Eloise Gillow created the first Oulu2026 mural in Rajakylä in 2022. Photo: Mika Friman.

Seeking a Location for the Fifth Oulu2026 Mural in the City Centre

From our programme partners
Festival director Mika Anttolainen, minister Meri-Leena Talvitie and service manager Maria Pikkarainen. Photographer Elviira Säkkinen/OKM

Child’s Day Award to Oulu International Children’s and Youth Film Festival

From our programme partners

Nokia Lumo Art & Tech Festival’s main partner – technology and art meet in Oulu

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