A Unique Blend of Music, Nature, and Culture
If Glastonbury and a Scandinavian wellness retreat had a lovechild, it would be Øya. Located in Oslo’s Tøyenparken, this festival consistently delivers four days of exceptional music, eco-friendly cutlery, and a crowd that behaves with remarkable politeness—something that might leave any Brit feeling out of place.
The 2025 edition was no different. If you’re accustomed to the muddy chaos of Reading or the unpredictable energy of Boomtown, Øya might feel surprisingly subdued. The mosh pits are respectful, the queues are quiet, and the toilets are spotless and well-stocked with more toilet paper than you could ever need. However, don’t mistake this calm for dullness—this was still one of the most expertly curated lineups in Europe this summer.
A Serene Setting for a Memorable Experience
One of the main reasons for the Nordic tranquility at Øya is its location. Tøyenparken, a sprawling green space just east of Oslo’s city center, offers a setting that many festivals only dream of—leafy, compact, and easy to navigate. There’s no need for long treks between stages here. The entire site can be walked in under ten minutes, with five main stages strategically placed to prevent sound bleed. Shady trees and grassy banks provide natural seating for those looking to relax while enjoying hearty vegan meals.
A Lineup That Delivers
The lineup at Øya was nothing short of impressive. One attendee described it as an opportunity to see “Glastonbury-level artists with ten times fewer people.” This wasn’t far from the truth. Chappell Roan headlined the opening night with the flamboyant energy of a pop star who knows exactly how to command a stage. Her campy, theatrical performance was met with polite cheers from the older crowd and ear-splitting screams from a group of young fans nearby.
Wet Leg brought their tight indie riffs and dry British humor to a rain-soaked crowd, who laughed along despite the sarcasm likely being lost on them. Other big names included pop sensation Charli xcx, rock pioneers Queens of the Stone Age, and the controversial Irish rap group Kneecap.
Local Norwegian talent also shone through. Brenn. injected some chaos into the event with a spot of crowd-surfing, while the jazz-hip hop collective GiddyGang and the female pop trio No. 4 provided a more relaxed, soulful soundtrack for the afternoon sun.
A Culinary Experience Worth Mentioning
No discussion of Øya would be complete without mentioning the food. Unlike other festivals that serve greasy burgers and lukewarm pints of beer, Øya focuses on healthier, more sustainable options. Think vegan bao buns, oat lattes, and biodynamic wine. The carrot dumplings from local Oslo restaurant Dumpling AS were particularly notable, and according to a Norwegian friend I met at a nearby coffee shop, they were widely regarded as one of the highlights of the festival.
A Festival with a Conscience
Of course, not everything was perfect. Protests over the festival’s ownership brought a dose of reality to the park. Posters, placards, and uncomfortable truths reminded attendees that even in a sea of eco-straws and synthpop, politics cannot be ignored.
A Festival That Offers Something Different
Øya may not be wild, but it’s wise, oddly wholesome, and impossible not to love. Bring a raincoat, but leave your chaos at home.
The Øya Festival will return in 2026. For more information, visit oyafestivalen.no. To receive the best stories in your inbox every day, click here to register for one or more newsletters.
