Plenty to Experience at the Market Square
There’s lots to see and do at the Oulu Market Square throughout the weekend. Here are a few highlights:
- “On Your Marks, Get Set, Oulu” – The European Capital of Culture year will be officially opened on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Market Square
- Saara Aalto performs on Friday at 6:00 PM
- DanceShow by Citydance, on Saturday at 1:00 PM
- Casual outdoor hockey with youngsters & legendary Kärpät players on Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM
- The coolest Pakkasdisko (Frost Disco) on Saturday from 4:00–5:00 PM
Celebrations at Central Library Saari & Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo
The opening of Central Library Saari and the Children’s Cultural Centre Kotilo will be celebrated throughout the weekend. The programme includes, among other things:
- Beatbox performance by Rytmikone Kasper
- Concert by the children’s music band Pentti Punkki’s Birthday Party
- Workshops
- Art disco
Read more about the programme at Saari and Kotilo!
Things to Do at Valkea Shopping Center
- Festival looks provided by Glitter Garden
- Villisti Taikkari – performances by students of the Oulu Art School on Saturday
- 5th-grade students from Oulu Steiner School performing songs from the Tirlittan musical on Saturday
- Amisparkki will delight car enthusiasts of all ages next to Valkea at Kauppurienaukio
- A playful Art Hunt
Winter Adventure for Children
Winter Adventure, created by media students from OSAO, invites the whole family on a puzzle trail around Oulu city centre. Guided by forest animals and a map, young festival-goers will explore the city together. Maps are available at the Oulu2026 space in Pekuri Shopping Centre and online. The adventure is open throughout the weekend.
Explore the Wider Oulu2026 Region at Pekuri Shopping Centre
Travel across the entire Oulu2026 region at Pekuri! Partner municipalities bring their colourful greetings into the festival atmosphere. Read more here
A Wild Afternoon of Literature
On Saturday, 17 January from 12:00–4:00 PM, Oulu House of Literature hosts A Wild Afternoon of Literature — a fun literary event for children and young people. The event is organised by the Oulu Writers’ Association and the cultural collective Lellipennut. The programme includes:
- Children’s book karaoke
- Collaborative storytelling
- Author Liisa Louhela, creator of Ronttiäiti ja Ahkera Tiikeri
Explore the full festival schedule for 16-18 Jan! Programme subject to change.
