This guide is meant as an overview of some of the best live music venues, a small sample of examples to whet your appetite of hopefully turn you on to something new you may not have tried before.
Since the lockdown in 2020, some venues have struggled to stay open amd some have sadly closed down like Krosset which was a lovely little venue with a great sound and atmosphere.
So if its your first time visiting Oslo and you want to know where some of the best live music is being played then this guide could help.
Blå: A Riverside Retreat for Eclectic Sounds
Blå sits by the Akerselva river, boasting diverse programming that includes everything from jazz nights to indie rock. On Sundays you can discover one of Oslo’s little musical hidden gems, the brilliant and very entertaining Frank Snort Jazz Quartet play from 4pm completley free. They have been doing this for over 25 years apparently, so catch them soon before they retire!
There is usually a craft market happening on Sundays too so you can support local artists and absorb the creative vibes as you marvel at the Penis Swan. Intruigued? You should be.
User Review: Vinter Flames says “Loved it! Sunday concerts with free entrance. Great mix of people, good drinks, perfect atmosphere to hang out and meet others. The sunday band is amazing, strongly recommend to check it out!”
Average Price: Entrance around NOK 100, with drinks starting at NOK 90.
Visit Blå for the latest lineup.
Rockefeller Music Hall/John Dee/Sentrum Scene: The Pulse of Oslo’s Music Scene
These 3 venues are all included as one entry as they are all connected and owned by the same company. The Rockerfeller is a 1300 cap venue, Sentrum Scene is the largest at 1750 cap and the little baby venue is the John Dee.
The Rockerfeller is the mid size place that you could expect to see acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain or Dinosaur Jnr. playing, legacy touring bands that have a decent fanbase.
Sentrum Scene is where you could get a ticket for the likes of Akon, Keane or The Pretenders ( I wonder if there’s a Pretenders cover band called The Real Ones!)
The John Dee (see what they did there?) is the smaller venue for mainly local and upcoming touring acts and occasionaly acts like Dizzee Rascal and Magnum will grace the stage and probably sell it out quite quickly.
User Review: Glamour Princess had this to say, ‘This concert arena has been around for a lot of years. It is an institution in many ways. It is not a large venue, so this is a good spot for more intimate concerts. There is a wardrobe option and bars. It’s central location is also good, it is very accesible. There are no seating options at regular concerts, so be prepared to stand.‘
Entrance varies (NOK 200 – NOK 450), with drink prices starting at NOK 80.
Discover what’s next at Rockefeller.
Herr Nilsen: The Heart of Jazz
Herr Nilsen stands as a cozy jazz club, (Nice!) where you can don your black turtle neck top and enjoy some serious musical talent at this cosy little joint thats been supporting the Jazz scene since 1993.
There’s live music on 7 nights a week and a very varied program from traditional to modern, something for everyone you might say.
As you might expect its an intimate 150 cap venue with around 50 allocated for seating.
User Review: L Chanel enjoyed it, ‘Popped in for a quick beverage while we charged underground. Dim lighting, calm music create a nice atmosphere and we enjoyed sitting in a fun nook we found. Bar tender was fast and friendly. Would love to come back for live music sometime!‘
Average Price: Live performances around NOK 150, drinks from NOK 85.
Explore Herr Nilsen’s jazz nights here.
Revolver: An Underground Haven
Known for its edgy vibe, Revolver caters to fans of rock, punk, and alternative. Its the kind of place that you can dance to some more alternative music.There’s two floors and the basement around the back often has great DJ’s playing all types of dance music.
User Review: AG summarises his experience ‘Nice alternative music bar. Beers are a bit steep, but it’s Norway after all. Walkable to and from. It’s the bar I go to when in Oslo.‘
Average Price: Entrance up to NOK 100 for special gigs, with beers around NOK 80. (For you Pilsner purists, this is the only bar in Oslo to serve the Czech Pilsner Urquell on draught!)
Find out more about Revolver here.
The Opera House: Architectural Elegance and Acoustics
The Opera House is an iconic building in Olso.It’s kind of like the Eiffel Tower in as much as if you’re just visiting, then you simply have to at least walk around and atop it’s Frank Lloyd Wright-esque construction. However, if Opera is your bag then it’s definitley worth watching a performance here. The acoustics and seating are excellent and you have a small screen displaying the subtitles in the back of the seat in front of you, meaning you can sing along…in your head obviously!
User Review: Cynthia Olsen has this to say “If in Oslo make a point to not just visit and photograph the exterior of this remarkable edifice by the harbor, but get tickets to any event and enjoy the inside. The seating is great, good acoustics, dark wood paneling beautiful. Tours, drinks & snacks are available.”
Average Price: Tickets from NOK 200, with premium options over NOK 1000.
See the schedule at The Opera House.
Øyafestivalen – Norways big Music Festival
Ok, so its not really a music venue but its worth including here as it’s a must see if you’re a live music fan. Starting in 1999, Øyafestivalen has evolved quickly into the main festival of the year in Norway. It’s had a couple of site changes in its 25 years but is now found it’s home in Toyen Park, Oslo.
The festival lasts for four days in the main park area, and is preceded by a club night where the festival holds concerts in more or less all of Oslo’s central clubs. It has a really cool eclectic line-up which favours the slightly alternative side of the mainstream and is definitely one for the diary if you plan to visit Oslo in the summer.
User Review: The Independent gave it 5 stars 2017! ‘From homegrown pop acts to British post-punk and Jamaican reggae, this festival offers everything and more.’
Average Price: Day passes start at NOK 1399NOK
Dubliner Oslo: A Slice of Ireland
Dubliner Oslo is the city’s premier Irish pub, offering live music every night in a lively, authentic atmosphere. There are a lot of Irish pubs and bars in Oslo, the Norwegians love the Irish!
However, this one is included as the most authentic of the lot. Traditional folk music sessions,Top sports shown and Guinness poured the proper way are just three good reasons to get yourself down there and have the craic!
User Review: Chad Stokes loves it! ‘One of my favorite places in Oslo, if not THE one. Genuine Irish feeling, often has wonderful live music. Staff is really nice, and the food is fabulous. Really like the four-bar setup, where you can switch scenery within the establishment.’
Average Price: No cover charge, drinks from NOK 90. (They pour a great pint of Guinness and let it stand)
Sir Winston Piano Bar –
If it’s a real brown pub, good grub and a ‘singer’long around the ‘ole Mary Joanna then this is the place for you at the weekends. Over 50 years old, the Sir Winston is one of the oldest live music venues in Oslo. The building its in was also the site of the Singer sewing machine factory at the turn of the 1900’s and is how its got its name Singergården. Football and F1 racing is shown on the big screens then at the weekend a Piano Man will keep you singing alomg until the wee small hours.
User Review: Emilia from Harlem thought this, ‘Sir Winston is a great classic English piano bar in Oslo ! Had a great time having Belgium beers and listening to great music’
Average Price: Free Entry, Good selection of beers including Guinness and Strongbow on draught
Vulkan Arena – Great area to hangout before and after a show
Vulkan Arena is the jewel in the crown of the popular Vulkan district, which is like a little village of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
This 800 capacity venue has a program of rock and pop. There’s a smaller venue in the basement called the Trophy which has occasional live music events too. BY:Larm the annual music business convention is held in the Vulkan area and so is the place to be when it’s on. The Mathallen which is directly opposite, is a a fine place to eat and drink before and after the gig.
User Review: Jan said this ‘Small venue for concerts and shows. Small entry but good space inside. Effective staff and good service. Pricy pints but otherwise all round good’
Average Price: Events range from NOK 250 to NOK 500, with a drink menu starting around NOK 90. Explore Vulkan Arena’s diverse events here.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the grerat live music venues in Oslo but I believe its a good cross section of what’s available. There are many more I could include and will save them for another post. Whether you’re a native or just visiting theres something for most tastes here, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t forget you can check out your free Oslo gig guide: Broadcast for more info on live music listings.
Feel free to leave comments and reviews of the venues I have included. Remember: Live music only exists if people buy tickets to watch, so the best way you can support the live music industry is by atteding gigs, shows and events regularly.
Keep on Rockin’ in the not so free world!
-Spence.
