LUCI Cities & Lighting Summit
Oulu
OPTIONAL PROGRAMME
Thursday 26 February 2026 – Oulu Polar Bear Pitching Event
Visit the Polar Bear Pitching Website
- From 17:45 to 19:30 Avanto Competition
Location: Sauna Village, Oulu Market Square, Kauppatori, 90100 Oulu
Before the LUCI Cities & Lighiting Summit evening reception:
Get to watch the selected contestants show their determination to the whole world by getting into the Avanto (fin. ”ice hole”) and pitching their startup.
Avanto Competition is an outdoor program broadcasted worldwide, which will be exclusively open for the public of Oulu in 2026 in honour of the Oulu European Capital of Culture.
- From 21:45 to 00:00 Polar Bear Pitching Afterparty
Location: Radisson Blu Oulu, Hallituskatu 1, 90100 Oulu
Mandatory registration on Polar Bear Pitching website: 29€ per ticket
After the LUCI Cities & Lighting Summit evening reception:
The Polar Bear Pitching Afterparty is the culmination of the competition, where you get to celebrate the most innovative projects. Music, karaoke and entertainment will warm you up after the freezing experience of the Avanto competition, and set you up for good networking to wrap up the day.
Saturday 28 February 2026 – Extend your Stay
Optional programme
Open to all Summit delegates, LUCI members and guests – registration required. A dedicated registration link will be shared closer to the date for those who wish to go in groups.
Extend your stay in Oulu for the weekend to fully embrace the Nordic experience!
- Experience a typical Nordic Sauna – more information coming soon
- Attend the one and only Frozen People Festival, over Nallikari in Oulu
Frozen People is a winter festival of electronic music and northern art, held on the frozen sea. The event features a bold and eclectic programme of local and international artists, blending electronic, music light art, interactive installations, performances, and participatory acts.
Frozen People offers brutal and unique arctic conditions for the world’s most chilling dances and art experiences. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!The Festival is part of the Oulu2026 Capital of Culture program.
- Go for a walk in magnificent Loppula and the Sanginjoki forest (only 20min away from Oulu city centre by car)
- Check out everything there is to do in Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026!
Photo credits
©Polar Bear Pitching – Kota Collective; ©Visit Oulu