Oulu Days brings an old tradition back to life and brings events all over the city on September 4–6
The Oulu Days programme for September 4–6 is ready. The first weekend of September fills the city to the brim with events: there are approximately 40 supported events and programmes, familiar sights, and new ideas. This year, Oulu Days will bring an old tradition back to life as the Oulu-seura will grant the Oulun Etta title at Rotuaari.
The Oulun Etta title used to be a long tradition of the Oulu Days. When the date of the Oulu Days was transferred to summer instead September in 2013, the Etta celebration remained and was removed from the Oulu Days programme. Now, Etta is once again part of the Oulu Days.
The Oulun Etta of 2026 will be announced on Saturday on the Rotuaari stage at 11.40, just before the traditional drummings. On the Toivelava stage, we will see and hear children’s music, show dance, eastern and African dance, and choir music. The evening programme will be closed by the band Yoki.
The Oulu Days programme spreads from the city centre to different neighborhoods. Culture will be brought into care facilities and nursing homes to ensure that it will reach citizens who have not been able to participate before.
Events can be seen on the Atla map this year. You can browse the events on the map, for example, near your neighborhood or along a specific route.
Weekend tips of all sorts
International modern art is seen in the Aalto Silo in Meri-Toppila where the Concrete Cathedral performance is implemented in connection with Marina Abramović’s exhibition. Oulu Days supports the implementation of the performance as part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
The popular Hupisaari singalong event will return this year after becoming extremely popular last year. Oulu Bat Night will be seen this year on the Hupisaari Open-Air Theater’s stage.
The cult classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show will be presented at the Rapumaja as a participatory outdoor film experience. Tullisaari’s kekri will invite visitors into the world of Finnish culture, tradition, and mythology on the Pikisaari Island.
The programme also includes a bus tour to the Oulu Harbor and popular tours of the City Hall. Oulu Cultural Foundation’s exhibitions Earworm and the Layers in the Peace Machine are also open on Saturday. You should register beforehand for the tours and some events.
Welcome to Oulu Festival will open the Oulu Days
The Oulu Days weekend will launch on Friday, September 4, with the Welcome to Oulu Festival in Mannerheiminpuisto Park. The festival invites new citizens to come explore their new home city’s services, hobby opportunities, communities, and cultural offerings.
The programme includes music, dance, cheer, and taiji. The event opens at 13.00 with Mayor Ari Alatossava’s speech. Coffee will be served to the first 500 visitors.
The entire programme, further information, and registration instructions:
Oulu Days website
City of Oulu’s event calendar
See the programme on the Atla map