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Summer highlights from Oulu2026 region

From music festivals to movie nights, our diverse region is full of surprising summer events! 

Festivals and events in July & August

We are preparing to become the European Capital of Culture for 2026, and a lot is already happening!

How does a table setting filled with local delicacies in the middle of the city sound like? Or a nostalgic Finnish movie night in an old engine shed? Or perhaps you would like to experience the speed of the 1950’s with other mechanics enthusiasts? The Oulu2026 region offers a variety of unique events to choose from. In June, we have already enjoyed the Wild Herb Celebration and Varjo festival as well as admired the midsummer sun on top of a fjeld at Solstice festival. However, there’s lots more to come!

We have gathered few tips and highlights from our region in July – August. More detailed information about the programme, schedules and tickets can be found on the event’s own website, just click the ‘Read more’ -button.

A photo of comics artist Emilia Laatikainen, taken by Linnea Laatikainen.

The Long Table Dinner 15.8.2024

The Long Table Dinner invites you to feel the atmosphere and culture of the city at a shared dining table. We are setting a 75-metre-long table on Hallituskatu. Grab your friends, co-workers, family, or come on your own to eat with others. Sit back and relax with your own delicacies or enjoy the delicious takeaways from local restaurants.

Oulu
Free entry
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The 2023 Air Guitar World Champion Seven Seas perform on stage

Air Guitar World Championships 21.–23.8.2024

Contestants around the world put their best on stage shamelessly with their invisible instruments. This phenomenon promoting world peace with a smile has inspired both filmmakers and doctorate researchers. You can’t hold a gun while you play the air guitar.
The Air Guitar World Championships has been arranged in Oulu since 1996.
Oulu
Free entry
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The 2023 Air Guitar World Champion Seven Seas perform on stage

Oulu Music Video Festival 22.–25.8.2024

The world’s oldest music video festival has been held since 1994. The Oulu Music Video Festival has spotlighted both domestic and international music videos and showcased fascinating pop culture phenomena through film and special screenings. The festival clubs and other side events have turned the festival into a popular celebration attracting thousands of guests. The festival culminates in the Pumpeli Gala, which awards and celebrates the best Finnish music videos and their creators.
Oulu
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Höyhtyän ostarifestari oulu 30.-31.2.20204

Ostarifestari 30.-31.8.2024

Ostarifestari (the mall festival) is much more than just bands and beer. Put on your festival accessories and party away at the Koomadisco. Get charmed by the sweaty atmosphere of the kikkeli jazz club. Up yours. Oulu2026 is involved in bringing OstariFestari to new dimensions, and now you have the opportunity to influence where OstariFestari’s sister event will be held in 2026. Do you have a place in mind where you have always wanted to organize a festival? (Note that the form is only in Finnish)

Oulu
Read more (in Finnish)