The Singing River
Musicians and all kinds of watercraft will travel the entire River Pyhäjoki from Lake Pyhäjärvi all the way to the sea on June 10–14, 2026.
During the five-day Soiva joki (The Singing River) event, the full length of the river will be sailed from Lake Pyhäjärvi to the sea. An international group of musicians and other artists will perform onboard a boat that will also stop to give performances in riverside villages along the way. Local village associations will organize their own activities on the shore, including meals and pop-up cafés. Finally, at the point where the river meets the sea, the musicians will improvise a site-specific soundscape inspired by the surroundings.
At the same time, after several years’ break, the Pyhäjoki Paddling Event will also take place. Everyone is encouraged to take to the water using different kinds of boats or even SUP boards, and to make music along the way. The 166-kilometre journey passes through six municipalities connected by the river.
Accordion artist Timo Kinnunen’s Rapid Art Force (Rapid Response Units of Art) presents music largely based on improvisation, always created on the terms of the performance venue.
Venues and schedules:
Pyhäjärvi: Wed 10 June 2026 at 11:47 Jokikylä Kiosk, Koulutie 101, 86870 Vesikoski
Kärsämäki: Thu 11 June at 16:16 Paanu Church, Pappilankuja 24, 86710 Kärsämäki
Haapavesi: Fri 12 June at 14:00 Kylpyläsaari Holiday Village, Nivalantie 61, 86600 Haapavesi
Oulainen: Sat 13 June at 12:00 Oulainen Library Beach, Sahankatu 2, 86300 Oulainen
Pyhäjoki: Sun 14 June at 16:00 Tervo Fishing Harbor, Kiiskiläntie 230, 86100 Pyhäjoki
The event is part of the official program of Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture.