23 Best Performing Arts in Norway

Bergensers love jazz. The Bergen Jazz Forum is the place to find it—there are concerts every Friday from September to May. Also, more than 40 concerts are offered in the 10-day international Nattjazz festival in late May and early June.

One of the city's most majestic buildings, the Art Nouveau Den Nationale Scene first opened its doors in 1906 with a performance before the royal family. The National Theater is worth a visit just to see the opulent main theater, which hosts lavish Broadway-style productions. Smaller venues inside the august building include the 250-seat Småscenen and the 90-seat Lille Scene.

Located in Sentrum, Fotogalleriet is the oldest operating institution working with photography through critical art theory in the Nordics, founded in the '70s. Its work promotes active language around photographic art and the personal expression it allows.

The curators and gallery runners here are artists in their own right: the curation is never less than timely, thoughtful, provocative, and prolific. Queer voices, Black voices, all marginalized communities are celebrated, studied, and championed both in front and behind the lens of photographic artists showcased here. Don't miss it.

A major event in Norway, the Haugesund Jazz Festival, held every year in August, features an extensive roster of Norwegian and international jazz artists performing in more than 25 venues throughout the city and beyond. The festival's other attractions include an international art exhibition and a program of free outdoor concerts.

Located right on the harbor, this cultural hub is home to theatrical performances, jazz concerts, stand-up comedy, and much more. It's not unusual to see locals hanging around the harbor enjoying ice cream and sea views on a summer's day.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, this annual two-day affair sees Michelin chefs, local farmers, and producers from around Trondheim and the Trondelag region set up stalls in the large and leafy town square and surrounding streets. Expect to try heavenly cheeses, jams, and cured meats and fish---maybe even moose or deer meat (or bear burgers, a delicacy found rarely in the north but not hunted). Cook-offs, interactive play, and creative kitchens for younger visitors are part of the event. 

This is one of Europe's most highly regarded foodie events for those particularly focused on the dairy and seafood that this fertile land and surrounding cold waters produce. Around 200,000 people attend each summer, with some 120 producers and 30 breweries showcasing.

Each year in June, a huge three-day music festival is held in Bergen, called Bergenfest. The festival showcases popular international musicians and local bands, and is held outdoors on Bergenhus Festning. 

For those needing an oiling up before they try some of the more controversial delicacies of the region, there's a whole beer festival set up in the town square. Award-winning micro breweries want you to sample their pilsners, sours, IPAs, and stouts to your heart's fill---prices for full samples aren't bad, either, for Norway.

The beer world has been fronted predominantly by men over the years, but did you know how historically women were the main producers of ale behind the scenes? In recent years, women have become a lot more visible and credited for their artisanal skills in the industry. Keep your eye and ear out for Liv Hogna from Hogna brygg, Silje Eggen from Fæby bryggeri og Bente Otnes from EC Dahls---as well as Hege Ramseng who throws ladies’ and beer events at the festival.

At this student-run venue in a handsome brick building, there are pop, rock, and jazz concerts most of the year.

This popular concert and theater venue sits on Bergen's main drag. Edvard Grieg performed here, and so have artists from Sergei Rachmaninoff to Rickie Lee Jones.

Held the last week of May and first week of June, this very popular festival brings famous names in classical music, jazz, ballet, the arts, and theater to town.

During the academic year, college students and other music fans head here for rock concerts in a rebuilt air-raid shelter.

Kristiansund is home to Norway's oldest opera house. There are performances throughout the year, both by local troupes and visiting entertainers.

This festival, taking place the second week of August, focuses on classical musical but also hosts jazz, contemporary, folk music, and pop/rock performances.

This popular outdoor music festival is held annually in June at Frognerbadet (Frogner Swimming Pool) next to Vigeland Sculpture Park. Begun in 1992, the festival has hosted big names, such as Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Alanis Morissette, the Foo Fighters, and Rufus Wainwright, as well as indie Norwegian bands.

One of the largest theaters in Bergen, the Ole Bull Scene mounts an impressive variety of stand-up performances, rock concerts, and theatrical events. Smaller shows are presented in the Lille Ole Bull, which becomes a nightclub on weekends.

Every August, the Oslo Jazzfestival brings in major international artists and big crowds to various venues throughout town.

The large Øya Music Festival is held at Middelalderparken (the Medieval Park) in Gamlebyen in August. Sigur Rós, Sonic Youth, and Bon Iver have all played it.