All the acts for the Oulu2026 Stage showcasing artists from the Oulu region have now been selected. As many as 164 applications were submitted in the open application process, and 8 acts were selected to play at the festival. The audience can enjoy the versatile selection of artists free of charge in Linnansaari on July 26–27.
Electronic pop whiz Eriika is one of the artists of Oulu2026 Stage. Photo: Iisa Kinnunen
The artists stepping onto the Oulu2026 Stage include northern house duo Winter Games, metal core group Lowhill, Sami rapper Yungmiqu, punk rock posse Taskujauheliha, nuanceful rock act Sagastrophe, melodic metal powerhouse Epileptica, electronic pop whiz Eriika, and finally Nope, a deadly danceable folk-music ensemble. In addition to these, the Oulu2026 Stage will feature a still undisclosed artist from Tarto, one of the European Capitals of Culture this year.
Oulu2026 Producer Erica Giacoletto is overjoyed about the wide range of high-quality applicants.
– So many were interested in playing on the Oulu2026 Stage, and the number of applicants doubled from last year. It is fabulous to feature artists from different genres and backgrounds on our stage. We are proud of the music scene in our region, and it is wonderful to be able to showcase it on the way toward our year as the European Capital of Culture, Giacoletto says.
Oulu2026 promotes the exposure of bands from Oulu and the whole region both locally and at international showcase festivals. The Oulu2026 Stage at Qstock is an integral part of this activity.
Qstock is organised annually on Kuusisaari and Raatti islands in Oulu on the last weekend of July. It has established a status as one of the biggest festivals in Finland, attracting 40 000 visitors over two days.
