591 days to Oulu August Festivals’ grand finale in 2026
The Delta Life project, highlighted in the main programme of the Oulu European Capital of Culture year, will culminate in a celebratory weekend on August 28–29, 2026. One of the largest public events in 2026 showcases a multidisciplinary, free of charge outdoor spectacle at Oulu's birthplace at the end of Oulu August Festivals.
"Pokkisenväylä is an overlooked urban space at Oulu's birthplace, a historical riverbed shaped by land uplift, right in the heart of historic Oulu. The natural amphitheater between the Tähtitorni Café and the Radisson Blu hotel can host up to 10,000 spectators," explains Jukka Takalo, the artistic director of Delta Life.
The grand finale is envisioned as a carnival for everyone, where the wheel of time slows down, and the world is saved through joy and cooperation. Mythical spirits inspire participants to slow down time together, blending Finnish cultural heritage with European classical elements – earth, water, air, and fire – giving rise to something new.
"A multimedia show on a floating stage on water connects audiences globally through a uniquely Oulu tradition: air guitar playing. From the Great Wall of China to the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids, and the Statue of Liberty, people worldwide will play air guitar together for world peace," Takalo elaborates.
Before this celebratory weekend, Delta Life will explore the life and future of waterways through various cultural events. Collaborating with Oulu August Festivals and numerous partners, Delta Life fosters regional and international artistic dialogue.
Oulu was chosen as the European Capital of Culture on June 2, 2021, and Delta Life's first event, Journey to Maakinen Martinniemi, took place the following week on the Kiiminki River. Since then, events of various scales have been organized along the Iijoki, Kiiminkjoki, and Oulujoki rivers, from the delta to the headwaters. Delta Life has even visited Kaunas, Lithuania, another European Capital of Culture, in May 2022.
This year, Delta Life will feature young artists, highlight regional culture and its creators through the Northern Cultural Stream channel, and advance accessibility in cultural events.
Upcoming events will be listed on the Delta Life event calendar.
For event highlights, personal interviews, and cultural content, follow the Northern Cultural Stream channel.
More information is available at www.deltalife.fi