For three days in January, the city centre of Oulu will be transformed into a venue for a variety of events. Taking place on 16–18 January 2026, the Oulu2026 Opening Festival has something for all ages at more than 20 venues, with most events being free of charge and open to all.
Cool Sounds at the Market Square
At Kauppatori (Market Square) on Friday and Saturday you can experience:
- ice music pioneer Terje Isungset
- Jori Hulkkonen & VJ Jani Pitkänen
- Barbitalo & VJ G-Angel
- VJ Arttu Nieminen, DJ Kukinto
- DJ Orkidea
Country, Indie Music and Romani Sounds at Valkea
The weekend’s gigs start on Friday with the northern Finnish rap sound of Stepa taking over the stage. On Saturday at the Kesäkatu stage you’ll also hear:
- atmospheric artist Ylva Haru
- indie-rock band Valkea from Oulu
- Oulu indie group Projekti Plaanaoja
- students from Oulu Steiner School performing songs from the Tirlittan music play
- country- and folk-influenced Alavin Group
On Sunday the lineup includes:
- traditional Romani music from Hilja Grönfors Trio
- the especially fun rock band Piraattirakkaus
On the Rotuaari Stage
On Friday at Rotuaari Square, performers include:
- electro-folk duo JUNNA
- rapper SANA
- Saunavihdat
- entertainment choir Iso Ilo
On Saturday, the Rotuaari lineup features:
- entertainment choir Iso Ilo
- Peltokurki
- Oulun_Keskusta
- Yungmiqu rapping in Northern Sámi
- rap collective OCF Collective
The Oulu2026 Opening Festival takes place 16–18 January 2026 at over 20 locations in Oulu city centre. Check the full programme here, note that the rogram is subject to change.
