Oulu Music Festival 2026 begins with a celebration of 100 years of jazz in Finland. The programme provides world class chamber music, praised musical theatre and gritty contemporary circus. The festival's first progamme launch includes four events but five unique performances.
The annual city festival Oulu Music Festival celebrated its 35th anniversary last March, but its roots reach back to the 1980s and the event known as Madetoja Weeks. Today, the programme includes a wide range of classical and rhythm music concerts, as well as co-productions featuring contemporary circus and dance.
At the opening concert, Finland’s hottest big band, Sointi Jazz Orchestra, weaves together two projects: its fresh Jazz in Finland 100 programme and its collaboration with rap, R&B and pop artist Hassan Maikal, which captivated audiences at Flow Festival last summer.
The Weird and Wonderful Circus Cabaret With a Twist is a new work by two contemporary circus groups, Race Horse Company and Big Wolf Company (EST), reimagining traditional cabaret through music, absurdity and circus. The performance is produced in collaboration with the Oulu-based Flow Productions.
The chamber music concert series will be opened by the Sitkovetsky Trio, one of the most significant piano trios of our time and a regular guest at internationally renowned concert halls. The concert will feature the world premiere of a new work by Lotta Wennäkoski for the Oulu-based Soma Ensemble choir.
The musical theatre production Sometimes Too Much, Always Too Little has played to sold-out audiences in Helsinki. Based on the biographical novel of Oulu-born Helena Juntunen, this portrayal of artistry has been praised by both critics and audiences. The libretto is written by Antti Rönkä, directed by Kari-Pekka Toivonen, with music composed by Iiro Rantala.
The 2026 programme of Oulu Music Festival has been designed by the festival’s Artistic Directors: pianist, Moogist and composer Kari Ikonen, and soprano Mari Palo. The full programme will be published through the Oulu Music Festival’s channels during 2025. The festival will be celebrated from 9–22 March 2026.
Tickets and further information
Tickets are sold by Ticketmaster. You can find all events organised by Oulu Music Festival here: Ticketmaster.fi (opens in a new tab).
In addition to individual event tickets, series tickets will also be available. Oulu Music Festival series tickets will be on sale from 25 November 2025 to 15 February 2026.
Oulu Music Festival 2026 – Opening Concert: Jazz Finland 100 + Hassan Maikal
Tue 10 March 2026 at 18:30
Madetoja Hall, Oulu Music Centre
Tickets for the Opening Concert: www.ticketmaster.fi/event/1135365421
Oulu Music Festival 2026 x Flow Circus: The Weird and Wonderful Circus Cabaret With a Twist
Wed 11 March 2026 at 19:00
Thu 12 March 2026 at 19:00
Valvesali Hall, Cultural Centre Valve
Tickets for Wednesday’s performance: www.ticketmaster.fi/event/99049715
Tickets for Thursday’s performance: www.ticketmaster.fi/event/1863047548
Oulu Music Festival 2026: Sitkovetsky Trio
Fri 13 March 2026 at 18:30
Madetoja Hall, Oulu Music Centre
Tickets for the concert: www.ticketmaster.fi/event/1450499893
Oulu Music Festival 2026: Sometimes Too Much, Always Too Little
Wed 18 March 2026 at 18:30
Pohjankartano Hall, Pohjankartano School
Tickets for the performance: www.ticketmaster.fi/event/1514405690
Photo: Clutch Company