100 Days to Go: Oulu Gears Up for its European Capital of Culture Year

“Oulu2026 will be a year of bold artistic encounters, where the North takes centre stage in Europe’s cultural life. With more than 500 cultural organisations and creative professionals involved, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience our unique mix of northern spirit and international perspectives”, says Samu Forsblom, Programme Director of Oulu2026.

The European Capital of Culture title is a prestigious initiative of the European Union, aiming to showcase Europe’s cultural diversity and to celebrate the culture and art characteristic of each region. Athens was the first to receive the honour in 1985, so the initiative is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

In Finland, the European Capitals of Culture have been Helsinki in 2000 and Turku in 2011. In one hundred days, it will be Finland’s turn again, as Oulu and 39 northern municipalities step into the cultural spotlight of Europe.

From Northern Lights to Midnight Sun

The celebrations begin on 31 December 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Celebration, followed in January by the Opening Festival – a city-wide weekend of concerts, exhibitions and encounters. Throughout the year, audiences can look forward to:

Striking winter experiences: snow sculpting, ice swimming, electronic music and light events on frozen seas.

International exhibitions and premieres: from new collaborations with Fotografiska and Kiasma  to the world premiere of a Sámi opera.

Nordic artistic voices: including an underground installation by Danish artist Jakob Kudsk Steensen and contributions from Nordic partners.

Permanent public art: Climate Clock, a new route of works by renowned international artists where art, science and nature intertwine, opening in June.

Community and food: Arctic Food Lab highlights northern cuisine, including a kilometre-long dinner table in the city centre.

Grand finales: the outdoor spectacle Delta Life in summer, and in December, Snowball – a new family musical set in the land of the Northern Lights.

Cultural Climate Change

Oulu2026 is built around the theme of Cultural Climate Change: a lasting enrichment of cultural life that connects people through world-class experiences, creativity, and new ways of thinking.

The countdown is on – and in 100 days, Europe’s cultural spotlight turns to the North.