Located in Northern Finland, Oulu begins its tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The opening festival takes place in January, set against the backdrop of the exotic northern winter.
Early 2026 highlights the theme of “Brave Hinterland.” The unique opening ceremony in January invites audiences to experience Sámi culture through opera and to dance on the frozen Bothnian Bay to the beat of electronic music.
Nearly 200 events, most of them free of charge, celebrate the opening of the cultural year. Flow Productions, an Oulu-based presenter of dance and contemporary circus, is treating the opening weekend like a festival in itself, showcasing fifteen different performances and events.
Ice music and Arctic themes
Over the weekend, the Market Square outdoor stage will host a unique concert by the Terje Isungset Quartet. The performance features instruments carved entirely from ice—including an ice harp, ice bass, percussion, and horns—accompanied by a singer braving the cold. Additionally, a dance film addressing Arctic climate change and snow loss will premiere at the Market Square event.
Circus and dance spread across the city
In the Culture Centre Valve, the enchanting acrobatic duo Marta & Kim, joined by Vincent Kollar, will present the warm-hearted performance FASE. Marta & Kim will also participate in a large-scale immersive production by Flow Productions and Oulu Theatre later in August 2026.
The opening weekend also brings surprises to unexpected venues, such as shopping centres. Be Flat by Ludo and Arsène features a madcap performance by a highly skilled Belgian acrobatic duo.
Sámi culture takes the stage
Sámi art will take centre stage with the world premiere of the Sámi opera Ovllá at the Oulu Theatre. Produced in collaboration with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra and the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš, the opera highlights the perspective of the Nordic countries’ only indigenous people. Meanwhile, the Art Museum will open the extensive Eanangiella – Voice of the Land exhibition, celebrating the vitality of Sámi culture and the connection to the land and ancestors.
A Year of contrasts
The main themes for Oulu 2026 are “Brave Hinterland,” “Wild City,” and “Cool Contrasts.” Following the winter months, “Wild City” will awaken the city in spring and summer, inviting people to enjoy light, nature, and urban life. The year concludes with “Cool Contrasts” in the autumn, featuring light art during the darkest season and interactive installations exploring the encounter between nature, people, and technology.
Professional performing arts meetings
In June, IETM – the Intenational network for contemporary performing arts is organising the next Plenary Meeting in Oulu: 15–18 June 2026.
In September, Oulu welcomes a large number of international dance professionals as the Stretch Further 2026 – Exploring Identity event arrives in the city. Participants are expected from the Keđja network countries, including Iceland, Scotland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, and Estonia. The event is produced by JoJo – Oulu Dance Center.