Oulu European Capital of Culture – even cooler than you think

Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The city celebrated this with more than 200 events. Crowds gathered in the city centre for three days, with approximately 250,000 people attending, making it one of Oulu's largest events ever.  

Instead of using one main stage, celebrations spread across the city centre. People enjoyed moving from one venue to another, experiencing diverse cultural events.  

As a city councillor, I truly enjoyed so many people filling the heart of Oulu. There were smiles and laughter everywhere. After nine years since the nomination, Oulu's title as the European Capital of Culture is now official. 

We, people of Oulu, are used to biting frost and crisp winter, but we warmly welcomed international and domestic visitors.  

This title will boost the region's economy by enhancing local tourism, services and local businesses. 

The European Capital of Culture 2026 is a project that involves Oulu and 39 other municipalities across Northern Finland. It is the result of many years of careful preparation and collective effort. With skill and determination, we turned it into an achievement for our community and secured this prestigious European distinction.  

Finland needs growth, and the North can lead the way. We need new innovations and investments in industries with strong growth potential, such as culture. Oulu and Northern Finland play important roles in security, resilience, accessibility, and the economy.  

Culture strengthens our national identity and promotes unity. With the Capital of Culture year in Oulu, Europe looks now towards the North. Here, technology, nature, and culture go hand in hand. Visitors will discover hidden gems and witness new creations. 

As a graduate in Economics and Business Administration and a dance teacher, this is a special year for me. Cultural investments bring returns in wellbeing, vitality, and income for the region. Oulu Waterworks has installed drain covers for the city's streetscape that will last 100 years.  

I am sure that the cultural impact will be just as lasting. In the words of President Alexander Stubb: “Oulu – even cooler than you think.” 

Every year, since 1985, two or three EU cities are awarded the "European Capital of Culture" title, with the EU supporting the celebration of art and culture for a yearlong. Selected cities promote under this umbrella their cultural heritage and life through cultural events and initiatives, with direct impact on the region for many years afterwards, helping them to boost local, regional and national economy. 

In 2026, Oulu (Finland) and Trenčín (Slovakia) are European Capitals of Culture in 2026.