Oulu2026 Opening Festival: A Global Celebration of Art and Culture with Over Two Hundred Events Across Finland the Capital of Culture

Published on December 2, 2025

The highly anticipated Opening Festival for Oulu2026 will take place from January 16 to 18, 2026, transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and northern creativity. This festival marks the beginning of a historic year for Oulu and invites people from Finland, Europe, and beyond to join in on a unique and unmissable cultural experience. It offers an opportunity for everyone to take part in a momentous event that will only happen once, setting the stage for a year-long celebration of European culture.

A Festival of Art, Culture, and Creativity

The Opening Festival of Oulu2026 will feature a diverse range of nearly 200 events held across more than 20 venues throughout the city. From exhibitions and concerts to workshops and outdoor performances, the festival’s program is designed to showcase the creativity and collaboration that will define Oulu’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The festival is particularly welcoming, with most events being free of charge and open to people of all ages. This inclusivity reflects the spirit of Oulu2026, ensuring that the celebrations are accessible to all.

The festival invites visitors to explore Oulu’s city centre freely, offering a variety of activities in different locations. Guests can expect a mix of concerts, ice hockey games, acrobatics, car tuning events, panel discussions, pub quizzes, art exhibitions, and even stomping techno parties. The events will unfold all over the city, creating a dynamic atmosphere where something exciting is always happening. Additionally, select performances will be streamed live on the Oulu2026 YouTube channel, allowing audiences across Europe to join in the festivities, regardless of location.

Official Opening Ceremony at Oulu Market Square

Oulu’s official entry into the European cultural spotlight will be marked by a 30-minute ceremony on Friday, January 16, at Oulu Market Square. This symbolic event will set the tone for Oulu’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The ceremony will be streamed on screens at the Rotuaari stage and at the Valkea shopping centre, ensuring that the moment is accessible to as many people as possible.

Following the official opening, the Market Square will remain a hub of activity throughout the weekend. A variety of performances, including music and dance, will be staged, offering entertainment for all ages. Visitors will also have the chance to experience Arctic food and engage in creating art together, further strengthening the sense of community and togetherness.

A Preview of Oulu2026’s Cultural Program

The Opening Festival will provide a first look at the rich cultural programme that will unfold throughout the year. Several cultural venues and museums in Oulu will open their doors with special events designed to highlight the themes and artistic voices that will define Oulu2026. The Oulu Museum of Art will host “Eanangiella – Voice of the Land,” a major exhibition dedicated to the vitality and beauty of Sámi culture. This exhibition will offer a deep dive into the traditions and artistic expressions of the Sámi people, celebrating their unique contributions to European culture.

In addition to the Sámi-focused exhibition, Oulu’s cultural offerings will include the “Ear Worm” media art exhibition at Kiasma, as well as the “Cathedral Sounds” event, which will underscore the importance of churches and traditions in European cultural heritage. Theatre lovers will also be treated to the world premiere of the Sámi opera Ovllá, a collaboration between the Oulu Symphony Orchestra and Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš. Northern Finnish artists and performers will take the stage at the Rotuaari stage throughout the weekend, adding to the festival’s diverse offerings.

At the Valve Culture Centre, guests can explore a preview of the wider Oulu2026 programme, including community art projects, storytelling, dance performances, and light installations that will illuminate the centre after dark. These installations will offer a glimpse into the creative spirit that will characterize Oulu’s cultural year.

Regional Highlights: Partner Municipalities Join the Celebrations

Oulu2026 is not just about the city of Oulu but the entire region. The Opening Festival will highlight the collaborative nature of the Oulu2026 programme, with the Pekuri Shopping Mall showcasing a journey across the 40 partner municipalities of the Oulu region. Visitors will have the chance to experience greetings and contributions from regions such as Kalajoki Valley, Kainuu, the northern end of the Bothnian Bay, and Pyhäjoki Valley. These regional partners will bring their own cultural offerings, further enriching the festival and reinforcing the shared spirit of the Oulu2026 celebrations.

European Lounges: Connecting with Past, Present, and Future Capitals of Culture

A new and exciting feature of the Oulu2026 Opening Festival is the introduction of European Lounges. These lounges will be hosted in cafés, restaurants, and cultural venues throughout the city centre, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about other European Capitals of Culture. The lounges will introduce the past, present, and future European Capitals of Culture and will feature representatives from Turku, Kiruna, Trenčín, and members of the Culture Next network. At the Oulu10 EU Lounge, visitors will be treated to cultural stories and flavours from Liepāja, offering an international perspective on European culture.

A Warm Welcome to Oulu2026

The Opening Festival embodies the spirit of Oulu2026: creativity, collaboration, and a northern perspective on European culture. The festival is organized by the Oulu Cultural Foundation in partnership with various organizations, artists, volunteers, businesses, and communities across the region. This collaboration reflects Oulu’s belief that culture has the power to bring people together in meaningful ways, and the festival serves as a welcoming introduction to the year ahead.

The full festival programme, including details of all events and activities, is available on the official Oulu2026 website, ensuring that everyone can easily access information and make the most of the celebrations.