Delta Life info

The Delta Life Show and Grand Finale is a celebration for everyone. The event will take place 27–29 August. The performance on the delta stage in the Pokkisenpuisto park area begins every evening at 20:45. First, the Air Guitar World Championships will take place, followed by the Delta Life Show starting at 22:00.

The event is free of charge. You are welcome to attend on multiple days if you wish.

Every evening before the Delta Life Show, the stage hosts the Air Guitar World Championships at 20:45. The competition has been held in Oulu for thirty years. Contestants perform dramatically on stage to compete for who plays the invisible air guitar best, with representatives participating from several different countries. The competition also promotes world peace: when you play the air guitar, you can't hold a weapon.

On Thursday, 27 August, the stage will host the Dark Horses Qualifying Round, where participants compete for a spot in the Air Guitar World Championship final. On Friday, 28 August, the stage hosts the first round of the World Final, followed by the second round on Saturday, 29 August. The 2026 World Champion will be crowned on Saturday.

At the Air Guitar World Championships, energetic and colorful air guitarists perform on stage, showcasing their skills to the audience and jury. After the performances, the judges score the acts, and some of the air guitarists advance to the next round. The hosts of the World Championships speak English, with a few sentences in Finnish as well. However, the competition is easy to follow even if you don't speak English. It is customary to clap and cheer after each performance.

During the Delta Life Show, a variety of artists will take the stage. You will see and hear air guitar performances, acrobatics, dance, music, and spoken parts. The show has never been performed anywhere before. It features very little spoken language and can easily be enjoyed without understanding Finnish. Spoken parts in Finnish are subtitled on screens in both Finnish and English.

The performance does not contain:

• violence

• horror

• sex

• bodily fluids

The performance may feature sudden noises. During the show, the lights are directed toward the stage, but some may also be directed towards the audience at some points.

Thursday, 27 August, 2026

19:30 The event site opens to the public.
20:45 Air Guitar World Championships: Dark Horses Qualifying Round
21:45 Pre-Show
22:00–22.45 Delta Life Show: Dress Rehearsal

Friday, 28 August, 2026

Afternoon & early evening: Pre-parties around town
19:30 The event site opens to the public.
20:45 Air Guitar World Championships: World Final, 1st Round
21:45 Pre-Show
22:00 Delta Life Show
22:45 onward: After-parties around town

Saturday, 29 August, 2026

Afternoon & early evening: Pre-parties around town
19:30 The event site opens to the public.
20:45 Air Guitar World Championships: World Final, 2nd Round
21:45 Pre-Show
22:00 Delta Life Show
22:45 onward: After-parties around town

You can arrive at the event area well before the show begins. Gates open at 19:30.

Before the performances start, you may see preparations on stage as performers and technical staff run checks. Loud noises may come from the sound system during audio testing, and lights may flash or change colors.

During the Delta Life Show, you are welcome to:

• Move around the event area at your own pace

• Use the restrooms

• Find a suitable spot to watch the show and spend time together

• Leave the area and return later

• Use your personal assistive equipment

• Ask the staff for assistance

Please note that the event area and pathways around Pokkisenpuisto park may become crowded during and immediately after the performances. When leaving, you are welcome to wait for the main crowd and bustle to settle down.

Preparties and afterparties will be held in downtown Oulu on Friday and Saturday before and after the Delta Life Show. For example, you can spend time at a local Oulu café or bar before or after the event. You are welcome to invite friends to hang out together, but you are also very welcome to come and enjoy the Delta Life Show on your own.

You can find the venues for the preparties and afterparties via this link.

The event takes place in Oulu at the Pokkisenpuisto delta area. The Delta Life stage is positioned on the water in front of the park. The audience follows the performance from the shore. Large screens on the shore display live video footage from the stage. You can also follow the performance via live stream at this link.

Pokkisenpuisto is located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel, bordered by Ojakatu and Aleksanterinkatu.

Address: Ojakatu 1, 90100 Oulu

The area will be busy. The Great Beers – Small Breweries Festival is taking place at Oulu Market Square at the same time, making parking difficult to find. We strongly recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle, or by bus.

During the event, traffic and parking lots in the event area may experience congestion, so please allow extra time for your arrival.

Due to the event, the following streets will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during the specified times:

Rantakatu (between Ojakatu and Hallituskatu) and Ojakatu (between Aleksanterinkatu and Rantakatu) will be closed 27–29 August from 19:30 to 23:30. However, the closure will be implemented in a way that maintains emergency vehicle access to the Radisson Blu Hotel.

A 24-hour parking ban will be in effect on Rantakatu (between Ojakatu and Hallituskatu) and on Ojakatu (between Aleksanterinkatu and Rantakatu) on the event days, 27–29 August. Signs regarding the parking ban will be posted in the area during the week of the event. The parking prohibition also applies to the parking lot located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel.

We recommend arriving at the event by bus. The best payment methods for occasional bus travel are contactless payment and the OSL app. Contactless payment accepts Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, and Eurocard payment cards. Please note that contactless payment can only be used to pay for your own fare. You can use the OSL app to buy single tickets for yourself as well as for your whole party. Tickets become valid immediately upon purchase.

In the OSL app, the route planner uses your location to guide you to the correct bus stop and all the way to the event venue after you get off the bus.

The nearest public transport stops are Pokkitörmä, Raatti, Franzen, and Kaupungintalo. You can find information on tickets, timetables, and routes at: osl.fi

Cycling is a convenient way to get to the event. Please make sure not to park your bike in walkways or access routes. You can park your bicycle in Madetoja Park, for example. Please note that there is no dedicated bike guard or monitored parking area.

Please exercise normal care and caution when traveling to and around the event area.

Event safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone can contribute through their own actions and behaviour. You can always turn to the security staff if you have any questions or concerns.

The event’s security staff is responsible for safety and security. They are obligated to address any disruptive behavior appropriately, and if necessary, individuals behaving disruptively may be removed to ensure general safety or their own personal safety.

Please keep in mind that the event area may become crowded. Security staff will direct the crowd if needed, and access to the area may be temporarily restricted if necessary.

Security staff reserves the right to search individuals at the event for prohibited items or substances, which will be confiscated if found.

First aid services for the event are provided by the Finnish Red Cross (Oulu Branch). The first aid point is located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel at Ojakatu 1. The first aid point is on duty during the following hours:

• Thu, August 27, at 18:30–23.:15
• Fri, August 28, at 18:30–23.:15
• Sat, August 29 2026, at 18:30–23.:15

In addition to the fixed first aid point, a two-person mobile first aid patrol will be roaming the event area.

You can also ask the nearest security staff member for help at any time or call the emergency services directly at 112 in an emergency.

The event organizer is committed to safer space principles. There is zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and violence at the event. The staff reserves the right to remove anyone who violates these safer space principles or event rules.

There will be two harassment contact persons on site. You can recognize them by their orange vests labeled "Safer space crew". If you experience or witness behavior toward yourself, a friend, another festival guest, or a staff member that feels distressing, inappropriate, or fails to promote equality and equity, please report it to the harassment contact persons, security staff, or other staff members. All event staff and security staff have been instructed to prioritize safety and equality.

Reporting Harassment

You can reach a harassment contact person on event days from 9:00 to 23:00 by calling or messaging +358 44 494 8415.

You can also report any harassment you have experienced or witnessed using this form. The report can be made anonymously, or you may leave your contact information if you would like us to follow up with you. All conversations are handled confidentially and on your terms. Sender details will not be stored or used for any other purpose.

Oulu August Festivals Safer Space Principles

Respect
Give others space, pay attention to your choice of words, and remember human diversity. Do not mock, ridicule, demean, or embarrass anyone through your words or actions. Ask for space for yourself if needed.

Do Not Assume
Respect everyone’s right to self-determination. Do not make assumptions regarding factors such as gender, background, family status, health condition, or abilities.

Intervene
If you witness harassment or other inappropriate behavior, do not remain a bystander.

Listen and Learn
Approach new topics and people with an open mind. Take every issue and situation you encounter as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Relax
Making mistakes and asking questions is allowed. If you hurt someone, apologize – and try to forgive others if they unintentionally hurt you.

• Alcohol and Intoxicants: The consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances is prohibited within the event area.
• Fireworks, Explosives, and Flares
• Laser Pointers: Or any other devices utilizing similar technology.
• High-Visibility Clothing: Reflective vests, jackets, and other high-visibility accessories or garments are prohibited.
• Sticks and Poles: All types of sticks and poles are forbidden.
  • Mobility aids, such as walking sticks, crutches and white canes, are permitted.
• Umbrellas: Opening umbrellas within the event area is prohibited for general safety and to ensure clear views for the audience. We recommend using raincoats or ponchos in case of rain.
• Camping Chairs
  • There will be a large number of people at the event site, so camping chairs are not permitted due to safety considerations and the need to keep emergency exit routes clear.
• Smoking: Out of consideration for other event attendees, we recommend avoiding smoking within the event area.
• Pets: Please do not bring pets to the event area (guide dogs and service dogs are permitted).

Even event organizers cannot control the weather! As this is an outdoor event, please dress according to the forecast. There are no weather shelters or covered areas at the venue.

High winds, thunderstorms, or heavy rain may impact the event execution. We will immediately announce any changes affecting the audience on Delta Life Grand Finale website, as well as on the Oulu August Festivals' Facebook and Instagram pages.

The event is open to everyone, free of charge, and requires no advance registration. Personal assistants and support workers are welcome. Come as you are – there is no dress code for the audience. 

The performance is viewed standing, and there are no dedicated grandstands or seating areas. You are welcome to attend on multiple evenings. You may leave and re-enter the area during the show, though please note that access routes may get crowded. 

Event staff and security staff are available to assist the audience if needed. Security staff wears yellow vests or badges marked Järjestyksenvalvoja. 

The venue has no weather shelters or covered areas. You are welcome to bring a raincoat or poncho. Opening umbrellas is not permitted. 

Two harassment contact persons will be present, wearing orange vests marked Safer space crew. You can reach a contact person by calling or texting +358 44 494 8415.

Location

The event takes place at the Pokkisenpuisto delta area in Oulu. The Delta Life stage is positioned on the water in front of the park, and the audience watches the performance from the shore.

Large screens on the shore display live video footage from the stage. The performance can also be watched as a live stream. 

Pokkisenpuisto is located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel, bordered by Ojakatu and Aleksanterinkatu (Address: Ojakatu 1, 90100 Oulu).

Nearest Public Transport Stops: Pokkitörmä, Raatti, Franzen, and Kaupungintalo.

Parking

The area will be busy with people, so finding a parking spot may be difficult. We strongly recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle, or by bus.

There is no designated drop-off area marked for accessible transport. The nearest possible drop-off point for accessible transport is in front of the main doors of the Radisson Blu Hotel. Please note that getting down from the front of the hotel requires taking either stairs or a steep sloped road.

The nearest paid parking areas can be found at the edge of Market Square (Tori) and in the Kivisydän underground parking facility. The Autoranta parking area will not be in use during the event. Parking with a disability parking permit is allowed on Ojakatu behind Cultural Centre Valve, and accessible parking spots can also be found behind the main library.

Moving Around the Event Area

The access route to the event area is paved with asphalt and mostly flat. The flattest route into the area is via Rantakatu, coming from the direction of the Radisson Blu Hotel. At the end of the bridge over Plaanaoja, on the side facing the stage, there is a raised cable protector.

The event area itself is a park with a mix of asphalt and hard-packed gravel paths, grassy areas, cobblestone pathways, and a wooden bridge. At the front of the stage, rubber mats have been placed on the soft, sandy ground to make it easier to get around. There may be level differences of up to 2 cm at the edges of the mats.

The ground rises sharply toward Aleksanterinkatu, making the path leading from Aleksanterinkatu down to Pokkisenpuisto quite steep. 

Due to large crowd numbers, the area may get congested, and moving around might take longer than usual. Entrances to the event area may also be hard to distinguish in the crowd; you can familiarize yourself with the layout in advance using the event map. 

There is no separate elevated viewing platform. However, you can freely move around the venue and easily follow stage performances from further away thanks to large screens. The most accessible viewing area for the stage is the parking lot behind the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Toilets

Portable toilets (Bajamajas) are located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel on the gravel pedestrian path running parallel to Ojakatu. One of the units is an accessible portable toilet. All toilets are gender-neutral. Attendees are also welcome to use the accessible toilet inside the Radisson Blu Hotel during the event.

The Air Guitar World Championships are hosted in English. There are no Finnish subtitles for the hosting. However, you can follow the competition even if you don’t understand English. The Delta Life Show contains very little spoken language, so you can enjoy it even if you don’t understand Finnish. Any parts spoken in Finnish are subtitled on the screens in both Finnish and English.

Due to the nature of the event, there will be large crowds, and the area may be busy and noisy. Feel free to find a spot that works best for you. You are welcome to leave and return at any time during the show. 

You are free to react to the performance in your own way, such as clapping or cheering. 

The performance features striking stage lighting and loud sounds. The dimming evening light may increase the visual intensity of the stage lights. 

The show uses theatrical smoke/fog. While the performance itself involves no strong scents, members of the audience may wear perfumes. The smell of tar is used close to the Plaanaoja. We have recommended that attendees refrain from smoking and vaping in the event area. 

You are welcome to bring your own sensory regulation equipment (such as ear defenders, earplugs, sunglasses, or fidget toys). Please note that earplugs will not be available for purchase at the venue.

The performance uses loudspeakers, featuring loud audio on stage, and the event area may be noisy overall. Please note that an induction loop system is not available. 

The Delta Life Show includes subtitling in Finnish and English, which can be read on the screens at the venue. Subtitles (including song lyrics) and a descriptive text overview of the performance content will also be published on the Oulu August Festivals' website. 

Please note that the Air Guitar World Championships segment will not be subtitled. 

The venue will be dim in the evening as park lighting is lowered. Walkways do not have dedicated illumination or contrast markings. 

There are no reserved seats or spots. If you need a standing position in the front row, we recommend arriving well in advance. 

Fences surround the delta area and the Plaanaoja canal running parallel to Ojakatu. In the middle of Pokkisenpuisto, there is a fenced fountain without contrast markings.

An audio-described stream recording of Saturday's Delta Life Show and the Air Guitar World Championships will be published online for free viewing about a week after the event.

Portable toilets (Bajamajas) are located behind the Radisson Blu Hotel on the gravel pedestrian path running parallel to Ojakatu. One of the units is an accessible portable toilet. All toilets are gender-neutral. The accessible toilet inside the Radisson Blu Hotel can also be used during the event.

The sound volume at the event can be loud at times. We recommend using earplugs or other hearing protection, especially near the sound equipment. Earplugs are not sold or distributed at the event venue.

Lost items are delivered after each evening to the Oulu August Festivals' office at Cultural Centre Valve. You can inquire about lost property by calling +358 44 494 8415 during the following times:

• Event days: 9:00–23:00
• Week 36 (weekdays): 9:00–16:00

Items will later be transferred to the Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Löytötavarapalvelut lost property office (Isokatu 26), where they can be inquired about starting approximately September 3, 2026.

Please remember to check directly with other venues and locations you visited, as the event organizer only collects items found within the official event area.

Oulu city centre restaurants, shops, and cafes serve customers according to their normal opening hours. Please note that there is no separate water station or drinking water distribution arranged by the event.

Preparties will be held around the city before the event and afterparties following the event on Friday and Saturday. Detailed information about these can be found on this page.

Together, we can ensure the event area remains clean and enjoyable for everyone. Multiple trash bins are located throughout the venue, so please make sure to dispose of all litter in the bins provided.

Official Air Guitar World Championships merchandise and Delta Life T-shirts are available for purchase during event week in the foyer of Cultural Centre Valve at the following times:

• Wed, 26 Aug: 10:00– 16:00
• Thu–Fri, 27–28 Aug: 10:00– 21:00
• Sat, 29 Aug: 10:00– 16:00

Air Guitar World Championships T-shirts, socks, and Delta Life T-shirts are also sold at the Cultural Centre Valve ticket office during its opening hours. Valve's ticket office operating hours can be found on this page.