Eva-Liisa Orupõld met Juhani Oivo – DJ, event producer, and executive producer of the Oulu Music Video Festival – in beautifully cold, blizzard-swept Oulu, the city he calls home. Together they walked and biked (!) through his favourite spots, eating Brazilian tapiocas and soaking up the daily buzz and icy expanses of the north. Just a five-and-a-half-hour train ride from Helsinki, Oulu – the European Capital of Culture 2026 – offers a mood that feels both intimate and expansive at once.
Even though I don’t drink coffee – or tea, really – I love sitting in cafés. Deciding what to order can be a bit of a conundrum, but Samba Cafe has a great variety of snacks and drinks that aren’t so common here in Northern Finland. I love the (naturally gluten-free) tapioca, for example.
In Oulu, like everywhere else, big chains are slowly swallowing independent spots, so I try to support local entrepreneurs whenever I can. I really hope this little gem continues to thrive.
I’ve been organising events at 45 Special for over 20 years. From hip-hop beginnings to the blog house era, and on to reggae, dubstep, and techno nights – there have been countless memorable moments here. The main afterparty of the Oulu Music Video Festival is also held at this venue.
It’s pretty much the only proper club in Oulu – not counting DIY or underground spaces – where you can host more alternative nights alongside the mainstream programming. I really appreciate its existence. Underground events are, of course, vital, but without commercial venues it’s nearly impossible to secure the budgets needed to bring bigger international names to cities like Oulu.
The Cultural Centre Valve used to be called the Youth and Culture Centre – or something along those lines. I experienced some of my first electronic music events here, when the long-running (and now defunct) Time Tunnel series took over the space.
As a teenager, I also saw formative films like Style Wars at the Oulu Music Video Festival – a full decade before I became the festival’s executive director. Today, the festival centre and main screening halls are still located here, along with the OMVF office.
It’s a special place: home to numerous cultural associations and always buzzing with activity. The Photo North gallery is also located inside the building – one of the best galleries in Oulu, with consistently high-level curation.
Ainola Park is a large green space right next to the city centre. Charming paths and small streams criss-cross beneath little bridges, leading to a dam. Cross that bridge and you’ll find yourself heading toward Tuira Beach, one of Oulu’s main beaches.
The park is lush and lovely in summer, of course, but it’s absolutely magical in winter. Trees glimmer under layers of snow, and after water is released from the dam, you can witness breathtaking scenes of massive ice chunks crashing into each other. The park also sits right next to the Oulu Art Museum.
I might be biased, but there’s nothing better in Oulu than hanging out on the historic Tähtitorni terrace in the summer heat, house music spinning on the turntables. My Elektorni club takes place here a few times each summer.
The building was constructed in 1875, but the history of the site stretches back centuries. The basement is actually the last remaining part of Oulu Castle, which burned down during the Great Northern War (1700–1721). What survived was later destroyed in 1793 when lightning set the remaining wooden structures aflame and the gunpowder storage exploded.
It later served as an observatory for the Oulu Seafaring School, and finally became a café in 1912. Today, it’s one of the most atmospheric summer spots in the city.
A classic place to watch the sunset. Of course, Nallikari Beach might offer even more dramatic views – and the northern lights tend to appear stronger there – but this bridge is right next to the city centre.
It leads to Pikisaari, a charming island dotted with old wooden houses. A path circles the island, perfect for a walk or a run, and there are a couple of swimming spots along the way. I used to avoid talking about them – they were tranquil “secret spots” – but the cat’s out of the bag now, and they’ve become quite popular. Still, you might just find a quiet corner for a dip.
UniQtori flea market, where she scored a Dries Van Noten silk camisole for €1.50 (!)
What’s the best thing about living in Oulu?
The winter is a proper winter here – and I like that. The air is fresh, and there are parks and waterfront spots right near the centre. The people are kind, and the overall vibe is laid-back. There’s a strong alternative and underground scene here, with a real DIY spirit.
Oulu is also very much a biking city. People cycle year-round, no matter the weather. I’ve biked since I was a kid, through every season. The city has really improved its cycling infrastructure in recent years, too. Getting from the centre of Oulu to Nallikari Beach, for example, is an absolute breeze.
The 33rd edition of the Oulu Music Video Festival takes place 27–30 August 2026. As part of Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year, the festival is launching its first-ever European competition series, open to music video makers working across Europe. More info and submissions here.
Juhani also runs the Elektorni club nights and record label. The next release, Pearl River Sound – Back in the Days, is out 24 March. Elektorni celebrates 15 years in 2026 with a special summer season featuring international guests at Tähtitornin kahvila. The club will also host its first international excursions, including a Tallinn event on 28 March at Paavli Kultuurivabrik, with Finnish electro legend Messk performing live.
Juhani’s upcoming DJ gigs:
6.3. Kafe Hærverk, Oslo14.3. REinsTate, London20.3. Noods Radio, Bristol28.3. Paavli Kultuurivabrik, Tallinn10.4. Elektorni, Oulu18.4. Celeste, Vienna24.4. Mutant Radio, Tbilisi23.5. Time is the new space, Rotterdam
Photography and questions by Eva-Liisa OrupõldInsider tips and guidance by Juhani Oivo