The European Capitals of Culture have been designated since 1985, and Oulu is the third Finnish city to win the title. The internationally recognized title of European Capital of Culture brings unique events, artworks, and world-class performers to Oulu and its 39 partner municipalities.

“2026 is Finland’s year as the European Capital of Culture. It holds special significance for Oulu and the Oulu2026 area, but also for the whole country. The number of individual events will exceed thousands. We anticipate 2.5 million visits to Oulu2026 events and a lasting impact on the region’s cultural life,” states Oulu2026 Program Director Samu Forsblom.
The Year Built Around Three Thematic Periods
The European Capital of Culture offers experiences every day of the year across 40 municipalities stretching from the Russian border to the Swedish border. The event year is divided into three thematic periods.
The early year’s “Brave Hinterland” theme highlights northern phenomena and Arctic culture, including Sámi culture, electronic music festivals performed on ice, and regional opening celebrations.
As spring and summer increase daylight, the theme shifts to “Wild City.” Cities and villages will be filled with festivals and community celebrations that blend nature and urban culture in fascinating ways. Arctic Food Lab creates images of clean arctic nature and its ingredients that have been refined with local know-how into high-quality products and services.
The autumn and late-year program revolves around theme “Cool Contrasts”: light and darkness, impactful combinations of art and technology, and northern mysticism. Events will showcase, for example, the transformation of the north into a hub for international light art during the darkest time of the year.
A Year-Long Program to Attract International Visitors
Oulu2026 offers cultural programming every day of the year, extending across the partner municipalities. Highlights include new exhibition centers opening in downtown Oulu in early 2026. The Pekuri centre will host Finland’s first Fotografiska photography exhibition, designed by Fotografiska Tallinn for Oulu2026. Oulu City Hall will feature the Layers in the Peace Machine installation and the Media Art from Kiasma exhibition curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. The Museum and Science Center Tiima, one of the largest cultural investments in Oulu’s history, will open in autumn 2026.
Pikisaari, a developing creative village, will offer daily experiences through its numerous stunning galleries and events. The central library Saari will also house the new children’s cultural center (named by children as Kotilo).
Suitable for day trips, the public art route Climate Clock with its unique installations, the surprising ARToulu art area in the river delta, and Oulu2026 murals across the city are must-sees. Another fascinating destination is the revitalized AaltoSiilo, designed by Alvar Aalto in Toppila.
There are numerous events worth traveling from afar to attend during the year. Notable productions include the Oulu2026 and Yle New Year’s Eve show and the Opening Festival in downtown Oulu from January 16–18, 2026.
Sámi culture will be showcased extensively in the Oulu2026 program through concerts, visual art, and seminars. The annual highlight will be Sámi National Day on February 6. Oulu Theatre will host the world premiere of the Ovlá Sámi opera in January.
The Frozen People electronic music festival will have attendees dancing on the sea ice in Nallikari in early March. The summer -26 will culminate in the Delta Life festival weekend, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people. In November, the beloved light festival will expand into a ten-day Lumo Art & Tech Festival, combining art and technology in spectacular ways. The super year will conclude with the Winter Classic hockey event produced by ice hockey team Oulun Kärpät.
With activities across 40 municipalities, the Oulu2026 region will be bustling throughout the year. The region’s festivals will be celebrated in “Best Festivals in Europe” program. Traditional events will be revitalized, such as the Sievi Muttimarkkinat fair, expected to attract thousands of visitors. All eight municipalities in Kainuu will produce diverse programs, ranging from literature and storytelling in Kuhmo to Vaara-Kainuu Art National Park Initiative. The joint Soiva Pyhäjoki event will feature international musicians and artists performing along the Pyhäjoki River from Pyhäjärvi to the sea. Puolanka’s traditional cattle markets will expand into a new-era carnival weekend. Raahe museums will reopen with updates, and Aine Art Museum in Tornio will host a year-long “Everyone’s Birthday” celebration.
Aiming for a Lasting Cultural Climate Change
Oulu2026 seeks to create a lasting cultural climate change, where culture, art, and technology merge in sustainable and surprising ways.
“The year 2026 is the result of ten years of extensive collaboration. The City of Oulu and the state of Finland have committed to funding the year’s implementation with a total of 40 million euros. This is complemented by EU funding, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Swedish Cultural Foundation, and numerous companies, including major partners Pohjolan OP, Kaleva Media, and Genelec. Together, we are building vitality and offering the cultural sector unique opportunities to shine alongside European partners,” summarizes Oulu Cultural Foundation, Oulu2026, CEO Piia Rantala-Korhonen.
More information about the program is available on the website www.oulu2026.eu/programme. The event calendar and full Oulu2026 program will be published in September 2025.
Oulu: The Heart of the North
Oulu, the largest and fastest-growing commercial, logistic, and cultural hub in Northern Europe, is ranked as the 13th happiest city in the world.
Home to 215,000 residents, Oulu stands out as one of Europe’s youngest cities, with an average age of just 39.6 years. The city’s foundation is built on enterprise and education, with 25,000 students attending its two universities. With a highly educated population—every third resident holds an academic degree—Oulu thrives as a hub for innovations and talent, while maintaining a humane and inclusive approach to growth.
A Legacy of Global Connections and Innovation
Since the 17th century, Oulu has been a global player, exporting tar, salmon, wood, and later, mobile technologies. Today, three billion people worldwide use mobile technologies developed in Oulu. The city also hosts the world’s first 6G Flagship research program at the University of Oulu, solidifying its role as a pioneer in ICT advancements. From radio and health technology to cleantech and circular economy innovations, Oulu leads in cutting-edge research and development.
Oulu’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its status as the winter cycling capital of the world. With over 1,000 kilometers of cycling routes and wide, well-maintained cycling highways, 20% of daily commutes are made by bicycle year-round, even in the snowy Arctic climate.
Useful links:
Oulu2026.eu – European Capital of Culture Oulu2026 Culture Programme
Visit Oulu: Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026! – Visit Oulu