In the flow of the stories -weekend
On the last weekend of August 2026, the Rokua Geopark region – including the municipalities of Muhos, Utajärvi and Vaala – will come alive with the In the Flow of Stories, a unique celebration of culture, local heritage and community.
In The Flow of Stories event programme begins on Friday, 28 August, with the Muhos Night of the Arts. Activities start already during the day, with the main programme taking place in the evening. The same weekend also features MULF – The Power of Water Festival (28–30 August), a seminar-style dialogue between science and art that continues alongside Saturday’s events.
On Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere builds at the Lamminaho Heritage Days in Vaala, starting at 1:00 pm. Visitors can enjoy traditional knowledge, performances and local delicacies while also celebrating the anniversary year of Lamminaho and the Kankari Art Villa.
The highlight of Saturday takes place from 6:00 pm onwards at Sahanranta Beach, where the atmosphere of the traditional Venetian-style end-of-summer celebrations comes to life. The evening programme includes sand dance performances, fireworks, illuminated kayaking and light installations on the bridges.
In the Flow of Stories weekend concludes on Sunday at Utajärvi Market Square with a community sing-along beginning at 12:00 noon, led by the legendary Finnish musician Mikko Alatalo. Music, singing and togetherness will bring people of all ages together. Children can enjoy rock painting, drawing, hobby horse activities and plenty of other fun experiences.
The programme will be updated closer to the event, and all activities are subject to weather conditions. The latest information on these events, as well as the full programme of events throughout the year, can be found in the Rokua Geopark event calendar.
Events28 August – In the Flow of Stories: MULF VI and Muhos Night of the Arts
The multidisciplinary Muhos Lifestyle Festival (MULF VI) will be held for the sixth time on Friday, 28 August 2026, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The festival takes place at Nature Dream Days in Montta, Muhos (Kieksintie 209).
MULF is an arts festival that explores contemporary social issues through artistic expression. In previous years, its conceptual multidisciplinary productions have examined themes such as middle-class family life and everyday life, roots, the concepts of home and family, and destruction within the domestic sphere. Each year, the festival travels to a different village in Muhos, and in 2026 it arrives in Montta.
The evening programme begins at 6:00 pm at Nature Dream Days. At the same time, the Pyhäkoski Opera by the Northern Opera Company (sold out) will be performed at the Pyhäkoski Hydroelectric Power Plant. The Northern Opera Company’s 10th anniversary will be celebrated from 8:00 pm onwards. The Poppaloora Mobile Library will also be part of the event. Earlier in the day, and during the first weeks of August, participatory workshops will be held at the Koivu and Tähti Cultural Centre.
Shuttle bus services will operate throughout the evening between the Koivu and Tähti Cultural Centre and the Montta camping area. Timetables and further details will be announced closer to the event.
29 August – In the Flow of Stories: Lamminaho Heritage Days and Vaala Venetian Weekend
Flow of Stories is a unique celebration in Rokua Geopark, where culture, nature and community come together. The event programme draws its inspiration from the stories of the landscape, the region’s tar heritage and local legends.
The Lamminaho Farmstead is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the traditional farming culture and vernacular architecture of the Oulujoki River Valley. It is located on the banks of the former Niskakoski rapids, approximately seven kilometres from the centre of Vaala, near the Nuojua Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The anniversary year of Lamminaho Farmstead will be celebrated with Heritage Days on Saturday, 29 August 2026, starting at 1:00 pm.
The Vaala Venetian Weekend continues on Saturday from 6:00 pm at the beautiful Sahanranta Beach (Sahanrannantie 18, 91700 Vaala). The evening programme includes circus performances, sand dancing, a fire show and kayaking. A concert by Maustetytöt and a spectacular fireworks display will bring the evening to a memorable close.
Shuttle bus services will be available for the event. More information will be provided closer to the event.
30 August – In the Flow of Stories: Community Sing-along in Utajärvi
The Flow of Stories event series concludes on Sunday at Utajärvi Market Square with a community sing-along beginning at 12:00 noon, led by the legendary Finnish singer-songwriter Mikko Alatalo.
Music, singing and togetherness will bring people of all ages together throughout the day. Children can enjoy rock painting, drawing, hobby horse activities and many other fun experiences.
Shuttle bus services will be available for the event. More information will be provided closer to the event.
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026
The central theme of the programme is cultural climate change. The main goal of Oulu2026 is to create and bring culture, wellbeing and vitality to Northern Finland. Cultural climate change connects culture, art and technology in new and sometimes unexpected ways, creating opportunities for people to meet, interact and collaborate.
In 2026, Northern Finland will become a stage for European culture. It is a time to give culture, cultural professionals and artists the recognition they deserve, while acknowledging the vital role that culture plays in the wellbeing and vitality of communities and regions.
Holding the title of European Capital of Culture is of great significance not only for Oulu and Northern Finland but also for Finland and Finnish culture as a whole.
The European Capital of Culture year will be a celebration of culture, showcasing the rich cultural life of Northern Finland to audiences across Europe. Its impact will extend throughout the network of 39 partner municipalities.
Oulu2026 virallinen sivusto
Taide osana maisemaa – elämyksiä Rokua Geoparkissa
Rokua Geoparkissa taide ei ole erillinen kohde vaan osa luontoa. Oulu2026-vuoden hengessä alueen ympäristötaide ja Löytöretki taiteeseen -reitti kutsuvat kulkemaan, havainnoimaan ja löytämään merkityksiä hiljaisista maisemista.
