Oulu 2026 - Iin program

The municipality of Ii is participating in the European Capital of Culture year program together with Oulu and 39 other northern municipalities.

 

  Event calendar / Oulu2026 events organized in Ii

 

 

Discover upcoming main productions

Joint logo of the municipality and the Capital of Culture.

 

Iin Arts Evenings 19 - 23.8.2026
Art, music, literature from home and abroad, in collaboration with Oulu Muusajuhli. The theme is children and child-like people. The event is produced by Ii cultural associations. More information: Oulu26 in the event calendar

Festival of Lights 16 - 22.11.2026
Part of the National Mental Health Week. Light into people's everyday lives. The event is produced by Ii Wellbeing Services. More information: Oulu26 in the event calendar

Northern Landscape
A Northern Ostrobothnia-wide artist residency and environmental art exhibition, implemented by the Northern AiR network. The series of environmental art works extends from Kuusamo to Hailuoto. The region will host internationally successful land and environmental artists who produce unique site-specific works. More information: Northern Landscape

logo Oulu2026.

Read Culture's most beautiful pearl, supplement 12.5.2026 (pdf)

Oulu2026 official website: oulu2026.eu

Oulu2026 event calendar: oulu2026.eu/events

Past events

  • Art Ii Biennale 11.6.- 31.7.2026 - A gem 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 biennale 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. More information: artii.fi

     

  • Floating Week 29.6. - 5.7.2026 - A series of events combining tradition and modernity, which will spread across the villages and river of Ii. Implemented by Ii associations. More information: Oulu26 event calendar

     

  • ClimateAreena 12.6.2026 - Iin Municipality 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 a tangible power that 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 opportunities. Fog is the confusion, ambiguity and contradictory statements that are associated with the energy and climate debate. Fog is present in politics, the media and sometimes also in expert speeches. It is difficult to see direction in the midst of fog. ClimateAreena offers a wide range of speeches, workshops, cultural experiences and community moments that provoke thought and inspire action. ClimateAreena 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 natural beauty and hospitality of Ii. More information: ilmastoareena.fi

     

  • Nättepop 13.6.2026 - A music festival for the whole nation on the banks of the Iijoki River. More information: iihappens.fi

     

  • Art Ii /// Snow and ice art event for the whole family on February 14, 2026 at the Environmental Art Park opened the celebration of the Ii Capital of Culture year.

Additional information

Chair of the II 2026 Steering Group

Maija Karvosenoja
Director of Library and Culture (retd.)
maija.karvosenoja [at] ii.fi
tel. 050 3106 802