Oulu - Finland

Music highlights in 2026 in the European Capital of Culture

The city of Oulu in Finland, together with Trencin in Slovakia, is the European Capital of Culture 2026. That's exactly why a music trip here is worthwhile. A trip not just for a single concert, but for many highlights throughout the year.

Here you will find our selection of musical experiences in Oulu in 2026, from classical music and jazz to summer festivals and special live experiences. We will put together a trip for you, including flights, festival or concert tickets and a hideaway in Oulu that will delight you.

Oulu Music Festival 2026

The Oulu Music Festival will take place in Oulu from 9 to 22 March 2026. The festival is spread across several venues in the city, including Madetoja Hall at the Oulu Music Centre, the Cultural Centre Valve, the Banquet Hall at the Town Hall and other smaller venues such as RioLive and AaltoSiilo.

The programme combines classical music and jazz, dance and musical theatre. You will see international chamber music ensembles such as the Sitkovetsky Trio alongside Finnish artists such as Yona with the Oulu Sinfonia, or jazz evenings with the Sointi Jazz Orchestra.

In between, there will also be a circus cabaret and musical theatre productions.

Qstock 2026

Qstock is Northern Finland's largest music festival and will take place in Oulu on 24 and 25 July 2026.

The festival site is located right in the city.

The musical highlights will be announced gradually. So far, Finnish artists such as Ellinoora, ibe and Lauri Haav have been confirmed.

Book early, as the festival has been sold out for many years in a row. There are day passes, two-day passes and VIP options.

Elojazz 2026

Elojazz is a small jazz festival in the centre of Oulu and has been running for almost 40 years. From 30 July to 1 August 2026, the festival will bring Finnish and international jazz music to the city.

2026 will feature something special: New Orleans Style Jazz Street in the city centre.

The concerts will take place at various venues, including Tuira Church, the Hupisaari open-air theatre and clubs such as the Amarillo Night Club and Jumpru Pub. The programme mixes local ensembles with well-known Finnish and international artists.

Air Guitar World Championships 2026

The Air Guitar World Championships have been held annually in Oulu since 1996. From 26 to 29 August 2026, participants from all over the world will compete against each other with invisible guitars.

The event is a combination of show, competition and pop culture with a clear message that the organiser has been emphasising for years: Make Air, Not War.

The event is known worldwide and attracts an audience from many countries every year.

If you want to experience something that is unique to Oulu, this is the place to be.

Discover Oulu

Oulu lies between the Baltic Sea and the taiga, a city at the mouth of the Oulujoki River. In June, the sun hardly sets, while in winter, ice reigns supreme. Both sides have their charm.

What many people don't know is that Oulu has a lively music scene that goes beyond the big festivals. Finnish and international artists play at 45 Special, a club in the Tuira district.

If you want to plan a quiet day between concerts, head out to the island of Hailuoto. Half an hour by ferry, and you'll find yourself in a landscape that gives you a glimpse of the vastness of Finland. Flat, with old fishermen's cottages and a beautiful lighthouse.

Back in the city, it's worth visiting Kauppahalli, the market hall right by the harbour. It's not a tourist attraction, but a place where the locals shop. Try kalakukko, a Finnish bread filled with fish, or sit down at one of the small stalls for coffee and korvapuusti, the Finnish cinnamon bun. We would be happy to give you further personal recommendations for your trip to Oulu.

Your travel option with Music Travel Hideaways

You tell us whether you would prefer to attend a festival or a single concert. We will combine festival passes, concert tickets, flights and a charming Oulu-style hideaway for you.

You will also receive a compact Oulu guide, specially designed for this trip, with restaurant recommendations, a route for your arrival day and small places that are easy to overlook on your first visit.

Travel details

You travel individually and choose your travel dates, we take care of the rest:

• flights (usually via Helsinki),
• transfers as desired,
• a hideaway hotel in Oulu,
• concert tickets or festival pass
• and our personal recommendations for your stay.

Booking and enquiry

Send us your preferred travel dates and we will send you a suitable offer for your Oulu music trip to the European Capital of Culture 2026.

To make a non-binding booking enquiry

Telephone: +49 30 21964804

Email: info@musictravelhideaways.com

Take a look at our Finland trip to the Savonlinna Opera Festival 2026.