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Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026

Culture, art and a wide range of events as well as world-class experiences from near and far are taking over our northern region. See the events!

Summer events

More events

Coming up

Tips for Arctic Midsummer!

18-21 June
Oulu
Midsummer is one of the most magical times to visit Northern Finland. Experience a unique combination of contemporary art, music, northern landscapes and Finnish Midsummer traditions.
See the events

The northern summer everyone
is talking about

On the northern coast of Finland, the vibrant seaside city of Oulu invites you to experience a summer where world-class art, unforgettable festivals and beautiful northern nature come together. 
See the events

Best Festivals in Europe!

Oulu2026 region offers a unique perspective on northern festivals. These events range from veteran machinery days to Irish music, from poetry weeks to electronic music festival on top of a hill
See the upcoming festivals

Spectacular year for Visual Arts

2026
Oulu
Here, culture doesn’t stay only inside museum walls. In Oulu, art appears in unexpected places — a city hall, a cathedral, a shopping centre and, of course, in the middle of northern landscapes. 
See the events

News

Pegasus by Planéte-Vapeur, photo by @LOUANNE.POVIGNA

The Irish Festival of Oulu Announces Landmark 2026 Programme and Launch of Cultural Kaleidoscopes Street Festival

From our programme partners
Antti Tolvi's The difference between a human and a bird, photo: Kati Leinonen

A new art route has emerged in the Oulujoki estuary – the ARToulu Art Area!

From our programme partners

Climate Clock public art trail opens across Oulu

Interested in Fashion or Textile Art? See these Oulu2026 events
More news
Aerial view of Oulu city centre in winter.

Welcome to Oulu!

Planning to visit us? Find out how to travel to Oulu, where to book accommodation, and which exciting events are in store for 2026.

Plan your visit

Oulu2026 Merch available!

Find the coolest clothing and accessories for every season from our online store

Visit our store
man standing on a green field

Like Finland in miniature

Together with 39 municipalities, Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026. Our wonderful region provides a versatile range of events of different sizes and styles, for their creators and visitors. There are cities and villages, parks and paths, and lovely nature nearby almost everywhere.

Explore Oulu2026 Region & events
Rautatieasema junilla ja matkustajilla lumisena päivänä.
Kaleva Media logo
Piparkakkutalo ja joulupukki joulukoristeena
Käsivarsinauhalla kävelijä yöllä metsässä
Mustavalkoinen kuva autotallista ja autosta
Osuuskauppa Arinan vihreä logo
Piparkakkutalo ja joulupukki joulukoristeena
Käsivarsinauhalla kävelijä yöllä metsässä
Mustavalkoinen kuva autotallista ja autosta
Osuuskauppa Arinan vihreä logo
Piparkakkutalo ja joulupukki joulukoristeena
Käsivarsinauhalla kävelijä yöllä metsässä
Mustavalkoinen kuva autotallista ja autosta
Osuuskauppa Arinan vihreä logo
Piparkakkutalo ja joulupukki joulukoristeena
Käsivarsinauhalla kävelijä yöllä metsässä
Mustavalkoinen kuva autotallista ja autosta
Osuuskauppa Arinan vihreä logo

See also

Welcome to OuluPlan your stay
Frequently Asked QuestionsOulu2026 facts in a nutshell
Oulu2026 TeamContact our staff