Permits, Safety and Event Organizing

Responsibilities of the Event Organizer

The event organizer is always responsible for the event, including permits and safety.

The organizer must estimate the number of visitors, as the size of the event determines the required permits and notifications.

Small events (fewer than 200 participants)

No separate notification to the police or rescue authorities is required, as these are covered by the general notification of Oulu Days.

Oulu Days will submit the general notification to the police and rescue authorities on 17 August 2026.

In events held in public places (e.g. Rotuaari stage), passers-by are not counted as event participants.

Check other necessary permits, for example:

• Permit for using a public area
• Low-risk food business notification

If you are unsure whether a permit is required, contact the relevant authority.

Larger events (200+ participants or special events)

If your event is expected to have 200 or more simultaneous participants, or if it is otherwise special (e.g. unusual venue or late timing), the organizer must ensure the following:

Security stewards
Licensed security stewards must be arranged.
According to general police guidelines, high-risk events may require up to one steward per 100 participants. The final requirement is determined in cooperation with authorities based on the nature, size, and risks of the event.

Rescue and safety plan
A plan must be prepared and approved by the North Ostrobothnia Rescue Department.
It must be submitted no later than 14 days before the event.

Notification to the police
A separate notification of a public event must be submitted to the police no later than 5 days before the event.

During the 2026 European Capital of Culture year, notifications must be submitted well in advance.

More information and forms are available in the Oulu event guide.

Sound systems in outdoor events

If your event takes place outdoors and uses amplified sound, contact the Oulu Days team no later than 1 August 2026:
oulunpaivat@ouka.fi

Please note
These instructions may change. Always check the latest information before organizing your event.