Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre
Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre
The Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre offers a wide range of cultural experiences for residents of the Oulu region and visitors alike. The programme includes theatre, music, and various events produced by both amateur and professional performers.
🎠Event Area Services is now accepting applications from performers and event organizers for the Hupisaaret Summer Theatre for the 2027 summer season. Available performance dates are between May and September.
đź“§ Please send your informal application by email to helena.makinen@ouka.fi no later than 31 August 2026. In your application, include your preferred performance dates and the number of performances you are planning.
đź“„ The pricing for the 2027 season has been updated. The new price list is available for download at the bottom of this page.
For Visitors
Event-Specific Practices
- Ticket sales and all practical arrangements are the responsibility of each event organizer.
- Lost and found items related to an event are also handled by the event organizer.
- Contact details for event organizers can be found on the event-specific websites or via the event calendar.
Access, Arrival and Parking
Hupisaaret Summer Theatre is located in a park area (Hupisaaret / Ainola Park), so there is no public parking directly next to the theatre. However, there are several convenient options nearby:
Public transport: The nearest bus stops are within a short walking distance on Kasarmintie: Nahkatehtaankatu P, Nahkatehtaankatu E, Makasiininkatu P, and Makasiininkatu E.
Additional stops near the Cathedral: Franzen and Kuvernööri.
Parking: At the city end of the Oulu Art Museum, there is a small public parking area (with a parking disc), including two accessible parking spaces.
The nearest paid parking options are at the Hotelli Lasaretti parking area and Autoheikki car park (in Finnish).
Accessibility
Accessible parking
- The nearest accessible parking spaces are located near the art museum, approximately 100 metres from the summer theatre.
- Parking in the immediate vicinity of the theatre is not permitted, but drop-off and pick-up can usually be arranged via pedestrian routes, provided that pedestrians are taken into account and caution is exercised.
Wheelchair spaces
- Wheelchair spaces are located at the front of the auditorium on the asphalt area. The event organizer determines the number and exact location of these spaces.
Other accessibility information
- There is an accessible toilet on the theatre grounds.
- An induction loop will be introduced in summer 2026 and will cover the first five rows of the auditorium.
Restaurant Services
- Café Kiikku is open during most performances. You can pre-order interval refreshments on-site before the performance begins.
- For more information, please contact the event organizer. Contact details for event organisers can be found on the event-specific websites or via the event calendar.
For Event Organizers
Applications for the 2027 Season
The performances for the summer 2026 season at Hupisaaret Summer Theatre have been scheduled.
Inquiries about available times can be made by email helena.makinen@ouka.fi
Applications for the 2027 season
Application period: 3–31 August 2026
Submit a free-form application by email to helena.makinen@ouka.fi
- The application must include a preferred time frame and number of performances.
- Applications will only be accepted during the above-mentioned period.
Events Suitable for the Venue
Theatre events
Music events
Business events
Small, communal events
Renting Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre
Operating principles of Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre
The purpose of Hupisaaret Summer Theatre is to offer a diverse range of performing arts to residents of the region and visitors. The theatre’s operating season is generally from 30 April to 30 September. Summer season operators are selected based on applications submitted in August–September of the preceding year. The opening of the application period is announced in August.
The aim is to provide as many operators as possible with the opportunity to present their performances, concerts, or events at the theatre. Therefore, performances and events are given priority, and rehearsals should generally be arranged elsewhere.
The Event Area Services Planner prepares the schedule based on applications and consideration, while the final decision on the performance schedule for the season is made by the Head of Event Areas. Rehearsals at the theatre are possible outside performance times, and rehearsal slots are agreed upon in cooperation with the operators.
The goal is to ensure a diverse programme of theatre, music, and various events at Hupisaaret Theatre, presented by both amateur and professional performers. Hupisaaret Summer Theatre also aims to support the emergence of local cultural operators in line with the European Capital of Culture theme.
Inquiries about available times helena.makinen@ouka.fi