Last weekend’s opening of Oulu2026, European Capital of Culture was a memorable start to what promises to be a year full of artistic energy and community moments. From January 16 to 18, 2026 , the heart of Oulu became a living cultural stage with almost 200 events spread across more than 20 venues in the city centre. The scale and diversity of the programme invited residents and visitors to explore, participate and celebrate culture in all its forms.   Friday afternoon’s official opening at the Market Place set the tone for the weekend. Marked by the “On your marks, get set, Oulu!” moment, people gathered to witness the start of the festival and the shift in the city’s rhythm. Over the course of the weekend, the Market Place buzzed with performances, music, art and shared experiences. Amid the programme, local traditions and new artistic expressions met in public spaces that felt alive with activity.   From live sets that encouraged dancing between crowds to street a...