Summer Night’s Dinner
The Summer Night’s Dinner is a communal and unforgettable experience that brings together local food culture, art and the joy of togetherness. This event invites everyone to share the flavours and stories of the North – regardless of background, age or life situation.
The event celebrates the power of food and culture to bring people together. During the evening, you can bring your own picnic, enjoy local restaurants or sample local delicacies at a communal table. A varied programme of activities will be woven around the food, bringing joy, inspiration and the heartbeat of the North to all participants.
Come and join us for the Summer Night’s Dinner – together for tastes and experiences!
Summer Night’s Dinner 2025
The Summer Night’s Dinner event will take place in Oulu on Thursday 14th August, from 5pm to 10 pm.
Tables will be laid out along Hallituskatu in Oulu, around Snellman and Otto Karhi Parks. The laid-back event is free and open to everyone.
The event is part of the Oulu2026 Arctic Food Lab programme and is organised in collaboration with Oulu Arts’ Night and Oulun Liikekeskus. OSAO will contribute its expertise in both horticulture and catering. Side programme and activities will be provided by folk music group Rällä, the Oulu Dante Society, Oulun Maa- ja kotitalousnaiset, and Proto ry.
Food offerings include local favourites like Oulun Fungi, J&S Burger, Terwa Food Truck and Vaalan Juustola. Nearby vendors such as Puistokahvila Makia, Siipiweikot, Cocktail Company, Sarkka, and St. Michael will also be there. Students from OSAO’s restaurant Hilikku will again serve their popular rössyramen – a modern twist on Oulu’s culinary traditions that became a crowd favourite last summer.
Guests are welcome to sit at the long tables or lounge picnic-style on blankets in the park. Bring your own treats – homemade, takeaway, shop-bought nibbles, or something from one of the onsite food vendors. However you choose to do it, it’s all about enjoying a summery evening together.
Hallituskatu will be closed to traffic (including taxis) by Otto Karhi Park on 14 August. A temporary taxi stand will be available on Isokatu, between the two parks.
Performances
Storyteller Milla 6-6.30 pm:
On the menu: delightful traditional rhymes about food and cooking, served with a side of song and music. Duration: 20–30 minutes. A coloring page will be dished out to all participants! Welcome to the joyful and delicious world of traditional rhymes!
“The Airy Taste of Freedom”: poems 7-7.15 pm
At the performance, “The Airy Taste of Freedom”, Tuisku Koskela reads her poems, delving into the mysteries of human life, the experiences of momentariness and tranquillity, and human interaction with nature. “The Airy Taste of Freedom” is infused with elements of Japanese and Chinese poetry. (In Finnish)
Katariina 8-8.30 pm
Katariina is an original indie artist from Kempele whose goal is to bring light and strength into people’s everyday lives. The inspiration behind her songs comes from the full spectrum of life: the difficult emotions caused by bullying and overcoming them, love, connection to our beautiful nature, and our rich mythological tradition. Katariina’s music blends elements of schlager and folk with danceable pop. Her songs are produced by Sami Tamminen from Helsinki.
Junna 9-10 pm:
Junna, comprised of Anna Haaraoja and Juha Seppänen, is an electro-folk duo operating on the bass-driven frontier of Finnish folk music. Formed in 2019, the duo blends tradition with their own compositions, creating danceable, rave-worthy music for both club-goers and folk lovers. Anna is a folk musician, Juha a techno artist.
Accessibility
The event is free, open to all, and suitable for every age. Main access routes to the site are wide and accessible. There will be dedicated seating spots for wheelchair users, and a few high chairs available for children. The event area will also include portable toilets and an accessible toilet.
Harrasment Contact Person at Oulu2026 tent:
Anna Litewka-Anttolainen, mobile 040 538 8121.
Summer Night’s Dinner 2026
As part of the 2026 European Capital of Culture year, the Arctic Food Lab’s main event will be the longest table in Europe, set up along Hallituskatu in the centre of Oulu on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
This is a date you’ll want to mark in your calendar!
A relaxed and laid back atmosphere, nice togetherness and good food on a summer evening.
– user feedback