Culture | City of Oulu

Oulu is filled with cultural thrills

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026. The entire region will gain visibility, boost and new vitality for its cultural and business sectors as well as its residents' lives.

The Oulu region is filled with cultural thrills, big and small. In addition to the city's cultural sites, the city has partnerships with 18 different cultural operators. Together they form a broad cultural field, which is complemented by free artists, societies and organizations. This site provides more information on the city's cultural services.

Dancers performing on the street.

General Cultural Services

General cultural services support the cultural activities in Oulu and participate in the production of cultural services for the entire Oulu region – taking into account the different target groups. In addition to Cultural Centre Valve and Oulu Culture Centre for Children and Youth, the general cultural services include the development of regional culture and culture for well-being.

General Cultural Services

Cultural sites

Oulu Museum and Science Centre

Oulun Music Centre

Oulu City Library

Cultural Centre Valve

Events

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026

Capital of Culture website (oulu2026.eu)

News - City of Oulu

Libraries’ spring opening hours as of 7.1.2025

Preschool enrollment is open from January 7–20, 2025

Sport Services’ prices will increase starting from January 1, 2025

Oulu’s 2024 Participatory Budgeting implementations are nearly complete – new ideas for another 240 000 € will be collected next year

Oulu’s New Year’s celebration includes a fire performance – the event is hosted by Marco Bjurström

Cooking fat of your Christmas dishes does not belong down the drain

Oulu will join the national E-library on 1.1.2025

Make your story a part of Oulu’s New Year celebration