Oulu2026 in the Raahe Region

During the opening weekend, Raahesali will resonate with the sounds of a grand orchestra. At Saturday’s Gala Concert, Raahe Sinfonietta and the Raahe Wind Orchestra will perform. The concert programme features well-known classical works as well as newer orchestral compositions and film music. The orchestras will be conducted by Ewa Tracz-Lejman and Petri Aho. The programme will be complemented by atmospheric visual material showcasing Raahe, produced in collaboration with Mediakeskus Lybecker.

In addition, the opening weekend will see the inauguration of a new event centre – a multipurpose hall. Raahe Museum will also celebrate the results of two years of development work with its own opening festivities.

Raahen Taitopaja’s Magic of Light glass himmeli exhibition will be on display at Gallery Myötätuuli for two months. The exhibition presents a diverse selection of both modern and renewed traditional himmeli designs. A himmeli is not just a beautiful Christmas ornament, but a stunning work of art that can enrich interiors all year round. A glass himmeli resembles a large snowflake, sparkling beautifully in the light.

The exhibition aims to showcase the versatility of himmeli techniques and the tradition of craftsmanship. As part of the exhibition, a 6-hour workshop invites visitors to create their own himmeli cube from glass tubes, as well as contribute a piece to a large community himmeli made from natural materials.

On the Takaranta Art Trail, nature and art meet. Residents of different ages will create a variety of artworks from biodegradable materials for outdoor visitors to enjoy: art tents, himmeli decorations made of dune grass, and whirligigs crafted from natural fibers and wood.

The Art Trail is a 1.8-kilometre path near the city centre, suitable for walking, running, and cycling. The trail will renew, evolve, and transform over the years. Starting point, for example: Ilolinnantie 48, Pitkäkari.

The opening of the Art Trail will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 29 at 5 p.m. at Pitkäkari School.

Designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen’s extensive 50th anniversary exhibition Touch of Beauty takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Finnish design: glass art, silver jewelry, unique evening gowns, scale models, rya rugs, ceramics, and steel sculptures. The jubilee exhibition showcases the uncompromising and versatile work of a remarkable creator.

The exhibition will be on display at the Lobby Gallery of Raahe Event House, Gallery Myötätuuli, Raahe City Library, and the Sovelius House.

The opening will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13.

In the atmospheric 1840s stone warehouse of Trade House of Lang, Raahen Taitopaja presents an exhibition of traditional himmelis and small straw stars made from rye straw and dune grass.

The traditional himmeli is best known as a Christmas ornament. Its origins date back to 1150–1500 in Central Europe, and the tradition spread to Finland through Sweden. The name himmeli comes from the Swedish word himmel, meaning “sky” or “heaven.” For ancient Finns, straw was a significant material symbolizing the harvest year to come. It was believed that the bigger the himmeli, the better the grain harvest. A finished himmeli was brought into the thoroughly cleaned home on Christmas Eve and hung above the table. When crafting traditional himmelis, rye straw has been considered the best choice among grains. A good alternative natural material is dune grass, which is more durable than rye straw.

Since 2017, the House and Environment of the Year in Old Town Raahe award has recognized exemplary sites. Starting from 2026, deeds and cultural phenomena will also be acknowledged. The recognition aims to spark interest in revitalizing the historic wooden town and to honor those who set an example in preserving cultural heritage.

The Old Town Raahe House, Environment and Deed of the Year recognition will be awarded during the Pooki Flakkaa – Raahe Maritime Festival on July 11.

Raahe Jazz on the Beach is an intimate stage for Finnish and European contemporary jazz.

The festival takes place outdoors in the courtyards of Old Town Raahe, on the summer stage of Raahe Theatre, and by the sea at Ruiskuhuone. The diverse programme features fresh and exciting jazz of the moment. The bright summer night and the small old wooden town create a unique setting for new experiences and encounters.

The programme includes free concerts as well as workshops and opportunities for interaction between artists and audiences. All venues are accessible. Evening concerts at Ruiskuhuone are held in a restaurant area (18+), while all other events are open to all ages. Audience capacity is limited, so tickets should be purchased in advance to secure a place.

Raahe Jazz on the Beach will be held for the 37th time. As part of the Oulu2026 programme, the festival is strengthening its focus on sustainability and responsibility.

A communal food event at Raahe’s Härkätori Square, held in connection with Raahe’s Night of the Arts. The Long Table Dinner brings people together to enjoy local flavors, performing arts, and good company on a late summer evening.

The event invites everyone to gather around a long table and northern tastes – whether you want to sample dishes prepared by local food vendors or bring along your own picnic basket. The concept is inspired by the main Oulu2026 Arctic Food Lab event, Long Table Dinner.

During Pyhäjoki’s Night of the Arts, a long communal table will be set up in the town centre, and everyone is invited to join the celebration! Local food vendors and performers will be present to enhance the festive atmosphere.

On the first weekend of October, Raahe Event House transforms into an immersive miniature world of light, shadow, and art. Artworks created by children, youth, and adults fill every corner of the cultural centre, creating a unique experiential environment.

The project involves local schools, the high school, Mediakeskus Lybecker, and artists from Raahe.

Every season is magical in Pyhäjoki! As part of Pyhäjoki’s Oulu2026 event programme, participants are invited to journey together to remote natural locations, where cultural experiences await – right in the middle of nowhere.

Sunday, March 15: Ski through deep snow into the forest, where a choir will perform.
Sunday, July 5: During Pyhäjoki’s Local Heritage Week, travel along the waterways by stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or rowboat to Jokileto Island for a theatre performance connected to the site.
Sunday, September 20: Cycle to the Oravisjärvi lean-to, where participants will create a community environmental art piece.
Friday, December 13: Walk along Matinsaari’s Elf Trail to the heart of the island, where everyone will sing Christmas carols together.

At the Crown Granary Museum, you can explore Raahe’s history from prehistory to the present day. The museum is also home to the world’s oldest diving suit, Old Gentleman! Hop aboard a sailing ship in the Kotiväylä game and navigate it toward the anchorage near the home port. Listen to stories of life in old Raahe at Storytor, where Conversation of Primadonnas illuminates the work and lives of women at the sawmill, Story of the Countess tells the tale of a sea captain’s widow struggling to make a living without the social and financial security a husband provided, and Unavoidable Contract recounts the true story of a wealthy bourgeois’s illegitimate daughter who became a sea captain’s wife. Recent history is also featured in Crown Granary’s new content. Raahe’s most significant industrial site, Rautaruukki, is presented through extensive information as well as a retro-style platform game, Let's make steel.

At the Packhouse Museum by the sea, you can discover treasures brought back by sailors from their voyages and 17th-century decorative church sculptures by Mikael Balt. Augmented reality (AR) is integrated into the exhibitions, viewable via smartphone or tablet. Through AR, figures such as Saint Agatha, a tortoise (syltpata), and the recipient of an imperial kiss come to life. You can also listen in on conversations between sea captains at Liverpool’s harbor!

Virtual presentations are available for the Pattijoki and Saloinen local history museums as well as the Old Pharmacy, allowing visitors to explore these sites even when unable to visit in person.

In addition to new exhibitions and museum experiences, development has focused on improving accessibility so that visitors of all abilities can enjoy a safe and rewarding museum visit.