The European Capital of Culture year doesn’t start in just one place — it begins in dozens! While the Oulu2026 celebrations start in Oulu 16-18 Jan during the Opening Festival, festivities will be held across the entire Oulu2026 region starting from the turn of the year.
Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture officially kicks off in January 2026 with a city-wide opening festival in Oulu on 16–18 January 2026. But the opening celebrations are not limited to just Oulu. The Oulu2026 area includes 40 municipalities, and communities throughout the region will already begin welcoming the cultural capital year from the New Year period all the way through spring.
Across the region you can experience the opening celebrations through diverse events featuring light and fire, art and music, local traditions, and shared festive moments. Here are some tips to explore more opening festivities!
Talvivaara New Year – Taivalkoski 31st Dec 2025
This year’s New Year’s Eve event will feature traditional reindeer rides, competitions, shows and other events familiar from previous years, as well as the opening of the Oulu2026 Capital of Culture year in Taivalkoski. The opening will be celebrated with a motor scooter rally, which everyone is welcome to participate in. Taivalvaara New Year
Happy New Twice – Tornio/Haparanda 31 Dec 2025–1 Jan 2026
Opening party for the European Capital of Culture Oulu2026: Two countries, two time zones, one big New Year’s party on the Arctic border between Finland and Sweden in Tornio-Haaparanda! Happy New Year 2025-2026
New Year’s Eve – Tyrnävä 31st Dec 2026
The New Year’s Eve fireworks display, organized by the Tyrnävä village association and partners, will illuminate the Tyrnävä municipal center. The flares will illuminate the sides of the roads from the village roundabout (Vanhatie 1–2, 91800 Tyrnävä) in every direction
New Year’s Eve
The overthrow of Kaamos – Hyrynsalmi 17th Jan 2026
The OULU2026 Capital of Culture year and the church’s 240th anniversary will be opened in Hyrynsalmi with a light event in cooperation with the parish. The overthrow of Kaamos
Ranua2026 Opening Ceremony 21st Jan 2026
The event will illuminate the Saukonmäki ice artwork, conceived by Markku Karttunen. Parts of the ice artwork were made by students and children from the kindergarten, and the artwork will be displayed with LED lighting. The content of the event will take into account the weather conditions and participants. European Capital of Culture Oulu2026 Ranua2026 Opening Ceremony
Oulu2026 Opening Ceremony in Raahe, 23 –25 Jan 2026
Raahe celebrates the Oulu2026 year all weekend long across the city! The new Koivuluoto Arena will be officially opened, museums will showcase the results of two years of development with open doors, and Tapahtumatalo Raahe will resonate with the power of a grand orchestra. Expect memorable experiences, a celebratory atmosphere, and activities for the whole family.
Oulu2026 Opening Ceremony in Raahe
Opening of the Capital of Culture year by Sievi residents – Sievi 30 Jan 2026
Fri 30.1. the Capital of Culture year will be opened in Sievi on the shores of Lake Villenjärvi. The flame of culture will be lit and blown up throughout the municipality in collaboration with the Uusiku dance institute, the Haikola residents’ association and Kimmo Sarja. There will be a magnificent sound art piece, dance and fire art. Opening of the Capital of Culture year by Sievi residents
Five o’clock tea and the opening ceremony of the Capital of Culture year in Haapajärvi
6 Feb 2026
Tea City Haapajärvi invites you to tea. Come and celebrate Tea Day with us on 6.2.2026 at 17:00 at K. J. Ståhlberg’s school. At the same time, we will celebrate the opening of Haapajärvi’s Capital of Culture year. The program includes music, tea knowledge and tea tastings, a video presentation, etc. And of course tea service. Five o’clock tea and the opening ceremony of the Capital of Culture year in Haapajärvi
Art II /// The Winter Edition – Ii 14 Feb 2026
A winter art event for the whole family at the Ii Environmental Art Park on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 2-7 p.m. The program includes skating on the art skating trail, snow and ice art works by children and young people from Ii, and media art on a large ‘ice canvas’. Hot drinks and sausages are available! Art II /// The Winter Edition
Liu Lau Laskiaista – Oulainen & Haapavesi 15 Feb 2026
Oulainen & Haapavesi joint 2026 opening: family-friendly winter event “Liu lau laskiaista!” Sun 15.2.2026 from 12-15. The traditional February sledding event is planned to be organized in a new way as a collaboration between the two municipalities in the spirit of the 2026 opening. Liu lau laskiaista!
Opening Ceremony of Liminka Capital of Culture year 1 Apr 2026
Liminka will celebrate the municipality’s own opening ceremony of the Capital of Culture year with the entire municipality on April Fool’s Day, April 1. The program will be organized in various parts of the municipality, including schools, Lakeustalo and other municipal offices or facilities.
Opening Ceremony of Liminka Capital of Culture year
