rarely boats from here!
Trevarefestivalen
Another music festival in beautiful Nordland. This one is held in Henningsvår in Vågan municipality, and is known for attracting hipsters from the bigger cities, who are in dire need of the sea and nature. This festival is still quite small, and it is not unlikely that the tickets for the summer of 2025 have already been snapped up.
Pstereo
In the middle of Norway, in the city of Trondheim, a large music festival is held in mid-August. The biggest Norwegian artists, as well as a selection of international bands, tend to play here. Trondheim is a student city, and it is hardly a coincidence that the festival is organized when the students have just returned to the city.
Malakoff
Malakoff is held in the village of Nordfjordeid in Western Norway. This is a festival with different types of rock and pop music. A great opportunity to have a trip to one of the most beautiful regions in Norway? Here, camping is also an integral part of the experience.
Øya
Oslo's and Norway's largest music festival. This is held in Tøyen park in Oslo every year in mid-August. Here you can see the biggest Norwegian and international bands and artists. Unlike most other festivals on the list, there is no camping associated with the festival, so here you have to arrange other accommodation.
Tons of Rock
Oslo's festival which only books rock and metal for its line-up. Arranged at Ekebergsletta, a large area that is usually used for children's sports. It is visible throughout Oslo when Tons of Rock is organized, and black-dressed rockers from all over the world occupy the capital.
Palmesus
Palmesus is Scandinavia's biggest beach party. This is the festival for those who want to feel that you are in more southern regions. The festival is held on the city beach in Kristiansand, in southern Norway.
Molde jazz
This is not only the largest jazz festival in the North-West of the country, but the largest jazz festival in all of the country. With beautiful scenery and high-quality artists, this is the festival for those who love jazz and Norwegian small towns.
Riddu Riđđu
Arranged in July in Kåfjord in Troms and Finnmark. This is an international indigenous festival. Here, there is not only music on the program, but also literature, performing arts, films, courses and seminars.
Expensive to go to a festival? The vast majority of festivals accept volunteers. Work a few shifts and get your festival pass for free. And make new friends!
Which of these festivals would you like to go to?
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager - Norwegian