Oulu 2026 - Iin program

  Event calendar / Oulu2026 events organized in Ii

Discover Ii's main productions

Ice and snow art event 14.2.2026
The ice of Iijoki and the Environmental Art Park will serve as the stage for the art event. There will be various ice and snow sculptures, light art and performances. 

The event draws attention to the northern seasons and especially the beauty of our vulnerable winter. The event is also the opening ceremony for the Capital of Culture year 2026. 

Additional information: culturalshopping.fi

Art II Biennale 11.6.-31.7.2026 
The Art Ii Biennale is a jewel of Northern Finland's art and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience a unique combination of contemporary art and the northern landscape. The event is held in the municipality of Ii, known for its climate action.
The biennial is particularly known for its environmentally themed artworks that reflect local and global ecological issues. 

Artists from all over the world create site-specific works that comment on the state of the world and the relationship between humans and the environment. In 2026, the theme of the Biennale is landscape change, and works will be seen especially in the areas of Ii's streams, bridges and villages. 

Additional information: artii.fi

ClimateArena 12.6.2026
The municipality of Ii is organizing an event that brings together experts, influencers, companies and citizens to discuss, learn and act together for a better tomorrow. 

The theme of the event is "electricity and fog". 
Electricity is the tangible power we need to solve the climate crisis, run the economy and secure our everyday lives. Electricity is also a symbol of new, clean energy and future possibilities. Fog is the confusion, ambiguity and contradictory statements associated with the energy and climate debate. Fog is present in politics, the media and sometimes also in expert discourse. It is difficult to see direction in the midst of fog.

IlmastoAreena offers a wide range of talks, workshops, cultural experiences and community moments that provoke thought and inspire action. IlmastoAreena is not only a forum for serious discussion, but also a place to find hope and concrete solutions. At the same time, it gives visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and hospitality of Ii's nature.

Additional information: climateareena.fi

Nättepop 13.6.2026
A music festival for the whole nation on the banks of the Iijoki River. 

Additional information: iihappens.fi

Floating week 29.6.-5.7.2026
A series of events combining tradition and modernity, spread across the villages and river of Ii. Implemented by Ii associations. 

The program includes, among other things, the fast-paced Kuningasjätkä competition, engaging theater, delicious traditional dishes, participatory workshops, and many other events that bring the atmosphere of bygone times to the present day.

The floating week is being implemented by, among others:

• Iin Athletes and the Heritage Raft Working Group, King's Biggest Competition 3-4 July 2026.
• Cultural Center Salmela, community environmental art workshop Uitto 2.7.2026 (more information in the Oulu26 calendar)
• Hobla association, evening walks and Tukkilaistanssit 3-4 July 2026.
• Iin Laulupelimannit, a folk music evening at the Kuivaniemi Homeland Museum.
• Osk Toripata, traditional table setting – a shared moment of taste (time and place to be confirmed later).
• Iin Seurakunta, sauna day on Saari.

The pre-production of the floating week has been prepared in the Iin Micropolis Oy project: Smart and innovative tourism in the Oulu region / STORe

Iin Arts Evenings 19.-23.8.2026
Art, music, literature from Finland and around the world, in collaboration with the Oulu Muusajuhli. The theme is children and those with a childlike spirit. The event is produced by the Ii cultural associations.

Festival of Lights 16-22 November 2026
Part of National Mental Health Week. Bringing light to people's everyday lives. The event is produced by Iin Wellbeing Services.

Northern Landscape 2026
Northern Landscape 2026 is a Northern Ostrobothnia-wide artist residency and environmental art exhibition, implemented by the Northern AiR network. Northern Landscape 2026 creates a series of environmental art works in northern Finland, stretching from Kuusamo to Hailuoto. The program will bring together internationally successful land and environmental artists to produce unique site-specific works as part of the regional Oulu2026 program. The Northern Landscape 2026 works comment on the northern landscape and its changes.

In collaboration with entrepreneurs and associations from Iilä

The theme of the Capital of Culture year is also reflected in the municipality's events, including the Nättepop concert (13.6.2025) and the library's Children's Saturday.

For more information:

• Oulu2026 official website: oulu2026.eu
• Oulu2026 event calendar: oulu2026.eu/events