Grand Chapter Finland 2026 – The Culture Chapter Begins Today – Welcome to Oulu!
The long-awaited Culture Chapter – Grand Chapter Finland 2026 begins today! Oulu city centre is experiencing what may well be one of the busiest weekends of the year, so the city is welcoming the Chaîne members in true European Capital of Culture style.
Plenty of activity in the city centre – access to the hotel as usual
There are numerous events taking place around Radisson Blu Hotel, the Market Square and the city centre this weekend, which means more traffic than usual. However, guests staying at Radisson Blu Hotel need not worry: you can drive directly to the hotel and park either in the hotel’s own parking areas or in the Kivisydän underground car park. The hotel’s parking areas are located in front of and behind the hotel.
One reason for the exceptionally lively atmosphere is the Oulu International Grand Markets, taking place from 20 to 23 August around the Market Square, Pakkahuoneenkatu and Rantakatu. The event brings together vendors from more than 30 countries as well as from across Finland.
In practice, the entire area from Radisson Blu through the Market Square and towards Rotuaari is full of life, market stalls, food and international atmosphere. Allow a little extra time when moving around the city centre – and enjoy the buzz!
Today, head to Rotuaari – and wear your Chaîne ribbon!
A great way to start your Culture Grand Chapter day is at the Meijän maut event at Rotuaari from 12:00 to 16:00. Organised by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bailliage of Oulu, the event is part of the official Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme and showcases local food culture and flavours of the region.
So, everyone to Rotuaari – and wear your Chaîne ribbon! Let’s show the people of Oulu, Oulu2026 visitors and guests at the International Grand Markets just how many Chaîne members are in town this weekend.
Friday’s programme
Registration for the Culture Grand Chapter is open at Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu from 13:00 to 17:30. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs merchandise shop will also be open during registration.
Today’s programme includes Meijän maut at Rotuaari from 12:00 to 16:00, as well as an optional brewery visit and beer tasting at Varikko Panimo from 16:30 to 17:30.
From 17:00 to 18:30, Tarkastamo Patio will be open exclusively for Chaîne members, weather permitting. The Patio is located on the Market Square side of the building.
Please note! The entrance to Dîner Amical is on the other side of the building
This is important to remember: Tarkastamo Patio and the entrance to Dîner Amical are on opposite sides of the building.
The Patio is on the Market Square side, but there is NO access to Dîner Amical through the Patio. The entrance to Dîner Amical is at Saaristonkatu 1 C, on the opposite side of the building from the Market Square. The doors to the event hall open at 18:00 and Dîner Amical begins at 18:30.
Dîner Amical continues until 23:30, after which the evening carries on with the official after-party at Tarkastamo Klubi until 02:00. The club can be accessed directly from the event hall.
Welcome to Oulu and the Culture Grand Chapter – a wonderful weekend is about to begin!
Keep an eye on your text messages and updates posted here
We will post messages and news here on the front page about current matters, such as whether Tarkastamo Patio will open for Culture Grand Chapter guests before Dîner Amical today. We will also send information and reminders about important matters by text message.