Kajaani Fest
A high-class music festival full of famous performers around the Kajaanihalli sports hall in the centre of Kajaani.
Jaa sivu eteenpäin
Literature Tourism
The national epic Kalevala is a central element in Kainuu`s literary culture. In 2019, Kuhmo became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network founding their application on the strong connection between Kuhmo and the Kalevala, and the many ways the Kalevala influences the everyday life in Kuhmo.
In addition to Elias Lönnrot who compiled the Kalevala, Kainuu has also other famous writers such as Isa Asp, Eino Leino, Ilmari Kianto and Veikko Huovinen, whose trails to follow!
Literature Tourism ›
A Region of Tar Burners
The history of tar making dates back thousands of years. The technique used traditionally used in Finland was tar burning in a pit, i.e. dry distillation of wood. The tar barrels were transported to Oulu in the coast by boat. The large rapids of River Kajaaninjoki were the biggest obstacles for the oarsmen rowing tar barrels to Oulu. The canals built in the rapids of River Kajaaninjoki were the solution.
Tar Burning Tradition ›
Annual Regional Gala
The annual regional Gala of Kainuu is arranged every year in August, in one of the region's municipalities. The event is aimed at the residents of Kainuu and is free for everyone to participate.
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Kekrifest
The annual Kekrifest, entertaining especially the heavy music enthusiasts, is arranged in October at Kajaanihalli.
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Tour de Kainuu Cycling Event
Welcome to enjoy a relaxed event as well as beautiful hills and the brilliant waters of Kainuu!
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LankaFest in Puolanka
Experience a rock festival in a small and remote municipality in Kainuu!
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Kajaani Poetry Week
The annual five-day festival is held in the beginning of July. The programme consists of performances from many different forms of art as well as meet and greets and discussions with authors.
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Kainuu Orienteering Week
The oldest Finnish Orienteering Week promises unique experiences in the varied terrain, rich culture and pristine natural environment in the Kainuu area.
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Migration Stories
The RekryKainuu project has interviewed some people who have moved to Kainuu. From that series of articles, you may read in English the story of Diana, who moved from Barcelona to Sotkamo.
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Kajaani Street Market
The traditional street market event is arranged annually in Kajaani at the time of Kajaani Poetry Week and the birthday of national poet Eino Leino (6th July).
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Vuokatin Vaellus
Vuokatin Vaellus is the autumn season-opening event gathering hiking and yoga enthusiasts together in the hilly landscapes of Vuokatti. The event is suitable for everyone, even families.
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Finnish Baseball in Sotkamo
Baseball is as Finnish as it gets! There is a very successful baseball team in Kainuu, with their home field on a beautiful spot in Sotkamo.
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