Aerial view of Oulu city centre in winter.

Oulu, Finland unveils programme for European Capital of Culture Opening Festival

The freedom on Brands Like Bands Festival

Brands Like Bands launches its most international edition ever, concluding in Oulu, the cultural heart of Europe in 2026

From our programme partners
The fourth mural in the Oulu2026 mural series in Toppila. Photo: Linnea Laatikainen / Oulu Cultural Foundation

The artist for the fifth Oulu2026 mural will be selected through an open portfolio call

From our programme partners
Illustration of “Ode to Maritime Oulu”

A Hotel Room Like the Sea – A Bold Experiment by an Oulu Artist Brings the “Sea” to Original Sokos Hotel Arina for the 2026 Capital of Culture Year

From our programme partners
Nallikari Snowfest is an international snow sculpting competition. In the photo, the 2025 winner from the Czech team is working hard.

Nallikari SnowFest 2026 brings the world’s top snow sculptors to Oulu in February – nearly 30 teams from over 15 countries applied

From our programme partners
Polar Night Light Festival, Ruka Ski Resort, Kuusamo

The World’s Northernmost Light Festival, awarded ski resort and the magical northern lights invite you and your family to visit Ruka-Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland this winter

From our programme partners

Oulu named as one of the world’s best destinations for 2026

Emil Kárlsen plays Ovllá and he has also composed all the yoiks to the opera. Photo: Knut Åserud

A Unique World Premiere in Oulu – Ovllá Brings Silenced Stories to Life

From our programme partners
two women dj's dancing at a dance club

Cool events kick off the European Culture Capital year 2026

Jaakko Myyri (picture credit: Inae Han)

Jaakko Myyri has been invited to the Adaptation residency at Oulanka Research Station

From our programme partners
Kuvassa Tellervo Kalleinen ja Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen.

The Most Valuable Clock in the World will tour Oulu and the Oulu2026 region in 2026

Flamenco singer Anna Murtola is drawn to the melancholy beauty of abandoned places. Photos TRIÁLOGO-project.

Abandoned beauty and solastalgia in Oulainen

From our programme partners