The Irish Festival of Oulu

The 18th Irish Festival of Oulu will take place in Oulu, Finland from September 24-28, 2025. Described by fans as a “fun, hospitable and versatile” Irish culture event, the most northerly Irish culture festival in the world has organized a versatile and inclusive program of world class traditional Irish music, storytelling, dance, music workshops, dance courses, multiple daily Irish music sessions, Irish food and much more amongst new and old friends.

This year’s main event is critically acclaimed band Lúnasa, described by The Irish Echo as “The hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet.” Lúnasa has long been one of contemporary Irish music’s leading voices. Having since sold over a quarter of a million records and performed over 2,500 shows across 36 countries, Lúnasa has won multiple awards and become one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music including collaborations with singers Natalie Merchant, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, and Tim O’Brien and high-profile concert venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, the Bercy Arena Paris and Glastonbury Festival have helped broaden the band’s audience and cement it place at the forefront of contemporary Irish music.

Also performing at the festival are Pólca 4, a group of musicians led by Pádraig Ó Sé from the heart of West Kerry known throughout Ireland and Europe for their high energy shows and vigorous arrangements, mixing local polkas and slides with jigs, reels and songs. The band’s arrangements breathe new life into these time-honoured melodies, infusing them with their unique interpretations while preserving the essence of the traditional tunes.

Systir, led by Irish composer and Artistic Director Michael McGlynn, are one of Ireland’s most sought-after vocal ensembles since ANÚNA, performs in the beautiful and historic Oulu Cathedral. Systir creates a new and eclectic musical voice that explores the myriad shades and hues of the female voice blending modern vocal and instrumental techniques with ancient vocal performance practices to create a unique ethereal ambience. Drawing from the wealth of indigenous songs from across Europe, including sean-nós, Systir connects ancient vocal styles with contemporary storytelling.

Ashplant, a highly talented band from Tampere with a repertoire that spans of lively jigs from County Clare, spirited hornpipes from Galway, and energetic reels from Sligo, perform in Oulu for the first time.

inSpiral Dance Company Finland, the country’s biggest Irish dance school, take the stage for a special performance of traditional Irish jigs and reels with fresh modern moves that’s full of passion, power, and pure joy.

Oral storytelling is a highly popular event at the festival with numerous storytelling events by Irish storytellers Órla Mc Govern and Niceol Blue and local storytellers Anna-Kaisa Kettunen, Brent Ó Caiside, Osmo Hakosalo, and Anu Vehkomäki.

Opening day of the festival features Nordic Night, an evening program this year focusing on oral folklore and traditional music from Oulu. Stories from the North focuses on a northern theme with stories from Oulu,

North Carolina and County Donegal will be hosted by storytellers Brent Ó Caiside and Osmo Hakosalo followed by a concert by NOPE, a four-piece band active in the Oulu folk music and dance scene whose music combines virtuoso fiddle, ethereal vocals, and a catchy rhythm.

Numerous music workshops by band members of Lúnasa and Systir are offered as are two Irish dance courses and a children’s dance course. Highly acclaimed Irish dancer Siobhan Butler returns to teach and further develop the ever so popular sean nós dance course and Nelli Sinisalo, an experienced Irish dance teacher from Tampere, will teach the beginner Irish dance course and children’s dance course. As well, there will be a dance performance by the dancers of inSpiral Dance Company from Tampere.

Numerous cultural discussions, music workshops, daily traditional Irish music sessions, and an Irish Cooking and Dining Experience, Festival Clubs and much more are on during the world’s northernmost Irish cultural festival.

Additionally, we will publicly launch Cultural Kaleidoscopes, our 2026 European Capital of Culture event which becomes the northernmost ever Irish cultural event part of an official European Capital of Culture program.