Get ready for an exciting international evening program during the Oulu2026 Opening Festival as former European Capitals of Culture take over the city’s pubs and Oulu10, offering entertainment throughout the weekend.
Turku2011 goes 45Special
The Turku2011 program brings music, animation, DJ culture, and experimental visual art to club venues on Friday and Saturday:
- Turku Animated Film Festival: immersive and absurd visuals that push artistic boundaries
- A unique collaboration between the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra’s string quartet and the ethno-jazz group Flame Jazz Tagine
- Evening soundscapes from DJ Haikkakommando, Niko Pettersen, and DJ VRA
EU Lounge at Leskinen
At Oluthuone Leskinen on Friday and Saturday, the EU Lounge offers fun social programming including:
- A pub quiz to test your EU knowledge
- Eurovision-style singalongs for those craving nostalgic Eurovision vibes
Stand-up and Mocktails at Ihku
The second European Capital of Culture for 2026, Trenčín, takes over Ihku on Friday and Saturday with:
- Previews of the upcoming Trenčín2026 program
- A Slovak stand-up comedy show
- Oulu x Trenčín Fusion mocktail tastings
- DJ sets, puppet theatre, and folk-inspired music performances
Culture Next Lounge at Teerenpeli
The Culture Next Lounge — part of the European Capitals of Culture network — arrives at Teerenpeli on Friday and Saturday, featuring:
- A panel discussion about the successes and challenges of cultural capitals
- The unveiling of a Culture Next mural
- A World Fair exhibition where cities showcase themselves with their own stands
Kiruna2029 Takes Over Jumpru Pub & Kaarlenholvi
The future European Capital of Culture 2029, Kiruna from Sweden, will take over Jumpru Pub and Kaarlenholvi on Friday and Saturday with:
- Movement – below ground, on earth, in space: showcases of design and contemporary art
- Talks, quizzes, and video presentations
- Workshops and artist talks
- DJ sessions in the evenings with Endless Horizon
Summer arrives at Oulu10
Oulu10 transforms into a Latvian Liepāja2027-style summer oasis in the middle of the Oulu winter. The Friday program includes:
- Legendary accordion artist Veikko Ahvenainen
- Small concerts, dance performances, and playful interactive moments in the spirit of Liepāja2027
On Saturday, Oulu10’s diverse lineup features community ensembles and activities such as:
- The Varttuneet choir
- The male ballet group En Ala
- A storytelling performance about the legendary lumberjack Nätti-Jussi with rally music
- Oulu YMCA girls’ choir Oulu Fröökynät
- Topaasi, a dance group from the Oulu Retirees’ Association
- Laulakko nää mixed choir with soloists
- Poetry and story performances from Kainuu
- Organization meet-ups and CulturalCompanion2026 gatherings
- Romani café and social activities
The Oulu2026 Opening Festival takes place 16–18 January 2026 at over 20 locations in the Oulu city centre. Check the full schedule — program details may change.
