World-class experiences from near, far and everywhere in between. Welcome to an inspiring celebration of Northern and European culture!
Check out the Oulu2026 programme published so far on this page.
Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026 - see the already published programme here
The year is changing: oulu2026
European Capital of Culture Year premiere at Ouluhall on 31.12.2025!
The year is changing: the Oulu2026 show will blow the roof off the atmosphere on the eve of our Capital of Culture year. It will be a blast of energy, visual fireworks, sparkle and joy - not forgetting some of the top Finnish artists. The show's programme will be announced in the spring.
Blind Bird tickets now on sale
A limited number of specially priced Blind Bird tickets are on sale for €39.
The ticket price is subject to the lippu.fi ordering fee (from €1.50 + €0.65 for % order). Be one of the first to get your tickets to secure your place at this unique party! Tickets are sold by Lippu.fi.
Oulu2026 Opening Festival 16.-18.1.2026
Winter magic and urban culture for everyone
The whole centre of Oulu will be transformed into a festival area to celebrate the European Capital of Culture year, as the year kicks off with a city event open to all.
A spectacular package offering a programme for the whole family, together and separately. In addition to the main stage performances, the festival programme is complemented by indoor and outdoor pop-ups, European cities' own venues and a wide range of other experiences. The three-day festival will allow you to attend the opening ceremony at your own pace.
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Arctic Food Lab
What does the Capital of Culture taste like?
Arctic Food Lab is the Oulu2026 area's own brand, which speaks of the purity and uniqueness of northern nature. Arctic raw materials are given a new life by local artisans, transforming them into high-quality products and unforgettable experiences.
The main events of the Arctic Food Lab are the Summer Evening Cover-up and the Taste Adventure. In addition, hundreds of other events are being prepared with food as the main focus.
For more information on events, brand, products and services, visit the Arctic Food Lab website.
Arctic Food Lab
Climate Clock
A public art route combining cutting-edge art and science in Oulu.
Climate Clock is one of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture's flagship productions, combining art, science and nature to strengthen environmental awareness and deepen the connection with nature. The 6 permanent artworks will be located in Haukiputaa, Kiiminki, Oulu city centre, Oulunsalo, Yli-Ii and Ylikiiminki. The Art Trail is supported by the World's Most Valuable Clock by Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen, created in collaboration with local residents.
Get to know the Climate Clock artists
Fotografiska Tallinn x Oulu2026
Inspired by cultural climate change
The International Museum of Photography Fotografiska Tallinn brings a photography exhibition to Finland for the first time. Curated by Fotografiska Tallinn, the new group exhibition is part of the Oulu2026 programme.
World-class photographs and the stories behind them will be on display from January 2026. The exhibition will take place on the second floor of Kauppakortteli Pekuri in the centre of Oulu, and its theme and creators will be announced in autumn 2025.
Get to know Fotografiska
Lumo Art & Tech
The glory of art and technology in Oulu
Lumo Art & Tech will expand in November 2026 around the much-loved Festival of Light, bringing together art and technology in a brilliant way. The festival will put Oulu on the map of Europe as a Northern European city of art and technology. The November event will invite digital art and technology creatives from around the world to Oulu for seminars, conferences and other events. The city offers plenty to experience in the arts and networking opportunities. Audiences are drawn to experience the different phenomena of art and technology.
Architecture, Kiasma building, evening sun
Panorama
photo | Photo: Kansallisgalleria | Finnish National Gallery / Pirje MykkänenMedia art from Kiasma
The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma curated an exhibition of media art from the collections of the National Gallery for the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture.
The Media Art from Kiasma exhibition will open at Oulu City Hall in January 2026. The exhibition is suitable for all ages, and is free of charge and accessible. The exhibition theme and artists will be announced in September 2025.
Photo: Kansallisgalleria / Pirje Mykkänen
The layers of the peace machine
What is peace built on?
Layers of Peace Machine is a comprehensive artwork combining art and technology, based on Timo Honkela's book Peace Machine. The work depicts peace as an active, ongoing process. The immersive work is complemented by interaction with the audience - the experiencers also become creators.
Located in Oulu City Hall, the work sheds light on different aspects of peacebuilding. It offers opportunities to interact with the work and with other experiencers: through movement, hearing, language and cognition.
The work is free of charge and can be experienced from January to December 2026.
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Risk
The boundless, living Sámi culture is featured in a variety of ways in the Oulu2026 programme. There will be opera, concerts, visual arts and seminars. The annual highlight is the Sámi National Day on 6 February.
Find out more about the Risku programme
Good accommodation is the base for a cultural trip
Do you want to sleep a good night's sleep by the sea or right in the heart of Oulu city centre? Choose from a wide range of quality, affordable and natural accommodation options! From a good base, it's easy to get away for a day of living and experiencing culture. Whether it's a room, a cottage or even a tent, your toothbrush will tell you where your temporary fortress is.
Find out about accommodation
Culture and culinary arts
A successful culinary experience not only feeds the taste buds: it also stimulates the eyes, ears, nose and soul. Känkky (or pizza in Oulu) never disappoints, the bravest ones try the rössypottu! Restaurants in Oulu offer everything from five-star fine dining to relaxed coffee breaks, artisan pizza and traditional Finnish cuisine.
Discover Oulu restaurants
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