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Culture programme

World-class experiences near, far and everywhere in between. Welcome to an inspiring celebration of Nordic and European culture!

Cultural climate change starts in the north

We are approaching an unforgettable Capital of Culture year 2026 with the aim of creating a positive, lasting impact on our region. Our goal is cultural climate change. We expand the perception of seeing and experiencing culture. We feed creativity and new development,
and build a more sustainable and open Europe and world for all.

Culture increases encounters, interaction and well-being – it brings people together and makes them realise new things about themselves and others. It is a force that helps strengthen the sense of inclusion. Culture is everywhere, let’s embrace it! We want to open up a new connection between people – are you ready to discover it?

Brave Hinterland

Early 2026 is at its best in the brave hinterland, in the heart of the exotic northern winter. We invite you to a unique opening ceremony, to experience Sámi culture in the opera and dance on the the ice of the Bothnian Bay to the beat of electronic music

Wild City

Spring and summer awaken the wildness of the city, making us free to experience the best parts of light, nature, and city life. Culture is everywhere, just like water: it experiments, plays and challenges, and it surprises on nature trails and in suburbs. Northern flavours complete the whole.

Cool Contrasts

Autumn and the rest of the year are all about experiencing the power of opposites: the struggle between light and darkness, the powerful combination of art and technology, and the mystery of the north. In autumn, we witness the North transforming into a focal point of light art during the darkest time of the year, and experience interactive installations of the encounter between nature, people and technology.

Oulu2026 – Ways to Participate

Kuvassa lapsia puistossa.

We are the culture
Open Call

Culture is everywhere in life – and now you can share your creativity with everyone! You can now suggest your own program to be included in the official Oulu2026 culture programme as well as apply for a targeted grant to realise your project within the Oulu2026-region

Application period
2nd Sept 2024 to 31st Aug 2025

Volunteers at the heart of events

Volunteers play a vital role in bringing the European Capitals of Culture to life. Oulu2026 offers a wide range of opportunities for you to get involved, make an impact, and contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime cultural celebration!

Kolme ihmistä vaaleanpunaisissa talvivaatteissa jään päällä.

Bid Book 2021

The Bid Book provides a good overview of the planned programme for 2026. Many projects have refined their plans since the book was published, and some details may have been changed. The Bid Book illustrates, however our starting points, our objectives and the scope of the Oulu2026 programme. The final culture programme will be published in September 2025.