Yoga surrounded by cows and round-the-clock pancake festivities? Throughout the summer, the Oulu2026 region offers one delightfully original event after another. Grab a friend or family member and head out for a summer day guaranteed to make you smile.
The European Capital of Culture year offers a wide range of summer activities in Oulu and its partner municipalities, with something for food lovers, art enthusiasts and those who enjoy staying active.
From chainsaw sculptures to Manly Hairy Worlds
The Oulu2026 region hosts a wide variety of art events and exhibitions throughout the summer.
Would you like to explore Manly Hairy Worlds? Photographer Kenneth Bamberg’s exhibition Cursed Crown is on display at the Vilho Lampi Museum in Liminka until 12 July. Through his work, Bamberg explores the different stages and nuances of masculinity, highlighting its diversity. Read more: Manliga håriga världar – Manly Hairy Worlds – Miesten karvaiset maailmat
In Lumijoki, visitors can admire chainsaw sculptures created by artist Heikki Laurila. Located in the municipal park on Myllytie, the Chainsaw Sculpture Park features as many as 41 of Laurila’s works. Admission is free, making it an ideal destination for a summer picnic. The park is open around the clock throughout the European Capital of Culture year. Read more: Chainsaw Sculpture Park, Lumijoki
A new sport and yoga with cows
Summer also brings opportunities to enjoy exercise and try something completely new.
Pudasjärvi will host a sporting performance that pushes the boundaries of traditional ball games. In this first-ever Air Baseball match, the familiar sport takes on new dimensions through creativity and imagination. Visitors can watch the spectacular launch of Air Baseball on Saturday, 18 July, at Jyrkkäkoski Recreation Centre. Read more: Air baseball
In Sievi, yoga takes place in a rural farm setting. Yoga with cows and the Day on the Countryside event, held in Kukonkylä, will kick off Sievi Week in a relaxed atmosphere on Sunday, 12 July. This family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to meet farm animals, explore the farm buildings and enjoy a calming yoga session in the company of gentle cows. Read more: Yoga with cows and a day in the countryside
Rönttönen pastries, pancake baking and cooking competitions.
The European Capital of Culture programme also offers memorable experiences for food lovers.
At the Thin Pancake Festival in Pudasjärvi, participants will bake and enjoy traditional Finnish pancakes continuously for 24 hours. Pancake baking begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 11 July, and ends at the same time on Sunday, 12 July. Visitors can look forward to delicious treats and enjoyable time together. Read more: Thin pancake festival
In Oulu, visitors can take part in the Mushroom War, a cooking competition where mushrooms are the main ingredient. Separate categories are available for children and adults, and entries are judged on taste, creativity, competitive spirit and the use of local ingredients. The event will take place on 15 August as part of Summer Night’s Dinner, a communal food event where people gather around a one-kilometre-long table stretching through the centre of Oulu. Read more: Mushroom War
Cooking skills will also be put to the test on Saturday, 4 July, at the The World Championships of Rönttönen Crimping. The event celebrates Kainuu’s culinary heritage through a light-hearted competition. Held in Kuhmo Market Square, visitors can not only try their hand at crimping rönttönen pastries but also enjoy tasting them. Read more: The World Championships of Rönttönen Crimping and a Celebration of Kuhmo Cuisine
