The darkest season of the year is approaching, and the Oulu2026 region begin to glow with enchanting light events! Explore the Oulu2026 event calendar to discover all the light festivals and events froim October to November. Browse the events, find your favourites and experience the regional events in a new light!
Sotkamo lights up in October
During the autumn holidays, Sotkamo will host the Reflektor Light Art Festival from 15 to 18 October 2026, showcasing audiovisual art. From 2026 onwards, the festival will become a biennial event, bringing together Finnish and international artists.
This year’s programme includes a community art project created in collaboration with local schools, a sound installation by Ukrainian composer and sound artist Heinali, and a gallery exhibition by visual artist Jaakko Mattila.
Experience the enchanting nature trails
The Lights of Lemmenpolku Trail on 7 November, from 5 pm to 8 pm, combines the autumn nature and light art in Leppiniemi, Muhos. This year’s theme explores technology and our relationship with nature. The forest trail features UV lights, light-reactive elements, and works combining sound and video. The programme also includes a poetry-themed light trail for the whole family and an opportunity to roast sausages over an open fire.
In November, the darkness surrounding famous Hepoköngäs Waterfall in Puolanka will be transformed by festive lighting on 7 November, from 5 pm to 9 pm. The surroundings of Finland’s highest natural waterfall will be illuminated with a variety of lights and lanterns. Bus transfers will be available from Puolanka town centre, and visitors can enjoy sausages and refreshments on site.
Villages and Churches illuminate the landscapes
Church Lights 2026, taking place in the Lakeus region from 18 to 27 November, will illuminate historically significant church environments. The event series explores the architectural heritage of four municipalities through art. Discover the churches of Tyrnävä, Lumijoki, Kempele and Liminka in a new light.
Joki palaa – valo virtaa (The River is burning), running from 31 October to 15 November, is a light art event in Oulainen, created in collaboration with local organisations, participants and artists. The event is part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Oulainen Music Weeks. Bridges in the town centre and the riverbank near the library will be illuminated. Alongside light installations, visitors can enjoy spectacular fire performances and light elements created by local residents, schools and associations.
At the end of November, Villages of Light, from 27 to 29 November, will see the villages of Haapavesi compete to create the most impressive illuminations. Visitors can vote for their favourite, so head out on a tour of the illuminated villages and choose the most enchanting one!
The North comes to life through light
Ii Festival of Lights, from 18 to 22 November, brings light to the darkness during Finland’s national Mental Health Week. The programme features light art, workshops and community art in unexpected locations. In 2026, the main event areas will be the Environmental Art Park and Vihkosaari beach.
In Tornio, the MeänPIOT Light Festival on 20 and 21 November invites visitors to experience the city in a new light. This multidisciplinary festival brings together light, art and community spirit. This year, local residents can also help create the festival through workshops and take part in illuminating their surroundings.
In Kemi, a light-themed treasure hunt running from 24 October to 21 November, visitors are invited to search for illuminated decorations representing symbols of Kemi, hidden around the city. Everyone is welcome to join the fun, and prizes await the boldest treasure hunters!
Find local light events from Oulu2026 region
Explore the light events taking place across the Oulu2026 region in chronological order in the event calendar below. Click on an icon to open the event calendar.
Lumo Art & Tech highlights November
The ten-day Lumo Art & Tech Festival will take place in Oulu from 13 to 22 November. The festival brings together Finnish and international artists, researchers and experts.
At the heart of the programme is the much-loved Lumo Light Festival, which will run for four days this year, from 19 to 22 November. Lumo Art & Tech offers audiovisual performances, light and sound art, exhibitions, seminars and professional events at venues across Oulu.
