Nallikari SnowFest in February 2026 as part of Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year – open call is on!
The event brings together snow sculptures, art, and experiences – this time under the theme “By the Sea”, highlighting Nallikari’s unique location right by the sea.
An international snow sculpture event in Nallikari
Nallikari SnowFest, an international snow sculpting event, will take place in Nallikari as part of the Oulu European Capital of Culture program in 2026. Ten skilled teams from around the world will arrive in Nallikari, tasked with creating artworks in snow according to a chosen theme. Each team will work on a 3×3×3 meter block of snow over approximately 40 hours. The use of ice, color, reinforcements, or electrically powered tools is not allowed.
The winning teams from 2025, coming from the Czech Republic, France, and Estonia, will also participate. The sculptures will be displayed in Nallikari Winter Village, where snow and ice create a natural and immersive setting for the event.
The 2026 theme: By the Sea
The Capital of Culture year theme, “By the Sea”, invites snow sculptors to interpret the wintry atmosphere of the Bothnian Bay in a unique environment. Nallikari’s beach provides a stage where the sea, snow, and art meet. The theme is closely linked to the Oulu2026 Capital of Culture program, which emphasizes northern nature and the region’s distinctive atmosphere – just as this event does.
“We want to highlight the uniqueness of the Nallikari landscape and connect it with the Arctic identity of Oulu2026. The winter sea is a fascinating and multi-dimensional subject that offers both freedom and challenges to artists. We believe this year’s theme will inspire sculptures that truly resonate with the audience,” comment Kalle Komulainen, organizer of Nallikari SnowFest and village chief of Nallikari Winter Village.
“We expect sculptures that reflect the artists’ relationship with the sea. For many participants, working close to the sea is an experience in itself, which shows in the final works. The theme allows for both personal and collective interpretations,” Komulainen adds.
Call for sculptors open until the end of October
Applications for the 2026 SnowFest sculptors are open until the end of October. In addition to the three winning teams from 2025, seven new teams will be selected. Applications are expected from around the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
“Nallikari SnowFest is a well-known and respected event internationally. In this Capital of Culture year, we expect to receive a record number of applications,” says event coordinator Suvi Palo.
“I encourage all snow sculpting enthusiasts to apply boldly! It’s always exciting to see what teams and ideas emerge through the applications,” Palo continues.
Nallikari SnowFest kicks off a busy spring of events
Nallikari SnowFest has established itself as one of the highlights of Oulu’s winter, and the Oulu2026 Capital of Culture year will bring even wider visibility and new visitors. Alongside the snow sculpture event, Nallikari Winter Village will open again, offering diverse winter experiences and services for the whole family.
The final weekend of the event will feature the Korpirock Winter festival, bringing energy and live music to the heart of winter.
The spring event season continues at the end of February with the Frozen People electronic music festival on February 28, gathering audiences on the frozen sea. This free event is a natural continuation of Nallikari’s international winter event season.
