Barents Summer Games begins next week!
Oulu will host the international Barents Summer Games from 21 to 23 August 2026. The event will bring together up to 650 young athletes aged 15–25 from Northern Finland, Sweden and Norway to compete in eleven different sports across the city.
A diverse event week culminates in the competition weekend
The Barents Summer Games offer spectators the opportunity to watch high-level international youth sports and discover a wide range of sports, including para sports disciplines.
Competitions will take place across Oulu in cooperation with local sports clubs.
Barents Summer Games is a multi-sport event that combines competition, cultural exchange and international cooperation. The event is free of charge and open to everyone, offering memorable experiences for visitors of all ages through both competitions and side events.
In addition to the competition weekend, Oulu will host a broader event programme starting on 19 August, when the On PoP Liikkua Goes Barents event days bring together physical activity, culture and community spirit.
Barents Summer Games 2026 venues and competition schedule
The competition weekend begins on Friday 21 August with the Opening Ceremony at Rotuaari in central Oulu, bringing together athletes and guests to celebrate this international sporting event. Detailed sport-specific schedules can be found on the Barents Summer Games website and in the digital event guide.
The event information point will be located at shopping centre Valkea, where visitors can receive information about competition schedules and the On PoP Liikkua Goes Barents programme.
Opening hours of the information point:
19–21 August: 12:00–18:00
22 August: 11:00–15:00
Raatti Area
Raatti Stadium (Athletics)
Ouluhalli
Boccia
Boxing
Powerlifting
Wrestling
Linnanmaa
Linnanmaa Sports Hall (Volleyball)
Linnanmaa Beach Volleyball Courts (Beach Volleyball)
Meri-Toppila
Meri-Toppila DiscGolfPark (Disc Golf)
Heinäpää
Heinäpää Sports Centre (Football)
Sankivaara
Sankivaara Golf (Golf)
Oulu-Zone
Oulu-Zone Competition Area (Orienteering)
Hiukkavaara and Pirilä
Hiukkavaara Shooting Range (Shooting)
OMAS Indoor Shooting Range, Pirilä (Shooting)
Other event venues
Rotuaari: Barents Summer Games Opening Ceremony
Oulu City Hall: Barents Seminar for invited guests
SuperPark Oulu: Get Together evening for athletes
Side Events invite everyone to get active
An essential part of the Barents Summer Games experience is the extensive programme of free and open side events.
The On PoP Liikkua Goes Barents event days will take place in Oulu from 19 to 22 August 2026. The programme offers opportunities to try new sports and participate in guided physical activities led by local sports clubs throughout the city. Nearly 40 sports clubs from the region will be involved.
The event week culminates on Saturday 22 August 2026 from 10:00 to 15:00 with a free family activity day at Mannerheim Park, featuring:
Sports try-outs and demonstrations
Presentation stands by local sports clubs
A children's activity area (Puuhamaa)
Activities hosted by the children's favourite mascot, Jekku Bunny
Participation from ODL, MIELI Mental Health Finland, Visit Oulu and the City of Oulu Sports Services
A Barents Summer Games information point and additional programme
The events are part of the wider Barents Games programme and the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, where sport, culture and community come together.
Competition Information Available in the Digital Guide
The Barents Summer Games digital guide contains the full competition programme, venue information and event-week activities.
The guide also includes the programme for the On PoP Liikkua Goes Barents event days, providing opportunities to try new sports, participate in guided exercise sessions and learn about local sports clubs. The guide helps visitors plan their event experience, find competitions and activities of interest, and navigate easily between venues.
More than sport: encounters and experiences
Barents Summer Games is more than a sporting event. It is a meeting place for young people across the northern regions and for everyone who enjoys sport and physical activity. The event promotes friendship, international cooperation and cultural exchange while giving visitors the chance to experience an international sporting atmosphere in Oulu.
Spectators are encouraged to take part actively in the events, try new sports and cheer on the athletes throughout the weekend.
Competition Manager
Juha Laukka
Barents Summer Games Oulu 2026
Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Liikunta ja Urheilu (PoPLi)
+358 50 406 0288
juha.laukka@popli.fi