This summer, it’s time to try open air dancing at traditional dance venues! We compiled a list of upcoming summer dance events in Oulu and northern municipalities where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of dance and music — and even try out new dance styles in beginner workshops!
What is open air dancing?
Finnish open-air dancing, known as lavatanssit, is a long-standing tradition of partner dancing at outdoor dance pavilions, usually located in the countryside near lakes, forests, or villages. These dance events combine live music, social interaction, and summer celebrations, and they remain an important part of Finnish cultural life today. Read more about Open air dancing, its history and etiquette from Elävän perinnön wikiluettelo.
If you are in Oulu from May to August, traditional dance evenings are held every Saturday at Nuijamiesten lava in Ylikiiminki, featuring performances by top Finnish artists. A paid bus service to and from the venue is also available from Oulu. Traditional Finnish pavilion dancing can also be enjoyed at the Kainuu Tanssi ja Soi events in Vaala, Sotkamo, and Kuhmo in July. In June, Ouluhalli will fill with dance enthusiasts during the Villisti Kaupunki European Capital of Culture summer dance event, with proceeds supporting treatment for children with cancer at Oulu University Hospital.
The traditional summer evening bridge dances begin on July 25 at the nostalgic Kirnukoski bridge in Jokikylä. In Sievi, the Lemmensilta dance evening in Järvikylä celebrates a July summer night on July 16 with live music and basic fusku dance steps.
If you’d like to try new dance styles, introductory balboa and lindy hop classes will be organised in Oulu on August 1–2 as part of the Elojazz Village event.
