Exciting performances and circus acts in Valkea
At Kauppakeskus Valkea during the festival weekend, you can enjoy a variety of dance and circus-inspired performances, including:
- Mantis, a piece from the ballet Sirkka, offering a taste of a new dramatic ballet work
- Ludo & Arsène, a playful acrobatic duo from Belgium
- Folk dance ensemble Pähiät presenting a sneak peek of their upcoming work Luutarha
- Oulu Dance Centre’s “JoJon Yhdistävä tekijä” performance
- Circus acts by students from Oulu Art School, plus a dynamic flash mob
- Pole-dance performances by world champion Mandi Koskela
Community dancing at the Market Square
Warm up in the cold with dance and movement in the heart of the city:
- The dance film Avalanche will premiere on a projected screen on Friday
- Citydance presents an energetic dance show where the audience is welcome to join in
- Hipasu offers a preview of the work Finnskog – Stories from Finnish Forests, followed by a communal opening-festival polonaise
On stage at Rotuaari
On Saturday at Rotuaari Square:
- Xulu202x presents a dance piece from S.I.E.L.LÄ.
- Kajaanin kaupunginteatteri (Kajaani City Theatre) brings a sample of their upcoming touring performance Tervan tie (Tar Road)
Movement and acrobatics at Valve
Throughout the weekend at Kulttuuritalo Valve you can find more dance and circus-themed activities including:
- TaikaBox: Ascend, a performance blending dance and light art
- FASE, an intimate and inspiring piece by three dance-acrobat performers
- Movement improvisation workshop “Everything’s gonna be alright” with Inka Hannula and Teemu Raudaskoski — no experience needed
The Oulu2026 Opening Festival takes place 16–18 January 2026 at more than 20 locations in Oulu city centre. See the full programme at oulu2026.eu/opening-festival (program details subject to change)
Topics: Oulu2026-Avajaisfestarit
