Background

A wide range of artists, professionals, businesses and communities present the events and other programming of the inaugural festival, most of which will offer a taste of what will be experienced later in the year.

With nearly 200 events spread over 20 venues in the city centre, the inaugural festival will have something for every taste. There will be events indoors and outdoors, in shopping centres, the town hall, squares, cafés and cultural spaces. The audience can choose from concerts, ice hockey, acrobatics, car tuning, panel discussions, pub quizzes, art exhibitions and stomping techno parties and more.

Almost all events at the festival are free of charge and open to all ages and everyone.

The project is coordinated by the Oulu Culture Foundation. Changes to the programme are possible. Many of the exhibitions opening during the festival will remain open after the first weekend.

Media

You can apply for media accreditation for European Capital of Culture events. Please note that our Oulu2026 programme partners handle their media accreditations by themselves.