Kajaani city events complement the orienteer's summer week
Published: 22.03.2024
For many orienteers participating in the Kainuu Orienteering Week, there's more to it than just orienteering. If one wishes to fill their summer week in Kainuu with activities during rest days, the sprint orienteering events and Kainuu MTBO Week take care of that. However, for those who want to experience more than just navigating control points in Kajaani during the week, the city's summer events provide several excellent opportunities. Here are some examples of what's on offer!
Kajaani Market Street, Wed-Sat, July 3-6
From Wednesday, July 3, to Saturday, July 6, Kajaani's main street, Market Street, fills with cheerful market vibes during the traditional Kajaani Market Street event. Various products, ranging from handicrafts to savory and sweet treats, are available for purchase. In addition, the market days include programmed content. The prize ceremonies for the Kainuu Orienteering Week Tuesday and Thursday competitions are held as part of Market Street on the Raatihuoneen square stage on Thursday 4th July at 18:00.
Kajaani Poetry Week, Wed-Sun, July 3-7
Kajaani Poetry Week is an annual event celebrating literary and performing arts. The program varies each year but includes recurring elements such as Runovartit at the Eino Leino statue, the unveiling of the Runokivi, and the poetry and midsummer flag-raising day. Events are organized throughout the city. The program is announced in April on the Poetry Week website, including various activities.
Kainuu Orienteering Week Horse Racing, Mon, July 1
When was the last time you attended a horse race, a classic Finnish summer sports event? Now is the perfect opportunity on the first rest day of the Kainuu Orienteering Week, Monday evening, July 1! All orienteers are welcome, regardless of previous horse racing experience, at the Kainuu Horse Race Centre, which also serves as the main parking area during the Kainuu O Week’s competition days.
Kouta Steamboat Cruises, Wed, July 3 onwards
Ärjänsaari is a true paradise on Lake Oulujärvi! You can reach the island by steamboat and boat transport during the summer season. (PHOTO: Arctic Lakeland Kainuu)
The Kouta Steamboat cruise season, offering breathtaking views of the Kajaani River and Lake Oulujärvi, begins on Wednesday, July 3, just in time for the Orienteering Week. The steamboat's cruise program includes day trips to Ärjänsaari (7.5 hours) on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 18:30 and from Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:30, scenic cruises on the Kajaani River (1.5 hours) from Thursday to Saturday from 17:00 to 18:30, and evening cruises on Lake Oulujärvi (2.5 hours) from Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 21:30.
Naapurivaara Dances, Sat, June 29, and Wed, July 3
At the famous Naapurivaara Entertainment centre in Sotkamo, a 30-minute drive from Kajaani, orienteers can dance to the rhythm of dance music as a warm-up for the week on Saturday, June 29, and during the Wednesday rest day on July 3. On Saturday, June 29, from 21:00 to 01:00, performers include Eija Kantola & Omega and Juha Hautaluoma & Tähtivyö. On Wednesday, July 3, from 21:00 to 01:00, Armi Tenkula & Afrikan Tähti and Ässät will be on stage. Welcome to enjoy live music, sing karaoke, and admire the views of Vuokatti's hills.
Kajaani Fest Live Festivals, Fri-Sat, July 5-6
For fans of pop and rock music, the Kajaani Fest Live urban festivals at Kajaanihalli on Friday and Saturday, July 5-6, provide an energetic conclusion to the Kainuu Orienteering Week. The two-day festival features performances by many top-tier entertainment artists. This year, as a special feature, the city festival collaborates with Kajaani Poetry Week on Friday, creating Runoviikko goes Kajaani Fest Live day. The theme of the day is rock lyrics as literary art, presenting a selection of Finnish song lyricists from different generations, including Maustetytöt and Miljoonasade.
