Hear culture calling

In 2026, Oulu and all of Northern Finland will be filled with culture, art and events. The “Cultural Climate Change” combines art, technology and community in new ways – creating encounters, new connections and interaction.

The European Capital of Culture year is significant for all of Finland. The anniversary year will bring Northern Finland’s diverse culture into the European spotlight, strengthen the position of cultural actors, and highlight the role of culture as a builder of regional vitality as part of the European cultural community.

On this page you’ll find information about Raahe’s official Oulu2026 programme. The full offering of the European Capital of Culture year is available on the Oulu2026 website.

European Capital of Culture programme in Raahe

Raahe Museum and Oulu2026

Museums are among Raahe’s flagship projects during the European Capital of Culture year. Raahe Museum has prepared for this by making major leaps towards more engaging and accessible museum experiences. In 2026, Raahe’s fascinating museums will be open with extended visiting hours. 

At the Crown Granary Museum, visitors can board a sailing ship in the On the Home Lane game and steer it towards an anchorage (the “roads”) near the home harbour. At Story Corner, visitors will hear and see depictions of life in old Raahe: The Lath Ladies conversation sheds light on the work and lives of women at the sawmill, The Countess of Raahe tells of a sailor’s widow struggling to make a living without her husband’s financial and social support, while The Offer That Cannot Be Dismissed recounts the true story of a wealthy merchant’s illegitimate daughter who became a sea captain’s wife.

More recent history also features in the Crown Granary’s new content: the city’s largest industrial enterprise, Rautaruukki, is presented not only with extensive informational material but also with a playful twist through the retro-style side-scrolling game Let’s Make Steel.

At the Packhouse Museum, the unique atmosphere and abundance of objects have been carefully preserved. However, augmented reality has been added, which visitors can access using a smartphone or tablet. Through AR, Saint Agatha, the giant turtle, “syltpata” and the target of the imperial kiss come to life – as does work-related conversations between sea captains in Liverpool harbour.

Also the Ojala Local Museum at Pattijoki and Saloinen Local Museum as well as the Old Pharmacy are being prepared for the European Capital of Culture year: by autumn 2025, virtual tours will be completed, allowing exploration of the sites anytime, anywhere. 

A particularly wonderful aspect is that much of the new content has been produced locally! In addition to museum staff, residents of Raahe, students and third-sector organisations have contributed significantly. 

Alongside the new exhibitions and experiences, development work has also focused on improving accessibility in the museum sites, so that as many different kinds of visitors as possible can enjoy a successful and safe museum experience. Even small improvements can lead to major advances in accessibility!

Oulu2026 Events in Raahe – more to come!

Oulu2026 Opening in Raahe 23.–25.1.

 

Oulu2026 Opening Weekend in Raahe, Fri–Sun 23–25 January

Raahe celebrates the Oulu2026 year across the city: the new event centre, a multi-purpose hall, will be inaugurated; Raahe Museum will mark the results of two years of development with an opening and open doors; and Raahesali at Raahe Event House will resound with the music of a large orchestra.

At the Saturday Gala Concert, the stage will feature Raahe Sinfonietta and the Raahe Wind Orchestra. The concert programme consists of well-known classical works as well as newer orchestral compositions and film music. The programme is built around performances by different ensembles and the large joint orchestra, enhanced into an atmospheric whole with visual material showcasing Raahe. The visual production is created in collaboration with Lybecker Media Center.

The orchestras will be conducted by Ewa Tracz-Lejman and Petri Aho.

Takaranta Art Path opening 29.4.

 

Takaranta Art Path, from 29 April →

On the Takaranta Art Path, nature and art meet. Citizens of all ages create artworks from biodegradable materials for outdoor visitors to enjoy: art tents, straw ornaments made from beach ryegrass, and spinners made from natural fibres and wood. 

The 1.8 km path near the city centre is suitable for walking, running and cycling. The Art Path evolves and changes over the years. It opens in early June 2026. Starting point e.g. Ilolinnantie 48, Pitkäkari.

The Art Path opening will be celebrated on Wed, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Pitkänkari School, Rantakatu 5 C.

Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen´s Lifetime Exhibition opening 13.6.

 

Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen’s Lifetime Exhibition, from 13 June →

Designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen’s extensive lifetime exhibition takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through Finnish design: glass art, silver jewellery, unique evening gowns, scale models, rya rugs, ceramics and steel sculptures. The jubilee exhibition showcases an uncompromising and versatile artist.

Exhibition venues

• Raahe Event House: Myötätuuli Gallery and Raahesali Lobby Gallery, Kirkkokatu 28
• Raahe City Library, Rantakatu 45
• Sovelius Museum, Rantakatu 36

The opening will be celebrated on Saturday, 13 June 2026.

Old Town Raahe’s House, Environment & Act Awards 11.7.

 

Old Town Raahe’s House, Environment and Act of the Year Award – 11 July

Since 2017, the “House and Environment of the Year” award has recognised sites in Old Town Raahe. From 2026 onwards, deeds and phenomena will also be honoured. The recognition raises interest in revitalising the historic wooden town and brings appreciation to exemplary guardians of cultural heritage.

The award will be presented at the Pooki Flakkaa – Raahe Maritime Festival on 11 July.

Long Table Dinner Raahe 14.8.

 

Long Table Dinner Raahe – 14 August

A community food event at Raahe’s Härkätori Square as part of Raahe’s Night of the Arts. The Long Table Dinner brings people together to enjoy local flavours, performing arts and good company on a late summer evening. Everyone is invited to the long table and northern flavours – whether to taste dishes from local food vendors or enjoy your own picnic basket. 

The event concept originates from Oulu2026 Arctic Food Lab’s main event Long Table Dinner.

Light Art Event at Raahe Event House 2.–3.10.

 

Light Art Event at Raahe Event House – 2–3 October

On the first weekend of October, Raahe Event House will be transformed into a miniature world of light, shadow and art. Works created by children, young people and adults will turn every corner of the cultural house into a unique experience. 

The artworks are created by local comprehensive schools, the upper secondary school, Lybecker Media Centre, and Raahe-based artists.

Other Events

 

Other Events

Raahe’s official Capital of Culture programme will also include, among others, Raahe Soi Music Week and the School Graduation Weekend. In addition to new events, the Oulu2026 calendar will be enriched by Raahe’s traditional annual festivities, for example Pekanpäivät Heritage Festival, Raahe Maritime Festival, Raahen Pimiät Festival and the Night of the Arts.
 

More programme announcements will follow later this year!

Raahe Together for the Cultural Climate Change

Among the associations participating in the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year are Raahe Jazz on the Beach and Kinosalonki Sofia.

Apply for a cultural grant or an event grant

Do you have an idea for a cultural or artistic project that could highlight Raahe during the European Capital of Culture year 2026? There’s still time to join! The City of Raahe will grant a total of €20,000 in Oulu2026 cultural funding for projects in autumn 2025. In addition, the City of Raahe’s Wellbeing and Health Management Group will open applications for event grants at the turn of 2025–2026. A total of €44,000 will be available.

Welcome to join us in celebrating Northern culture, art and events – together!