The Alumni Day culminates in a festive evening in the heart of the European Capital of Culture

The Alumni Day on 24 April 2026 culminates in a shared evening event at the Radisson Blu Hotel’s restaurant Toivo from 19:30 to 23:30, and the programme features stand-up comedy, music, and relaxed socialising. The event is open to alumni and their avec, university staff, students, and members of the University of Oulu Association. Join us for a relaxed evening with the whole university community and alumni!
Alumnipäivän iltaesiintyjät: Aknestik, Ray Zambino ja DJ Pyhis
The Alumni Day evening programme performers: Aknestik, Ray Zambino and DJ Pyhis

The Alumni Day’s daytime programme at the Linnanmaa campus between 12.00-17.00. Programme includes cultural performances, science presentations by University of Oulu researchers and faculty meeting-points for encounter between members of the university community. Students are warmly welcome to both daytime and evening events.

You can check out the full programme here.

Doors to the evening event open at 19:15. The official programme begins at 20:00 with welcome remarks from Rector Arto Maaninen. After that, the audience can enjoy cultural performances featuring both music and stand-up comedy. The schedule also leaves plenty of time for networking and friendly conversations. The event will be hosted by Eero Hiidenvuori, a Finnish language alumnus and former Secretary General of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY). The evening ends around 23:30.

You can register for both the Alumni Day and the evening event at the Alumni Day homepage. Tickets to the evening programme cost 20 € per person.

The event is open to alumni — that is, graduates of the University of Oulu — and their guests, as well as university staff, students, and members of the University of Oulu Association.

Stand-Up Comedian Ray Zambino (in English)

Scottish stand-up comedian Ray Zambino brings insightful and lighthearted comedy to the stage. He is known for his witty oneliners and his ability to find humour in foreigin cultural phenomena. Although he speaks with a Scottish accent, Zambino has an impressive talent for making himself perfectly understood.

DJ Pyhis – A legendary name of Oulu’s DJ culture

Long-time 45 Special DJ Pyhis keeps the energy high through the night. A familiar figure in Oulu’s nightlife for years, his playlists guarantee a lively dance floor until closing time. DJ Pyhis, whose real name is Marko Pyhähuhta, is also an alumnus of the University of Oulu.

Pop rock band Aknestik

The evening’s main act features Aknestik, the beloved pop rock band originally from Haukipudas. They will perform their most wellknown songs, and according to lead singer Jukka Takalo, the band is now in even better shape than during their active years. Several members of Aknestik are also University of Oulu alumni, and the band is looking forward to spotting familiar faces in the audience from their student days and early career.

Food & beverage

Please note that the university does not provide food or drink at the evening event. The bar at Restaurant Toivo and the restaurant Ule at Radisson Blu are available for guests at their own expense. If you wish to dine at Ule, please book a table in advance by April 17th directly with the restaurant to ensure availability.

Special Alumni Day–friendly menus from Ule include:

  • Cauliflower steak with carrot and chickpea, harissa pangrattato and herb salad (VE), 18 €
  • Reindeer meatballs with creamy mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes and pickled cucumber (L, G), 24 €
  • Burger with onion marmalade, confit aioli, crisp salad and French fries (L, GP), 24 €

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The Oulu2026 cultural year is divided into three thematic seasons: Bravely on the Edge, Wild City and Power of Contrasts. Alumni Day 2026 is part of the University of Oulu’s contribution to the Oulu2026 programme and part of the cultural climate transformation.

If you have any questions, please contact: alumni@oulu.fi

Created 27.3.2026 | Updated 27.3.2026