The festival offers an easy way for international residents, exchange students and visitors to discover local life, with many free events that can be enjoyed without Finnish language skills.
Rovaniemi Week returns on 7–13 September 2026, filling the city with culture, community events and outdoor experiences. The festival offers an easy way for international residents, exchange students and visitors to discover local life, with many free events that can be enjoyed without Finnish language skills.
Culture, Architecture and Museums
Friday 11 September visitors can join an
English-language guided tour of the Aalto Centre.
Aalto Day also features exhibitions, music, workshops and an English-language lecture on Alvar Aalto’s internationally renowned architecture.
Many cultural attractions offer free admission, including
Arktikum Science Centre and Museum,
Korundi (Rovaniemi Art Museum) and
Science Centre Pilke. Their exhibitions explore Arctic nature, local history and contemporary art through visual and interactive experiences.
Meet People and Experience Nature
The festival includes many opportunities to meet locals and other internationals. Visitors can stop by the
Aalto Container for free coffee and conversations (located in front of the Main Library), take part in the
Language Café at the Main Library on Thursday, or join the multicultural programme organised by the Ukrainian Association of Lapland at Wiljami House of Culture on Wednesday at 10am–9pm.
Nature is also a central part of the programme. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts,
forest yoga and guided walks while experiencing the Arctic landscape. The free
Arctic Art Exhibition on Ounasvaara invites people of all ages to contribute their own artwork to a unique community exhibition in nature, while the
At the Edge of the Sky - Outdoor Concert, also taking place on Ounasvaara, combines live music with one of Rovaniemi’s most scenic locations.
Arts Night Highlights
The week culminates on Saturday 12 September with the 10th anniversary of
Rovaniemi Arts Night. The city comes alive with exhibitions, performances, music, dance, workshops and community art events. Popular highlights include free museum visits or
a visit to artists’ studios, the
Amazing Rollo city adventure by bike and the
riverside Valiosauna experience.
The children’s puppet theatre performance is specifically designed to be enjoyed without Finnish language skills.
Whether you are new to Rovaniemi or just visiting, Rovaniemi Week is a chance to explore the city, meet people and experience local culture in a welcoming atmosphere.
You can find the full Rovaniemi Week programme in Finnish on the Rovaniemi Week website:
rovaniemi.fi/rovaniemiviikko.