As the Norwegian weather begins to get warmer in April the cultural calendar begins to fill up. Get your agendas out and make note of these events. Did we miss any ?
Let readers know in the comments section below.
Inferno Metal Festival
Metalheads are in for a treat between April 2nd and April 5th, as the long weekend will also see the Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo.
There will be around 50 acts performing everything from black metal, death metal, thrash metal, doom metal, and more.
The festival will take place across several locations, with four-day and day passes available to purchase. You can read more about ticketing here.
Oslo Open
On April 18th and 19th, more than 400 professional artists in Oslo will open their private studios to the public. It is completely free and offers a rare and unique look at the local art scene in the capital.
Rumour has it that many artists even offer waffles to guests.
Skarverennet
First held in 1974, this is one of the world's largest cross-country ski races and a true rite of spring.
On April 18th, you can join more than 12,000 skiers to tackle the 37km trail from Finse to Ustaoset (however, there are different options to suit your fitness level).
It is the best opportunity to ski with the elite.
Dansens Dager (Days of Dance)
From April 24th to 26th, and again on April 29th, Oslo will come alive with dance. The programme will have everything from street dance to ballet, with many free shows in public spaces.
Oslo Brass Festival
On April 24th and 25th, wind bands will fill Oslo’s streets and churches with music during the Oslo Brass Festival. Over 500 musicians will perform in both indoor concerts and outdoor parades.
Sentrumsløpet
On April 25th, thousands of runners will join the Sentrumsløpet race through Oslo’s streets. You can choose between 10km and 5km routes, and there is even a dedicated children’s race for the next generation of athletes following their parents' footsteps.
So far, around 17,000 people have already registered!
If you’re not running, remember that many streets in the city centre will be closed to traffic during the weekend. Check the map.
Only Connect Festival
This international festival for experimental music visits two cities in Norway this month. It starts in Stavanger from April 16th to 18th at the iconic Tou Scene.
A week later, it will be in Oslo from April 23rd to 25th, featuring audiovisual performances and contemporary sound art at several venues.
Unity Arena Shows
The arena in Bærum (previously known as Telenor Arena) has an amazing line-up this month for those looking for big international names.
Alex Warren on April 15th, 5 Seconds of Summer on April 16th, and comedian Matt Rife on April 18th.
To finish the month, Australia's Tame Impala will perform on April 27th.
Bergen Marathon
There are still slots left for the Bergen City Marathon on April 25th.
Runners can choose between the full 42km marathon, a half-marathon, or a 5km course. There’s also a children’s race, so it’s a fun event for the whole family.
One Ocean Week
Bergen will also host One Ocean Week from April 18th to 24th, focusing on the sustainable future of the oceans.
The city centre will be busy with conferences, seminars, workshops, and many public activities and exhibitions to explore.
Sami Easter Festival
Held in Kautokeino (in Northern Norway near the Finnish border), from March 28th to April 6th, the Sami Easter Festival is one of the most important cultural events in the region.
It features the famous reindeer races, the Sami Grand Prix (a Sami version of Eurovision), concerts, and various contests.
Easter activities
As the Easter break runs from late March to April 6th, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the country. Since children are on school holidays, you will find a wealth of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Popular traditions in Norway include Easter egg hunts, workshops, and various festive games. Museums and cultural centres often organise craft sessions.
You can find seasonal and delicious treats at bakeries and cafes throughout Norway.
Outdoor activities
If you are looking for even more outdoor activities, check out the hiking and outdoors activities calendar on the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) website.
At The Local, we always want to help you enjoy Norway’s cultural and social life, so one of our best tips is to volunteer at festivals and concerts. It’s a great way to gain local experience, meet people, and get a good reference for your CV. The best part? You can attend major events for free in exchange for a few hours of work.
A good example is the popular Tons of Rock festival in the summer. Just remember to apply early, since many people want to volunteer too!
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