A music legend takes over Oslo Spektrum, the National Gallery fills up with photography, and Bergen serves up film from all over the world. Here are six things not to miss on the weekend of 16–18 October.
Have your weekend plans so far stopped at “we should do something”? This weekend there are plenty of good reasons to get out. In Oslo you can choose between dance floors, exhibitions and a free family festival, while Bergen gives film lovers a busy week.
Oslo Negativ fills the National Gallery
We’ve recommended it before and we’re doing it again. The old National Gallery is full of pictures. At the photo festival Oslo Negativ, you’ll find more than 40 exhibitions featuring around 200 photographers, with everything from fashion and art photography to documentary and reportage.
This year’s theme is “Lidenskap / Passion”, and the names on the programme include Alec Soth and Cristina de Middel. Set aside some time: there are exhibitions, photo books and a festival café to take in.
Where: Nasjonalgalleriet, Universitetsgata 13When: Friday 2–6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am–6 pm
Price: Day pass for adults NOK 250, students/seniors NOK 125. Free for ages 12 and under.
Bob Dylan plays his only Norwegian concert this year
On Saturday, Bob Dylan comes to Oslo Spektrum. It’s his first concert in Norway since 2022 and this year’s only Norwegian stop.
The concert is phone-free, so your phone has to be put away in favour of what’s happening on stage. Spektrum says the concert is sold out, but we’ve found tickets on Ticketmaster. In other words, this may first and foremost be the weekend’s big night for those who have already secured a spot.
Where: Oslo Spektrum
When: Saturday 17 October, expected start 8 pm. Doors open at 6 pm.
Last weekend of CODA
If you fancy seeing something other than the usual concert or cinema screening, this is the last weekend of CODA Oslo International Dance Festival.
The programme includes eAsy tArget with 71BODIES at Rom for Dans and Hornfuckers by the Portuguese choreographer Diana Niepce at Dansens Hus. On Saturday, the evening continues at Dansens Hus with “No Lights No Lycra” and later “All Lights All Lycra” with DJ Nefertiti.
Where: Venues include Rom for Dans, Black Box teater and Dansens Hus
When: Until Sunday 18 October. Times and tickets vary between events.
Laidback Luke at Vulkan Arena
If you want to start the weekend on the dance floor, Laidback Luke is playing Vulkan Arena on Friday.
The Dutch DJ and producer has a long career in electronic music behind him, with performances at Tomorrowland and Ultra, among others. In Oslo, house, electro and techno are on the menu.
Where: Vulkan Arena
When: Friday 16 October
Price: From NOK 299 plus fees. Age limit 20. Check your ticket for entry time.
Free festival for little ones at Grønland
Barnas verdensdager (Children’s World Days) takes over Grønland kulturstasjon on both Saturday and Sunday. Children can try instruments, dance, make things and enjoy concerts and performances with artists from different parts of the world.
The festival also has a bazaar with activities and tasters. A nice alternative for families who want to fill the day with something other than the usual playground.
Where: Grønland kulturstasjon
When: Saturday and Sunday 11.30 am–4.30 pm
Price: Free entry.
Bergen: Film festival and dinosaurs with live music
In Bergen, BIFF is under way. Bergen International Film Festival runs from 14 to 22 October and presents more than 120 documentary and fiction films. You can buy single tickets, so it’s entirely possible to make one screening your weekend cinema plan.
One of Sunday’s more unusual offerings is the silent film concert The Lost World at Cornerteateret, with live music by Ugress. A dinosaur film and a concert on the same ticket isn’t an everyday occurrence, after all.
Where: BIFF screenings at venues including Bergen Kino, USF Verftet and Det Akademiske Kvarter. The silent film concert takes place at Cornerteateret.
When: The Lost World Sunday 18 October at 6 pm and 9 pm.
See the festival programme for other screenings and ticket availability.