Enjoy the Christmas spirit of Pyhäjoki! Once again, the residents of Pyhäjoki have decorated their gateposts, windows, Christmas trees — and even an old military vehicle — with festive flair.

You can easily soak up the Christmas spirit on an evening walk, moving from one decorated location to another. This year, there are 16 sites in the town center, four in Parhalahti, and seven in Yppäri.

The decoration event will culminate on January 2, 2026, with the Festival of Light — which will also serve as the opening event for Pyhäjoki’s Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture year.

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.

The event is part of the official program of Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture.

In Pyhäjoki, every season is magical! Let’s journey together in each season to a remote natural spot, where travelers are greeted by a cultural experience — in the middle of nowhere.

Sun, March 15
A joint hike to a remote natural site: cross-country skiing in deep snow on a bog or in the forest, accompanied by a choir performance.

On the Night of the Arts, a long dining table will be set up in the center of Pyhäjoki. Food vendors will be invited, and dining takes place together at one shared table. The evening also features music and other performances. A true celebration where everyone is invited!

In Pyhäjoki, every season is magical! Let’s journey together in each season to a remote natural spot, where travelers are greeted by a cultural experience — in the middle of nowhere.

Sun, December 13
A joint hike to a fourth remote natural site: walking along the Matinsaari Elf Path to the heart of the island, where Christmas carols will be sung together.

The event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.

In Pyhäjoki, every season is magical! Let’s journey together in each season to a remote natural spot, where travelers are greeted by a cultural experience — in the middle of nowhere.

Sun, September 20
A joint hike to a third remote natural site: a walk to the Oravisjärvi lean-to shelter, where a community artwork will be created together.

The event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.

In Pyhäjoki, every season is magical! Let’s journey together in each season to a remote natural spot, where travelers are greeted by a cultural experience — in the middle of nowhere.

July 5 – Pyhäjoki Heritage Day.
A shared journey to another remote natural site: by paddleboard, canoe, or rowboat to Jokiletto Island, where a maritime-themed theatre performance will take place.

The event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.

The most colorful library in the OUTI library network is the heart of the community. Pyhäjoki Library warmly welcomes everyone to read, borrow, spend time, meet friends and acquaintances, attend events, organize their own activities, and enjoy exhibitions. Pyhäjoki Library was a finalist in the 2024 Library of the Year competition.

Main library opening hours:
Monday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 4:00–9:00 PM)
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Thursday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 4:00–9:00 PM)
Friday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Saturday self-service 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday self-service 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Staff is available on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Pyhäjoki Local Heritage Association warmly invites everyone to a heartfelt local heritage celebration on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, starting at 1:00 PM at the Annala Museum (indoors).

The event is open to all ages and offers a diverse program, including musical performances, sing-alongs, speeches, reminiscences, and local heritage-themed photo displays.

Guests are also welcome to take part in the association's "Know Your Hometown" photo identification contest. The event will conclude with coffee service for all attendees.

Welcome to celebrate our shared local heritage day together!

The most colorful library in the OUTI library network is the heart of the community. Pyhäjoki Library warmly welcomes everyone to read, borrow, spend time, meet friends and acquaintances, attend events, organize their own activities, and enjoy exhibitions. Pyhäjoki Library was a finalist in the 2024 Library of the Year competition.

Main library opening hours:
Monday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 4:00–9:00 PM)
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Thursday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 4:00–9:00 PM)
Friday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (self-service 7:00–11:00 AM and 8:00–9:00 PM)
Saturday self-service 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday self-service 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Staff is available on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.