Oulu2026 – Raahe's Programme
Oulu2026 – Raahe's Programme
Northern Finland celebrates culture in 2026. Raahe takes part in the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year together with 39 northern municipalities.
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 – more to come!
Upcoming events
A new highlight of the cultural year, the Takaranta Art Trail, opens on April 29 in Raahe! This seaside route, combining nature and art, invites visitors to experience artworks that gradually return to nature over time and to enjoy the outdoors in Pitkäkari.
The approximately 1.8 km-long art trail, created by Raahe-opisto, is located near the town centre between Pitkäkari School and the sea. The trail can be explored on foot, by running, or by bike, and it will continue to evolve and change over the years. A suggested starting point is Ilolinnantie 48, Pitkäkari.
Along the route, you’ll find artworks made from natural materials, such as art tents created by children and young people, himmeli ornaments made from beach grass, and spinning pieces crafted from natural fibers and wood. Their life cycle can be observed while moving through the seaside landscape.
The opening event will take place on Wednesday, April 29 at 5 PM at Pitkäkari School (Rantakatu 5 C). The event offers activities for the whole family, including free workshops – come and sculpt forest spirits from clay guided by teachers. Juice and sweets will be served, and you are also welcome to chat with Raahe-opisto staff about courses, camps, and ideas.
At the same time, we will celebrate the end of the school year of Kuvataidekoulu Purje and Käsityökoulu Solmu, as well as the 80th anniversary of Raahe-opisto.
Join us to open a trail that will live and evolve over the years!
Raahe celebrates the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year with a brand-new week-long music festival, Raahe Sounds. The programme offers something for everyone, bringing together music, art, and performances for audiences of all ages.
The opening concert of Raahe Sounds is presented by the Raahe Music Institute at Raahesali Hall in the Raahe Event House. The stage will feature a wide range of ensembles and orchestras. The closing concert takes place at Raahe Church, performed by the Lapland Military Band.
Throughout the week, highlights include among others:
- A magical children’s concert by Päivi and Mikko Koskela
- A fascinating presentation on Princess Ebba for senior audiences
- Spring dance showcase by Funky Hall SODAP ry
- A community sing-along concert led by Pauli Ylitalo
- Mother’s Day concerts in Raahe and Vihanti hosted by the Parish of Raahe
PROGRAMME
Tuesday, May 5
6:00 PM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Opening Concert, Raahe Music Institute
Wednesday, May 6
9:00 AM & 10:00 AM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Children’s Concert, Päivi & Mikko Koskela
(Registration required by April 29, kulttuuri [at] raahe.fi (kulttuuri[at]raahe[dot]fi))
3:00 PM, Fregattisali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Lecture: Princess Ebba (for seniors)
6:30 PM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Funky Hall Spring Showcase, Funky Hall SODAP ry. Get tickets
Thursday, May 7
9:30 AM, Vihanti Comprehensive School (Yläkouluntie 6)
11:30 AM, Tikkala School, Mattilanperä (Martikkalantie 7)
Author visit by Päivi Koskela
6:00 PM, Raahe Main Library (Rantakatu 45)
Guitar Concert by Mikko Koskela
6:30 PM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Funky Hall Spring Showcase, Funky Hall SODAP ry. Get tickets
7:00 PM, Concert Hall Kello, Brain Center (Rantakatu 5 D)
May Vibes – A Concert by the students of Raahe Music Institute
Friday, May 8
7:00 PM, Raahe Church (Kirkkokatu 10)
Mother’s Day Concert
Saturday, May 9
4:00 PM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Joint Choir Concert
Sunday, May 10
3:00 PM, Vihanti Parish Hall (Onnelantie 10, Vihanti)
Mother’s Day Concert
Monday, May 11
7:00 PM, Kello Concert Hall, Brain Center (Rantakatu 5)
A Concert featuring the teachers of Raahe Music Institute and invited musicians
Tuesday, May 12
5:00 PM, Kello Concert Hall, Brain Center (Rantakatu 5)
Composition Concert, Raahe Music Institute
6:00 PM, Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28)
Community Sing-Along led by Pauli Ylitalo
7:00 PM Concert Hall Kello, Brain Center (Rantakatu 5D)
Springtime Music – A Concert by the students of Raahe Music Institute
Wednesday, May 13
6:00 PM, Raahe Church (Kirkkokatu 10)
Closing Concert, Lapland Military Band
Raahe celebrates the end of the school year in style as part of the Oulu2026 festivities! Join us for a vibrant, youth-centered graduation event at Pekkatori Square on Saturday, May 30, starting at 5 PM. This event is alcohol-free, open to all ages, free of charge, and energy drink–free – a safe and fun celebration for everyone!
Programme:
- Pentti Punkin syntymäpäivät Trio – fun for the whole family at 5:00 PM
- Ässä J at 7:30 PM
- F at 8:30 PM
- The celebration continues with an afterparty at Frieman's House (Kirkkokatu 14 A) until midnight.
NOTE: The event will close vehicle traffic around Pekkatori on Saturday evening, May 30, from 4 PM to 10 PM.
The event is organized by Raahe Youth services and Cultural Services.
Designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen’s extensive exhibition The Touch of Beauty 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 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 at 2:00 pm at Raahesali Hall, Raahe Event House. The exhibition will run throughout the summer until 23 August. Free admission.
Pekanpäivät fills the summer in Raahe with five days of celebration, where local spirit, culture, and togetherness take the spotlight. The festival brings locals, summer visitors, and all friends of Raahe together to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a rich variety of experiences. 's
The programme features among others festive Opening Ceremony, Pekka Dances, an atmospheric Evening Celebration and a Sunday community sing-along. Beloved traditions include the popular "Kallaasit", a traditional community banquet, and the honorary title of Raahe Fiia or Pekka, announced during the main celebration.
Symbolic highlights, such as laying flowers at the statue of the city’s founder Pehr Brahe and raising the local heritage flag by the Packhouse museum, blend with bustling pedestrian street market, the vibrant Raahe Festival atmosphere, and a wide range of events by local businesses and associations. Read more
Raahe Maritime Festival is an annual city festival celebrating the seaside spirit of Raahe, set in the picturesque museum shore. The event features the charm of a historic seaport and the lively atmosphere of old-time markets: the Komerssi Market, impressive visiting traditional vessels, interactive maritime activities, entertaining stage performances, and plenty to see and experience for all ages.
The featured artist for summer 2026 is Evelina, who will perform on the event stage at Rantatori on Saturday, July 11. Admission to the event area is free.
More information about the programme will be published closer to the event date at: raahe.fi/en/raahe-maritime-festival
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, taking place at Rantatori Square (Rantakatu 39) on Saturday, 11 July. Read more
Night of the Arts has been celebrated in Raahe for more than 30 years. This lively city festival opens the door to creative surprises and inspiring cultural experiences, showcasing the rich diversity of art, performances, and local talent throughout the town. Read more
Welcome to a Raahe's Long Table Dinner at Rantatori market square! Long Table Dinner Raahe is a community food event 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 Oulu. Read more about Long Table Dinner Raahe.
Raahe Pimiät is the highlight of the late summer’s darkening evenings, held annually at the turn of August and September. Welcome to celebrate the start of the autumn season through a wide range of events!
The programme includes, among other things, the traditional flea market event Megaromppeet, held from Thursday to Sunday on the museum shore lawn; the whole family’s Pimiä Evening programme at Härkätori on Friday night; and the PIMIÄ10 running event on Saturday.
The full programme for the event weekend will be published closer to the event date at: raahe.fi/en/raahen-pimiat-festival
The Raahe Book Fair showcases the rich diversity of literary art in an engaging and approachable way. During the event, visitors can enjoy artist talks, theatre performances, literature-themed film screenings and art exhibitions. The fair also includes a sales event featuring books, records and music.
There is programme for all age groups, and the theme for the 2026 fair is internationality. Welcome to experience the full spectrum of literature and art! Read more
On the first weekend of October, Raahe Event House (Kirkkokatu 28) 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.
As Christmas approaches, a unique atmosphere settles over Raahe as the Old Town Raahe Christmas Calendar begins to open one window at a time from the first day of December onwards. The calendar presents 24 charming and distinctive locations in the historic old town, with the selection changing each year.
The windows are decorated by residents, local businesses, and others operating in the lively wooden town district. These festive windows of Old Town Raahe can be admired in person from December 1 to January 6, as well as through photos and stories on the Visit Raahe website.
In the old days people of Old Raahe celebrated Anna's Day (9th of December) as a starting point for waiting Christmas. Young people of the town got up early and dressed up so that they wouldn't be recognised by fellow townsmen and women. Then this caboodle of people marched under local Annas' windows ja made an awfully loud noise. Some Annas were thrilled, others not so much. Anna's Day Celebration was banned in 1910s, perhaps because it got a bit too wild.
The modern celebration of St. Anna's Day has been held for about 20 years. The day begins with "Rumpaajat" drumming through the town, followed by markets, concerts, exhibitions, and events across Raahe. The main venue is Raahe Event House, with activities also at Raahe museums, the library, Praati, Kinosalonki Sofia, Central School and Frieman's House. Pekkatori square and the church hill are illuminated with candles and lanterns, inviting all residents to contribute to the light.
The Christmas traditions and stories of the 19th century come to life in the atmospheric, dimly lit bourgeois home of the Sovelius House. The hall features a Christmas tree decorated with period ornaments and candles, while the tables are filled with an abundance of traditional festive treats—from "nisupukkis" to truffles. In the kitchen, the scent of spices fills the air, and the dining room is set for Christmas with hyacinth arrangements.
Guided tours are free of charge and start on the hour. Each tour can accommodate up to 10 participants. Places can be booked through the Raahe Museum booking calendar closer to the event date.
Christmas at Seminar is a warm and atmospheric Christmas event for the whole family, offering festive cheer and relaxed time together in the historic Old Seminaari area of Raahe. At the popular Christmas market, you’ll find seasonal treats, local handicrafts, toys, and practical gift items – perfect for Santa’s sack.
The programme for the Christmas at Seminar will be published closer to the event date at: raahe.fi/seminaarinjoulu
- The joint exhibition 'Written'
3.–27.2., Gallery Myötätuuli, Event House Raahe, Kirkkokatu 28. Read more - Antti Matinlauri paintings
4.3.–28.4., Gallery Myötätuuli, Raahe Event House, Kirkkokatu 28. Read more - May the flowers remind us – multi-sensory photographic exhibition
7.–30.3., Raahe Main Library, Rantakatu 45. Read more - Rhymes in Pictures – An Illustration Exhibition from Aunt Alphabet’s Book of Rhymes (Aakkostädin lorukirja in Finnish)
1.-24.4., Praati, Kirkkokatu 43. Read more - The Magic of Light - an exhibition of traditional Himmelis
22.6.–2.8., Kivimakasiini, Trade House of Lang, Kirkkokatu 19. Read more - Rauha Hartt and Daniel Pasteiner – paintings and sculptures
2.-27.11. Gallery Myötätuuli, Raahe Event House, Kirkkokatu 28. Read more - Natura Forma: Gaphic artists Raija Korppila and Juha Laakso
3.12.2026–29.1.2027, Gallery Myötätuuli, Raahe Event House, Kirkkokatu 28. Read more
- Rantajatsit Club: Johanna-Adele Jüssi Trio
27.2. at 19:00, Kinosalonki Sofia, Reiponkatu 35. Tickets 20 € / 15 €. Read more - Rantajatsit Club: Abysskiss
12.3. at 19:00, Frieman's House, Kirkkokatu 14 A. Tickets 20 € / 15 €. Read more - Rantajatsit Club: Niillas Holmberg & Pauli Lyytinen
11.4. at 18:00, Raahe Theater, Koulukatu 13. Tickets 20 € / 15 €. Read more - Paleface and Laulava Unioni Concert
25.4. at 14:00, Raahen Työväentalo (Raahe Workers House), Asemakatu 14. Tickets 25 €. Read more - The legacy of Bronze Caster, Raahen Taitopaja
Bronze casting demonstration and workshop tour: 25.6., 1.7., 11.7, 16.7., 24.7., 14.8., free entry, Pajakatu 4. Read more - Raahen Rantajatsit – Raahe Jazz on the Beach Festival
23.–25.7., multiple venues. Read more - RantaRekki Outdoor Flea Market
25.7., Waterfront of Raahe, Rantakatu 35. Read more - Raahe Pride
27.7–2.8., multiple venues. Read more - Pimeät kuvat – Dark visions outdoor film festival
24.-30.8., multiple venues. Read more - Across the Seas – Mission Celebration of the Diocese of Oulu
4.–6.9., Koivuluoto Arena, Koivuluodontie 4. Read more
Past events
Raahe celebrates the Oulu2026 year all weekend long across the city! The new Koivuluoto Arena will be officially opened, museums will showcase the results of two years of development with open doors, and Tapahtumatalo Raahe will resonate with the power of a grand orchestra. Expect memorable experiences, a celebratory atmosphere, and activities for the whole family.
Koivuluoto Arena: Official Opening Ceremony of Koivuluoto Areena and City-wide Oulu2026 Disco
- Date & time: Friday 23 January | 6:00–22:00 PM
- Venue: Koivuluoto Arena, Koivuluodontie 4, Raahe
Official Opening Ceremony of Koivuluoto Arena | 6:00–7:00 PM
- The programme includes a greeting from the city, a ceremonial speech, the official ribbon-cutting, and dance performances by Funky Hall SODAP and the Raahe Women’s Gymnastics Club.
- Hosts: Jenna Lämsä and Heimo Ylikulju
City-wide Oulu2026 Disco | 7:00–10:00 PM
- An alcohol-free, family-friendly retro disco! The evening is hosted by legendary DJ Jusa – with a theme of 90s hits and well-loved favourites. The programme includes a limbo contest, a music quiz, a classic dance competition, and the much-loved Wishes and Greetings segment familiar from Kuusela discos.
- Before the disco, warm up together at a family dance session! This easy and fun dance moment invites everyone to learn simple dance moves to familiar — and delightfully surprising — hit songs. Join in at your own pace, relaxed and in your own style.
- Hosts: Jenna Lämsä and Heimo Ylikulju
Spend the whole evening enjoying the festive atmosphere of the new arena, or take part according to your own schedule — attend just the opening ceremony or the disco. Local sports clubs’ kiosks will offer small snacks throughout the evening.
A city-wide dance challenge is also underway! Follow the City of Raahe’s social media channels and challenge yourself and your friends to join the rhythm of the opening celebrations!
Free admission – welcome!
If possible, leave your car at home and arrive on foot or by bicycle.
Parking is available at the following locations:
- Koivuluoto Arena, Koivuluodontie 4
- E. Majava Arena, Uimahallintie 6
- Kuntokeidas Vesipekka Indoor Swimming and Sport Centre, Uimahallintie 8.
Koivuluoto Arena: AS Moon (Women) vs. Vieska Futsal (Women)
- Date & time: Saturday 24 January | 1:00 PM
- Venue: Koivuluoto Arena, Koivuluodontie 4, Raahe
Excitement and fast-paced action for futsal fans!
Koivuluoto Arena: HIPHEI – an active family event
- Date & time: Sunday 25 January | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Venue: Koivuluoto Arena, Koivuluodontie 4, Raahe
A variety of activity stations for young children, organised together with local sports clubs. Come and explore the new Koivuluoto Arena and enjoy the joy of movement with the whole family! Free admission.
“On the Wings of Music” – Gala Concert
- Date & time: Saturday 24 January at 6:00 PM (duration approx. 1 hour)
- Venue: Raahesali, Tapahtumatalo Raahe, Kirkkokatu 28, 2nd floor, Raahe
- Free tickets available from 12 January at Raahe Event House/Raahesali ticket office.
Raahe Sinfonietta and the Raahe Wind Orchestra join forces on Saturday evening for a magnificent gala concert marking the opening weekend.
The programme features well-known classical works, newer orchestral compositions, and film music.
The concert includes performances by various ensembles as well as a large combined orchestra. The musical experience is enhanced by atmospheric visual material portraying Raahe, produced in collaboration with Lybecker Media Centre.
Raahe Sinfonietta is an orchestra made up of current and former students and teachers of the Raahe Music Institute. For years, it has captivated audiences with its versatile and nuanced programmes at concerts and celebratory events alike.
The Raahe Wind Orchestra consists of a broad and changing group of music enthusiasts and professional musicians. The orchestra has performed extensively in Raahe for decades.
Conductors: Petri Aho and Weronika Skowronska.
Open Doors to Raahe Museums That Entice All the Senses
Opening hours:
- Saturday 24 January, 2:00–4:00 PM
- Sunday 25 January, 12:00–4:00 PM
Venues:
- Packhouse Museum, Rantakatu 33, Raahe
- Crown Granary Museum, Merikatu 10, Raahe
Welcome to explore the latest additions at Raahe’s museums! Museum staff will be on hand to guide visitors through new content where history meets modern presentation techniques.
At the Packhouse Museum, augmented reality brings history to life: visitors can, among other things, explore the target of the imperial kiss.
At the Crown Granary Museum, you can try steering a sailing ship to the roadstead in a 3D environment using a real ship’s wheel, or discover steelmaking at Rautaruukki’s Raahe factory by playing a retro-style side-scrolling game.
The City of Raahe’s official Oulu2026 programme is continuously being updated! See the regional offerings on the Visit Raahe website and the full European Capital of Culture 2026 programme on the Oulu2026 event calendar.
Raahe Museum That Entice All the Senses
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. The Packhouse Museum and the Crown Granary Museum are open to the public from 24th January. Please check the opening hours for all museums on the Raahe Museum website.
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 Crown Granary Museum, you will also find a world-famous rarity: the world's oldest diving suit, the Old Gentleman.
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!
Come and experience history, explore the exhibitions, and enjoy your museum visit.
There’s still time to apply to be part of the official Oulu2026 programme!
Note, event organisers! You can still propose your own event for the Oulu2026 event calendar and become part of the official cultural programme.
The call is open until 30 September 2026, and applications are reviewed monthly. Applicants must add their approved event to the Oulu2026 event calendar themselves. Read more and submit your programme proposal.
Welcome to join us in celebrating Northern culture, art and events – together!
Piritta Rossi
tel. +358 44 439 3330
piritta.rossi [at] raahe.fi (piritta[dot]rossi[at]raahe[dot]fi)
Johanna Rautio
tel. +358 40 130 8130
annekristiina.tuovinen [at] raahe.fi (johanna[dot]rautio[at]raahe[dot]fi)
Terhi Eteläinen
tel. +358 40 130 3884
terhi.etelainen [at] raahe.fi (terhi[dot]etelainen[at]raahe[dot]fi)