Oulu2026 Opening Festival celebrates the European Capital of Culture January 16–18, 2026. For three days, 200 events and 20 venues, the centre of Oulu transforms into a stage full of diverse events. Most of the programme is free of charge and open to everyone.
As the festival weekend offeres a vast amount of program at several venues, the event itself is worth visiting more than once! Visitors can experience everything from ice concerts to ice hockey, acrobatics to car tuning, panels to pub quizzes, and art exhibitions to pounding dance parties. “Paikoillanne, valmiit, Oulu! (On your marks, get set, Oulu!) kicks off the celebrations and the festival weekend on Friday at 4 p.m. at Oulu Market Square. You can also follow the moment on the screens at Kauppakeskus Valkea and Rotuaari.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your festival weekend.
Arriving by Public Transport or Bike
- Public transport: Buses are an efficient and warm way to travel. Schedules, fares and routes are available on the local transport site.
- Bicycle: Oulu is known as a winter cycling city, and cycling can be a handy way to arrive. There are bike parking spaces reserved in Mannerheiminpuisto, with supervision at set times, though parking is at your own risk.
- By car: Be prepared for traffic congestion and street closures.
Read more: Changes in traffic during the Opening Festival 16.–18.1. – Oulu2026
Weather and Conditions
- Streets can be slippery and cold, and festival activities take place both indoors and outdoors.
- Dress warmly, even for short walks between venues; overcrowding may sometimes limit access to (warm) indoor spaces.
- If the temperature drops below –25 °C, outdoor programming may be suspended.
- Large crowds, loud noises, and bright lights are expected, so bringing pets is generally not recommended.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
- There will be event security on site, but festival safety depends on visitors as well.
- If you have questions or concerns, any security staff member can assist you.
Accessibility and Inclusion
- Events will take place in many different venues both indoors and outdoors.
- Check accessibility information for specific locations in advance.
- There will be accessibility assistants on site to help with mobility, communication, and other practical issues. They can be recognised by their blue vests.
- At Market Square, there will be a platform for wheelchair users from which you can watch events such as performances on the main stage.
Sign-interpreted Programme
- Some events will be interpreted into Finnish Sign Language, including:
- “Paikoillanne, valmiit, Oulu! (On your marks, get set, Oulu!) on Friday, Jan 16 at 4 p.m. at Oulu Market Square
- Maarit Ylitalo – MyStory Time – Arts and games workshop 2” at Valkea’s Youth Corner on Jan 18 at 3 p.m.
- Iso Ilo Choir performance at Valkea on Sunday at 4 p.m., where two pieces will be signed.
Be sure to check the Opening Festival schedule for exact times and locations, as they may change!
