Kuhmo’s 40th Anniversary Year
2026 is an exceptional anniversary year in Kuhmo. The City of Kuhmo celebrates 40 years as a town, the Municipality of Kuhmo turns 160, and Kuhmo Upper Secondary School celebrates its 70th anniversary. Kuhmo is also taking part in the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year.
Kuhmo celebrates four decades as a town under the theme “Full of Life!” The theme reflects joy, courage and doing things together – the richness and diversity of life in Kuhmo. The anniversary year invites everyone to experience, participate and create memorable moments. Full of Life! is about everyday life and celebration, roots and new beginnings – together, we are building a future full of life.
Kuhmo has a strong and highly valued culture of working together. The City of Kuhmo warmly welcomes everyone to take part in the anniversary year – with their own programme, through joint activities or by participating in events organised by the City and other local organisations.
Join us in creating the shared story of Kuhmo’s anniversary year!
You can have your say and get involved by responding to the anniversary year survey.
Programme for Kuhmo’s 40th Anniversary Year
24 January – Opening of Kuhmo’s 40th Anniversary Year and Kuhmo Oulu2026
1:00 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
The celebration, which is open to the public, includes speeches, music and dance performances, the presentation of medals of merit, film clips of Kuhmo from the 1950s and a look at the events planned for the anniversary year. The programme concludes with coffee and cake at approximately 2:30 pm.
The keynote speaker is Anna Hyvönen. Festive attire. Free admission!
Fri 13 February – Wanhat Dance
6:00 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre, Koulukatu 1
Kuhmo Upper Secondary School celebrates its 70th anniversary in connection with the traditional Wanhat Dance.
Music for the evening will be provided by the Kuhmo Wind Orchestra’s Big Entertainment Orchestra, conducted by Dir. Mus. Arrigo Christian Blom.
Before the celebration and dance, an exhibition showcasing past decades and videos of Wanhat dances from previous years will be on display in Pajakka Hall from 3:00 to 5:30 pm.
Tickets: €9 / €6 children, available from Kuhmo Arts Centre or Lippu.fi.
Sat 14 February – Valentine’s Day Skating Event for the Whole Family
5:30–8:00 pm, Kalevala Sports Centre, Väinämöinen 4
The programme includes an ice disco and fun competitions! Onni the Squirrel and Apsi the Monkey will also be there. Hot chocolate, juice and sweets will be served, and there will also be an outdoor café run by 4H.
Everyone is warmly welcome. Free admission!
Fri 20 February – Tervan tie – onko meillä suunnitelma?
6:00 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
A travelling performance about a changing world. The production is part of the official Oulu2026 programme and the regional theatre’s touring programme.
Have you ever wondered what happened along the ancient tar route from Kuhmo to Oulu 150 years ago? In this travelling performance, an ageing environmental activist and a phone-addicted teenage moped rider embark on an adventure-filled journey together. The unlikely pair travel along the tar routes of their ancestors while reaching towards the future. Humour arises as they try to make the world a better place for future generations.
Tickets: €15 / €7 for under 16s, including cloakroom service. Tickets are available from Kuhmo Arts Centre or Lippu.fi.
Sat 21 February – Peurahiihto Ski Event
Mass start and the Kalevala Women’s traditional departure song at 9:00 am, Kalevala Ski Centre (Tönölä), Väinämöinen 4
Routes:
- Hepokangas route, 22 km
- Unskin ura, 12 km
- Pikku Peura – Harakkasaari route, approx. 5 km
Both freestyle and classic skiing are possible. No advance registration is required!
Campfires and warm juice await skiers at Harakkasaari, Unskin ura and Hepokangas. You can also bring your own snacks.
The City of Kuhmo first organised the event in 1979. A local craftsman will showcase handmade wooden skis at the event. Further details will be announced soon.
All participants will receive a special anniversary-year Peurahiihto diploma!
Sat 21 February – Kuhmo Winter Literature Lecture and Evening Concert
International Mother Language Day lecture at 3:00 pm, Juminkeko
Finlandia Prize nominee and author Elli Salo presents the lecture Kielen voima – kirjailijan prosesseista (“The Power of Language – On a Writer’s Creative Processes”).
The event is part of Kuhmo’s activities as a City of Literature within the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network.
Kuhmo Winter Evening Concert at 6:00 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
A unique concert experience!
Performers include Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen, violin; Maari Kallberg, runo singing; Kantele Duo Heilakko; and Mari Mäntylä, decacorde.
The concert is jointly produced by Sommelo Ethno Music Festival, Kuhmo Chamber Music, the City of Kuhmo, Kuhmo Arts Centre and the Runo Song Academy.
Tickets: €25 / €15, available from Kuhmo Arts Centre or Lippu.fi.
The Kuhmo Winter cultural programme also includes other events during the day.
Sat 28 February – Kalevala Day Celebration
1:00 pm, Juminkeko
Free admission!
Fri 13 March – Anniversary of the End of the Winter War
Wreath-laying ceremony and church service. Open house at the Winter War Museum.
CANCELLED – Thu 9 April – Molli and the Great Camping Adventure
9:30 am for early childhood education groups and 6:00 pm for the general public, Kuhmo Arts Centre
This funny, touching and warm-hearted performance explores the power of friendship, overcoming adversity and how even small things can sometimes feel enormous when experienced together with a friend.
The performance is based on Katri Kirkkopelto’s beloved Molli books and is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Free admission.
Sun 10 May – Mother’s Day Flute Concert and Exhibition
Kuhmo Arts Centre
The Mother’s Day Flute Concert begins at 1:00 pm in Lentua Hall, featuring flute students from Kuhmo Music Institute and Koillis-Lappi Music Institute. Johannes Ruotsalainen accompanies the performers.
The event also features the exhibition Legacy of Generations – Memories and Reflections on Mothers and Grandmothers.
Sat 23 May – Day for New Kuhmo Residents
2:00–4:45 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
Welcome to the Day for New Kuhmo Residents! All Kuhmo residents born in 2026 and people who moved to Kuhmo during 2025–2026 are invited to attend.
Registration is required by 17 May.
Sat 23 May – The Pied Piper of Hamelin
4:00–4:45 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
The city of Hamelin is suffering from a serious rat problem – a full-scale rat catastrophe. A mysterious stranger playing a pipe arrives and promises to rid the city of its unwanted guests. But if the piper can enchant the rats with his music, what else might he be capable of?
The performance by Dance Theatre Rimpparemmi is suitable for families and audiences of all ages.
The production has been brought to Kuhmo in cooperation with Kuhmo Parents’ Association, MLL Kuhmo, Kuhmo Parish and the City of Kuhmo. It takes place during Children’s Culture Celebration Week and forms part of Kuhmo’s 40th anniversary programme.
Mon 1 June – Mon 29 June – Kuhmo Soi Concerts
6:30 pm, Kide Stage or Café Juttua
Experience the atmosphere of summer at the Kuhmo Soi concerts!
The Kuhmo Soi evenings provide a stage for a diverse range of artists and bring music lovers together in a relaxed summer atmosphere. Every evening is unique.
Admission to all Kuhmo Soi concerts is free – welcome!
Mon 1 June – Kuhmo Soi: Ajan rientoa läpi vuosien ja vuodenaikojen
Entertainment choir Laulelo, conducted by Outi Pollari.
6:30 pm, Café Juttua at Kuhmo Arts Centre
8 June – 8 July – Kuhmo Summer Musicians’ Coffee Concerts
Monday to Friday at 2:00 pm, Café Juttua at Kuhmo Arts Centre
Free admission.
Mon 8 June – Kuhmo Soi: Peltokurki + Eereka – Kerran kesäyönä
6:30 pm
In case of rain, the concert will be held inside Café Juttua at Kuhmo Arts Centre.
Mon 22 June – Kuhmo Soi: Community Singing
6:30 pm, Kide Stage
An evening of folk songs led by Sirkka Kosonen. Kosonen is a folk singer, composer and educator specialising in improvisation and versatile vocal techniques. She performs in various ensembles and also trains singers.
She will accompany the songs on accordion, and the programme includes folk songs for everyone to sing together.
The event is organised in cooperation with Sommelo Festival.
Sun 28 June – Winter War Tour
9:00 am–3:30 pm, €30
The tour is led by expert guide Lassi Piirainen and departs from Kuhmo Bus Station at 9:00 am. Please bring your own food and drinks.
Advance registration and payment are required. Tickets can be purchased through the City of Kuhmo online shop or by contacting the City Hall information desk.
Purchase your ticket and register by Sunday 21 June.
A second tour will be organised on Wednesday 22 July.
Mon 29 June – Kuhmo Soi: Johannes Ruotsalainen and Ville Lodders
6:30 pm, Café Juttua at Kuhmo Arts Centre
1–31 July – Hilpeä heinäkuu
Hilpeä heinäkuu is the most colourful summer event for children!
Programme organisers can submit their events by 24 May.
Sat 4 July – Celebration of Kuhmo Food & Rönttönen Crimping World Championships
The competition is part of the Oulu2026 programme.
Mon 20 July – Kuhmo Chamber Music: Synttärilahjoja Concert
6:00 pm, Kuhmo Arts Centre
Kuhmo’s special anniversary concert features works composed as gifts. The programme includes Alfred Schnittke’s composition for Alban Berg’s 100th anniversary, Felix Mendelssohn’s work for his sister Fanny, Olli Mustonen’s 60th-birthday gift for cellist Steven Isserlis, and Robert Schumann’s gift to his 23-year-old wife Clara.
The concert opens with Outi Tarkiainen’s Woodland Fanfares, composed as the City of Kuhmo’s signature piece.
The concert forms part of Kuhmo’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Performers include clarinettist Lauri Sallinen; violinists Elina Vähälä and Daniel Rowland; violist Yuval Gotlibovich; cellists Marc Vossen and Trey Lee; pianists Bart van de Roer, Naoko Ichihashi and Olli Mustonen; the Storioni Trio; and the Meta4 String Quartet.
Tickets and further information are available from Kuhmo Chamber Music.
Wed 22 July – Winter War Tour
9:00 am–3:30 pm, €30
The tour is led by expert guide Lassi Piirainen and departs from Kuhmo Bus Station at 9:00 am. Please bring your own food and drinks.
Advance registration and payment are available through the City of Kuhmo online shop or the City Hall information desk.
Please note: On 22 July, tickets can also be paid for by card in advance at Kuhmo City Hall before the event begins. Otherwise, payment is in cash.
Fri 14 August – HUGO: Pre-event for the Kainuu Regional Celebration
6:00 pm, Kontio School field, Kontionkatu 2, Kuhmo
Free admission.
The event is made possible by the City of Kuhmo, Regional Council of Kainuu, Peura-Trans Oy, LähiTapiola Kainuu-Koillismaa, Osuuskauppa Maakunta, Kuhmo Arts Centre and the Municipality of Sotkamo.
Sat 15 August – Kainuu Regional Celebration
Kuhmo Arts Centre
17–23 August – Kuhmo Local Heritage Week
Sat 22 August – Evacuation History Event
Fri 4 September – Night of the Arts
The Night of the Arts is an evening full of experiences, surprises and community spirit!
Fri 18 September – Kainuu National Defence Celebration
From 10:00 am, Kuhmo Arts Centre
Sat 19 September – More Than Survival
The event is part of the Oulu2026 programme.
The event explores the role of literature in portraying crises and supporting people through them. Experts from fields essential to the stability of society will take part alongside authors whose works address different types of crises. The audience will also have an opportunity to participate in the discussion.
24 October – 8 November – Römppäviikot Cultural Weeks
Römppäviikot are traditional cultural weeks featuring a diverse programme of music, exhibitions and theatre.
Traditionally, Römppä was a time when people celebrated, returned to their home region and enjoyed the new products of the harvest season.
