Kuhmo’s summer is full of events! This article contains a complete list of all events taking place in Kuhmo during the summer of 2026. The list will be updated as new events are announced.
June:
7 June – 2 October 2026 Alpo and Nina Sailo Sculpture Exhibition at Juminkeko Opening Ceremony: 2:00 PM on 7th of June
Sculptor Alpo Sailo devoted his life’s work to preserving the legacy of Karelian rune singers through sculpture. Kalevala was deeply important to him, and he felt that Elias Lönnrot had neglected to show what the rune singers looked like. Sailo sought to correct this by creating visual representations of these cultural figures. Later, his wife, sculptor Nina Sailo, continued this life’s work. The summer exhibition at Juminkeko pays tribute both to the rune singers and to the Sailos’ artistic legacy. The exhibition features a significant collection of their sculptures and reliefs.
Location: Juminkeko, Kontionkatu 25.
Koirisärkkä trail. Picture: Inka Makkonen
Mon 8 June, 5:25–6:00 PM Opening of the Koirisärkkä Trail
The opening event takes place on the sandy ridge along the Koirisärkkä Trail.
Please note: Parking is available at the trailhead (Koirisärkäntie 10) or along Koirisärkäntie. Visitors are encouraged to arrive on foot or by bicycle.
Programme:
- 5:25 PM: Opening of the trail by Mayor Juhana Juntunen
- 5:30 PM: Local military history guide Lassi Piirainen presents the history of the Kuhmo Civil Guard
Protein bars will be distributed to the first 70 participants!
Mon 8 June, 6:30 PM Kuhmo Soi Concert: Peltokurki + Eereka – Once on a Summer Night
Free admission.
Location: Kide Stage, Kuhmo Market Square, Torikatu 22.
In case of rain, the concert will be held in Juttua café at Kuhmo Arts Centre (Kuhmo-talo).
11–14 June 2026 Youth Summer Dance Camp in Kuhmo
Catered to young people aged 10–16. Participants will explore show dance and street dance styles to energetic and upbeat music. The focus of the camp is on the joy of dancing and movement, encouraging everyone to do their best in a supportive atmosphere.
During the camp, participants will rehearse a final performance, which will be presented on the last day at the Kide Stage. The course is open to everyone regardless of gender or previous dance experience.
Instructor: Saija Varila
Schedule: Thursday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Fee: €20 (includes snacks and meals)
Participants are insured for the duration of the camp.
Registration: keiketys@gmail.com
Location: Peuranpolku 1.
11–14 June 2026
Folk Dance Course in Kuhmo
This dance course offers the opportunity to enjoy both traditional folk partner dances and group choreographies. Throughout the course, participants will create a relaxed and enjoyable performance together, with the chance to experience the excitement of performing on stage.
The course is suitable for dancers of all skill levels. The most important goal is to enjoy dancing and the shared experience.
Location: Rajakatu 52.
Sat 13 June, 8:15 AM–3:30 PM
Open Villages Day – Village Tour by Bus + Village Day at Vesantalo
On Open Villages Day, the City of Kuhmo offers a free bus tour to three villages: Ylä-Vieksi, Niva, and Lentiira.
Schedule
- Departure from Kuhmo town centre: 8:15 AM
- Return: approximately 3:30 PM
For more information and registration:
Janne Ylijoki
Tel. +358 44 725 5280
janne.ylijoki@kuhmo.fi
Programme
9:00 AM – Vesantalo
- Dance performance by Keiketys (10–15 min), audience participation at the end
- Coffee served by the village
- Presentation of Vesantalo by Eine Kotamaa
- Borderland Memories Project presentation by Marjukka Piirainen
10:15 AM
- Departure from Vesantalo
- Drive via Niemenkylä, where Eeva Kyllönen presents local berry cultivation
11:30 AM – Niva
- Visit to an old smoke cabin
- Poster exhibition and log-floating heritage presentation
- Lunch available at the school (self-funded)
- Village presentation by Pirjo Heikkinen
1:00 PM
- Departure from Niva
1:45 PM – Lentiira
- Opportunity to purchase pre-ordered café products
- Village presentation by Matti Pesonen
Sat 13 June, 12:00–5:00 PM
Summer Season Opening in Northern Kuhmo
Kuusamonkylä celebrates the start of the summer season with two events:
12:00–5:00 PM
- Reopening of the Vanha Pihlaja Art Café and Garden after a two-year break
- Coffee, doughnuts, traditional mead, and other refreshments available for purchase
2:00 PM
- Guided excursion to the Kuusamonkylä Mill
- Walking distance approximately 600 metres
- Accessible in trainers or similar footwear during dry weather
- Sausage grilling available at the mill if weather permits
Location: Kostamustie 2210
(Mill address: Alavantie 75)
13–14 June 2026
Social Dance Course in Kuhmo
This course introduces traditional Finnish social dances often seen at dance pavilions, including schottische and swing polka. Participants will also explore the more exotic rhythms of salsa.
The course begins with the basic steps and gradually progresses to more advanced movements. Participants will also learn about leading and following techniques and how they are applied in different dance figures.
Registration: laurihuotari65@gmail.com
Location: Rajakatu 52
Tue 16 June, 6:00–8:00 PM
Poetry and Accordion Evening at Vesantalo
Runolle ruvetaan ja haitari soi (“Poetry Begins and the Accordion Plays”) is a touring performance combining poetry and music in a theatrical dialogue.
Actor and reciter Matti Ristinen performs poetry, while accordionist Reijo Kumpulainen, originally from Enontekiö, presents his own compositions. The programme features poems by Aleksis Kivi, Eino Leino, and Uuno Kailas, whose timeless themes remain relevant today.
Kumpulainen’s music, inspired by natural phenomena and observations of nature, deepens the mythical atmosphere of the poems.
The event is part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Tickets: €25 / Pensioners €20
Tickets sold at the door.
Village association café open throughout the event.
Includes an intermission.
Location: Hyrynsalmentie 1520
Wed 17 June, 6:00–7:15 PM
Summer Musicians’ Children’s Concert
The summer musicians of the Kuhmo Music Institute perform a concert of children’s music in the Lentua Hall.
Free admission.
Location: Kuhmo Arts Centre (Kuhmo-talo), Koulukatu 1
20–21 June
Kainuu Midsummer Christian Festival
Organised by the Kuhmo Parish and the Iivantiira Parish Association.
The programme features speakers and performers including Ilkka Taristo, Teuvo V. Riikonen, Jaakko Antola, Jaana Raesalmi, Seija Uimonen, Pentti Tuppurainen, Markus Tykkyläinen, Marjatta Heikkinen, Kaija Antola (Sunday school), musician Martti Väisänen, and the Heikon ihmisen lauluryhmä vocal group.
Food, coffee, and kiosk services available throughout the event.
Start time: 10:00 AM on both days
Location: Juttuantie 2370
Mon 22 June, 6:30 PM
Kuhmo Soi Concert: Community Folk Singing Event
Join a community sing-along of traditional Finnish folk songs led by Sirkka Kosonen, a folk singer, composer, and educator known for her improvisational approach and versatile vocal techniques.
Kosonen accompanies the songs on accordion, and the programme consists of folk songs sung together by all participants.
The event is organised in cooperation with the Sommelo Folk Music Festival.
Location: Kide Stage, Kuhmo Market Square
Tue 23 June, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Making Space for Trout – Stream Restoration in Kuhmo
A full-day event focusing on stream restoration, fishing heritage, and aquatic conservation.
Location: Kuhmo Library, Pajakkakatu 2
Programme
9:00–11:00 AM
- Lectures and presentations
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Lunch served outdoors by local entrepreneur Jari Kyllönen, featuring dishes made from local lake fish
- Fish trap (katiska) fishing demonstration at the Pajakka upper river section next to the library
Additional activities at the library:
- Fishing heritage collection project
- Borderland Memories Project
- Outdoor and fishing literature recommendations
12:00–2:00 PM
- Children’s fishing activities organised by the Finnish Recreational Fishing Federation (SVK)
- Prize draw for participants
After 12:00 PM:
- Transfer to a stream restoration demonstration at Rauhionpuro
- Participants must arrange their own transportation
The event also features 4H Finland’s “Tule luo” activity vehicle and a soft-serve ice cream station.
Partners: City of Kuhmo, Metsähallitus, Finnish Recreational Fishing Federation (SVK), Kainuu Fisheries Centre, Elävä Kainuu Leader, the European Union, Oulu2026 and the Oulujoki Water System Vision 2035 project.
Tue 24 June – Thu 26 June 2026: Sommelo Folk Music Festival
The Sommelo Folk Music Festival takes place during the week following Midsummer. The final part of the festival trilogy, “On the Waters”, follows the previous themes of “The Shepherd” and “In the Forest.”
This year’s programme offers a diverse selection of concerts, seminars, courses, and workshops inspired by waterways and water traditions.
The festival includes both ticketed and free events, with performances and activities for audiences of all ages. Concerts take place at the Kuhmo Arts Centre (Kuhmo-talo), Kuhmo Market Square, Kaesa’s Home Bakery Café, and Juminkeko.
Highlights of the programme include:
- Rune Singing Club
- The Call of the Kalevala singing workshop
- Performances by Maria Kalaniemi & Pekko Käppi
- Ensemble Gamut!, also known from the Flow Festival lineup
Thu 25 June, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Uuno’s Day at Tuupala Museum
This commemorative day honours Uuno Kainulainen (1875–1966).
In 1958, estate manager Uuno Kainulainen donated the historic Vanha-Tuupala property, including its main building, to the Municipality of Kuhmo. He reserved lifetime residency rights for himself and his sister, and expressed the wish that the property be transformed into a local heritage museum.
His wish was fulfilled when Tuupala Museum opened to the public in June 1975.
Location: Tuupala Museum, Tervatie 1.
Sat 27 June 2026
Finnish Raftsmen Championships 2026
Schedule
From 10:00 AM
Maakunnan Ranta, Kontionkatu 4
- 10:00 AM Opening ceremony and official declaration of Kuhmo as a Raftsmen Town
- Approximately 10:30 AM Competitions begin
- Raftsmen Marathon
- Team Rowing Competition
Lunch Break and transfer to Pajakkakoski Rapids
From 3:00 PM onwards
Pajakkakoski Rapids, Kuhmo
- Rapids Run
- Pole Punting Competition
Further Information
- Tuomo Määttä: +358 400 285 805
- Competition Director Mikko Saarimaa: +358 40 506 3915
- Email: kuhmontapahtumat@gmail.com
Welcome to experience Finland’s unique rafting heritage and championship competitions!
Sun 28 June & Wed 22 July 2026
Winter War Tour in Kuhmo
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Price: €30
Guide: Military history expert Lassi Piirainen
Join a guided tour of the key Winter War battle sites in Kuhmo and learn about the events that shaped this important chapter of Finnish history.
Departure: 9:00 AM from Kuhmo Bus Station
Please bring your own packed lunch.
Advance registration and payment are required through the City of Kuhmo online store or through the City Hall Information Desk:
- Tel. +358 8 6155 521
- asiakaspalvelu@kuhmo.fi
For the 28 June tour, tickets must be purchased and registration completed by Sunday 21 June.
Programme
9:00 AM
- Departure from Kuhmo Bus Station
9:15–10:30 AM – Jyrkänkoski
- The outbreak of the Winter War
- Visit to the military base area
10:45 AM – Rasti
- Brigade Vuokko’s counterattack in December 1939
10:55–11:25 AM – Luelahti
- Destruction of Soviet encircled forces (“motti” battles) in February–March 1940
- Visit to the command hill
11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Saunajärvi
- Defensive battles of December 1939
- Visit to a restored defensive position
12:15–1:30 PM – Kilpelänkangas
- Defensive battles of February–March 1940
- Memorial visit and packed lunch break
1:35–2:05 PM – Paloaho
- Destruction of Soviet encircled units
- Visit to a restored motti site
2:20 PM – Vetko–Kesseli
- Destruction of Dolin’s Ski Brigade in February 1940
2:45–3:15 PM – Tyrävaara
- Battles fought by Detachment Kekkonen in December 1939
- Visit to the memorial
3:30 PM
- Return to Kuhmo Bus Station
Mon 29 June 2026, 6:30 PM
Kuhmo Soi Concert: Johannes Ruotsalainen & Ville Lodders
An evening concert featuring musicians Johannes Ruotsalainen and Ville Lodders.
Location: Café Juttua, Kuhmo Arts Centre (Kuhmo-talo), Koulukatu 1.
