Tarinoiden virrassa brings three days of culture, art, music, traditions and local stories to Muhos, Vaala and Utajärvi from 28 to 30 August. The shared celebration weekend in the Oulujoki River Valley is part of the official Oulu2026 programme.
For centuries, the Oulujoki River has played an important role in the life of Oulu and the entire Oulujoki River Valley, connecting people, places and stories. On the last weekend of August, the stories flow again as Tarinoiden virrassa is celebrated in Muhos, Utajärvi and Vaala from 28 to 30 August. The event is the main Oulu2026 celebration of the year in the Oulujoki River Valley.
The three-day celebration is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme. Art, music, local history, traditions, nature and local stories come together throughout the weekend.
The unique setting for the events is Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. The Geopark stretches from the Oulujoki River Valley through Rokua to Lake Oulujärvi.
Friday events in Muhos and Vaala
On Friday 28 August in Muhos, MULF VI and Muhos Night of the Arts bring a diverse programme to the Koivu ja Tähti Cultural Centre and the Nature Dream Days experience area in Montta. The programme includes literature, art, dance, performances and music. The evening in Montta also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Northern Opera Company.
In Vaala, Friday’s programme begins with an air defence event at Vaala airfield from 12 noon to 3 pm. Visitors can explore aviation-related equipment and enjoy music by the MPK Northern Finland Band. The programme also includes a ceremonial speech by local heritage counsellor Jouni Kauhanen.
One of the highlights of the afternoon is the unveiling of an air defence memorial and the laying of wreaths. Several greetings will be delivered at the memorial, including one by Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture, Mari-Leena Talvitie. The Oulu Soldiers’ Home Association will also be there with its mobile canteen, serving coffee and its famous traditional doughnuts.
Minister Talvitie will continue from Vaala to Muhos, where she will also attend the MULF VI event in Montta in the evening.
Saturday brings traditions and a late-summer celebration to Vaala
On Saturday 29 August, the anniversary celebrations at the historic Lamminaho House bring local traditions and heritage to life. The programme includes traditional work demonstrations, a Fordson tractor demonstration drive, live music, a guided herb walk, vendors, food and traditional outdoor games.
In the evening, the celebrations continue at Sahanranta Venetsialaiset, a traditional Finnish end-of-summer celebration by the water. The programme includes a performance and workshop by Oulu Star Circus, dancing, the Vaala Children’s and Youth Choir, a fire show, illuminated paddling and fireworks. Maustetytöt take the stage at 9 pm.
Sunday brings art to the villages and community singing to Utajärvi
On Sunday 30 August in Utajärvi, the Taidetta kylille (Art in the Villages) bus tour takes participants to discover environmental and community art in different parts of the municipality.
The weekend culminates at Utajärvi Market Square, where well-known Finnish singer-songwriter Mikko Alatalo leads a community sing-along at 12 noon. There will also be activities for children, an exhibition at Torimakasiini, as well as complimentary soup, coffee and sweet buns for visitors.
All Tarinoiden virrassa events are free of charge. Free bus transport also makes it easy to enjoy the weekend’s events in Muhos and Vaala, while the Taidetta kylille bus tour takes participants to art sites around Utajärvi. Advance registration is required for some of the bus services.
Drift along the current of stories and join us for Oulujoki River Valley’s shared Oulu2026 celebration weekend!
Full programme, schedules and transport information:
rokuageopark.fi/oulu2026/
