Cultural Calendar: September 2023

As the summer chapter closes another one opens and whilst you’re getting used to your new courses, don’t forget to discover what Oslo has to offer this September. Alongside the amazing events offered by the University of Oslo and student organisation SiO, you are now an Oslo resident and there is no better time to get to know the city’s cultural life than now. Here you will find a complete list of all the fun events to check out this month (not to mention that most of them are free)!

Festivals and Celebrations

Oslo Kulturnatt 

One of the greatest ways to uncover Oslo’s cultural life is going out on Oslo’s Culture Night. It is an annual event where museums, concerts, and art galleries are made free to the public. It’s all about culture, fun, and there is something for everyone. Some of Oslo’s most popular places will be accessible for the day and night such as the Nasjonal museet, Astrup Fearnley, Nasjonalbiblioteket, the Historical museum and much more. The complete program can be found on Kulturnatt's website here. While all the events are free, some do require registration, so be sure to check the event’s details to avoid disappointment. 

Follow their Instagram page for more updates: @oslo_kulturnatt 

When: Friday, 15 September
Where: All over Oslo! 

Studentslippet 

Whether you’re a new student or in your final year, you’ve probably heard of Studenslippet. It’s a week of fun activities specifically for students. It’s also the perfect opportunity to meet other fellow students in Oslo. What’s so great about it is that so many places that you would usually have to pay for are totally free during this week, such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum and The Vigeland Museum. On top of that, they are organising a silent disco, paintball excursions, paddleboarding, and cinema outings. There is so much to choose from – and again, everything is free. Although be warned some of the events require registration, so get tickets before they’re gone! Find all the events on the website here. 

When: 2-8 September
Where: All over Oslo! 

ERAS Festival – Multicultural festival 

If you have just arrived in Oslo, you might be busy learning all about the ins-and-outs of Norwegian culture, but Oslo has such a multicultural diversity to discover, too. The ERAS festival celebrates more than 28 different nationalities over the course of a weekend. There will be art activities, concerts, and dances showing the beauty of cultural diversity. The festival aims to help increase understanding between different population groups in the Norwegian capital. So, why not head over to the festival’s Facebook page to see the extensive program they have to offer? Maybe your own country is being represented! You can read more on the event’s Facebook page here. 

When: 2-3 September
Where: Rådhusplassen, Oslo

A free concert to kick off Oslo Operafestival 

To inaugurate the start of Oslo’s Operafestival everyone is welcome to a free outdoor Opera concert. The performance will be held by students from Oslo’s prestigious Opera academy (KHiO), accompanied by Dorina Komani on the piano. Following the 45 minute concert it will be possible to visit inside the Oslo concert hall. This is a nice way to discover Opera live if you’ve never had the experience, but if, however, you are an avid opera fan – check out all the other wonderful Opera events that will be happening all week! 

Find more information about the event and Oslo Operafestival here. 

When: Tuesday, 12 September, 18.00-18.45
Where: Outside Oslo Konserthus, Munkedamsveien 14

All Things Art and Literature 

Oslo Art Weekend 

If you are an art enthusiast please mark your calendar, because between the 14 to 17 September you will be able to really unearth Oslo’s contemporary art scene. Whilst the detailed program is yet to be released, we know that there will be an array of events to choose from such as artist talks, extended opening hours to visit galleries, live performances, and exhibition openings. More importantly yet: everything is free! The weekend is run by Oslo Art Guide, which is a must-know website to check out if you’re an art admirer – it’s the go-to place for all exhibition openings in Oslo. You can find more information on the Instagram page @osloartweekend or head to their website.

When: 14-17 September
Where: All over Oslo! 

Last chance to see Tove Jansson’s paintings

Over the summer Tegnerforbundet (The Norwegian Drawing Center) has been exhibiting some of Tove Jansson’s most intimate artistic works; both self-portraits and paintings of her family members. If you’re not quite familiar with Jansson, you may know her as the creator of the Moomins. Whilst the Moomins and friends have had worldwide success, there is so much more to the artist behind it. Tove Jansson was an incredible talent, she published novels and short stories, painted, and has also become known for her exquisitely beautiful letter-writing. Moomins have captured the hearts of many for some time, and Jansson is now recognised as somewhat of an artistic Nordic heroine. Find out more about her and her work at the Tegnerforbundet over the weekend before it’s gone. 

When: Final exhibition day Sunday, 3 September. Open from 12-16 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Where: Tegnerforbundet, Rådhusgata 17

Fred Moten – Poetry Reading 

Fred Moten is an internationally celebrated poet, theorist, and literary critic. His poetry collections such as “The Little Edges',' “The Feel Trio,” and “Hughson’s Tavern” have been critically acclaimed. This one-time event at Astrup Fearnley is a chance to see one of the most talented prose writers and performances of our time. It’s an opportunity to hear him read his work aloud as he explores the beauty and infinitude of the present and the future. The event is free and open for all. Find more information here. 

When: Saturday, 2 September, 13.00
Where: Astrup Fearnley Museum 

Designer’s Saturday – Discover Norway’s best interior design event

This event is perfect for all those interested in Scandinavian interior – or just design in general, actually. It’s one of the biggest events that will be showing unique Norwegian design. There will also be talks, live auctions, market stools with interior exhibitions, and much more. Whilst the event runs from Friday to Sunday, only tickets for Sunday are free, so make sure to sign up before they all go! Find more information about the event here. 

When: 8-10 September
Where: Different locations around Oslo. Check out the website for more information

Film Events

Oslo PIX Filmfestival 

Whilst this film festival has been ongoing since 28 August, it’s not over yet! Until 3 September, the Oslo Pix Filmfestival is here to celebrate great cinema. What’s even better is that there is a discount on all student tickets – making each movie just 125 kr! But as well as just showcasing captivating films the event is also holding fascinating debates and discussions with directors. Check out all the important information and full program here. 

When: 28 August - 3 September 

Outdoor screening of “Strangers on a Train” 

What could be a better way to end the week than cosying up with a classic movie? Not much I’d say. Every Sunday throughout the summer 3KT offered free outdoor movies, and they are not quite finished yet! On 3 September they will be showing one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous movies “Strangers on a Train” released in 1951 which was nominated for an Academy award. So if you’re a hardcore Hitchcock fan or you want to dive into the world of classic cinema – remember to grab your free tickets here. 

When: Sunday, 3 September, 18.00
Where: Dokkveien 3, Oslo (near Aker Brygge)

Outdoors and Environmental events 

Autumn Market at Linderud Manor 

Linderud manor is an Oslo gem that people often overlook. It’s a beautiful building with elegant grounds that are lovely to walk around. On Saturday, 2 September, they are kicking off the autumn with an open market where they shall sell local produce, handmade crafts, vintage pieces, and upcycled gems. The Manor House will also be open to discover at a discounted price. Find more information here. 

When: Saturday, 2 September, 12.00-16.00
Where: Linderud gård, Oslo

Solvangdagene – two-day market right next to Sogn Studentby

This is the perfect event for my fellow students living at Sogn Student Village, because the wonderful Solvang Kolonihager is holding a two-day market! It’s the golden opportunity to take a stroll around the adorably charming cabins and allotments. There will be live music, food (waffles and cakes!!), art exhibitions, second-hand items as well as the possibility to buy some of the fresh produce grown from the gardens. This sounds like the most wholesome event, and there is no excuse to not pop-by if you live at Sogn. They promise a cheerful atmosphere, so let's go show them love and support from their student neighbours! Find more information about the event here. 

When: 2-3 September from 11.00 each day
Where: Solvang kolonihager 

“More rights for Nature” debate at Litteraturhuset

A deeply fascinating environmental debate will take place at Litteraturhuset on 6 September, it will discuss whether or not nature can possibly be given human rights. The conversation will question the possibility of giving nature its own say, its own legal rights, and what that could mean in the fight against climate change. Our growingly distant relation to nature will be be reexamined in light of this debate by Axel Borchgrevink (social anthropologist at Oslo Met), Marine Calmet (jurist at Wild Legal), and Théo-Mario Coppola (a curator and arts writer). This event is free of charge, however, registration is mandatory. More information and the registration link is available here. 

When: Wednesday, 6 September, 18.00
Where: Litteraturhuset (Nedjma room) 

Magical night-time walk along Askerelva

Perhaps one of the most enchanting ways to kick off the Autumn is to participate in this night walk along Oslo’s Asker river. It’s an organised 8km walk going all along the river from Brekkedammen to Olafiagangen, but you can join along at any spot. The trail will be surrounded by different types of lights, live music, and dance performances. It’s a night that sounds truly magical with more than 4500 fire torches lighting up the path. It’s a popular event and promises good vibes. Find more information here and the Facebook event page. 

When: Thursday, 21 September, 20.00-23.00 
Where: All along Akerselva 

Free guided tour of Oslo’s Botanical Gardens

Oslo’s botanical gardens is a must see if you live in the city, and of course it’s even better to see it before it gets cold. If you’re interested in learning about the gardens and all the different types of trees and plants, then going on one of the free guided tours sounds like a great idea. There is a tour every Sunday through September, so there’s no excuse to miss out! Find the Facebook event page here. 

When: Sunday, 3, 10, 17, 24 September, 13.00-14.00 
Where: Botanisk Hage, Oslo