Entertainment in North Central Finland
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Never Grow Old
This enduringly popular bar hits its stride after 10pm, with plenty of dancing, DJs and revelry in the tightly packed interior. The goofy decor includes some seriously comfortable and extremely uncomfortable places to sit, and a log-palisade bar that seems designed to get you to wear your drink.
reviewed
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Kaarlenholvi Jumpru Pub
This Oulu institution is a great place for meeting locals and its enclosed outdoor area always seems to be humming with cheerfully sauced-up folk. There’s a warren of cosy rooms inside, as well as a nightclub opening from 10pm Wednesday to Saturday.
reviewed
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Makasiini
This is a classic café set in an old wooden warehouse on the kauppatori. It opens extremely early so that stallholders can get their first coffee of the day in, and in summer has a great terrace that sucks all it can get from the evening sun.
reviewed
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Kemin Panimo
This is one of the liveliest pubs in town, brews its own beer, and also has a good range of international nectars. The large terrace doesn't have the greatest of views; it looks over the supermarket carpark, but in Kemi you can't be too picky!
reviewed
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Oluthuone Leskinen
This bar on the central pedestrian zone has a popular terrace that complements the dark, cosy interior with its wide range of Finnish and international beers, as well as malt whiskies. There’s notably friendly service and a good atmosphere.
reviewed
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Cafe Milou
Don something black and head down to this casual bar named after Tin Tin’s hound to while away some time with Oulu’s streetwise rock and metal crowd. Bookshelves filled with comics, a Friday poker tournament, and small terrace add appeal.
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Kuusamotalo
A sleek, elegant, Finnish creation designed by Arto Sipinen, Kuusamotalo, a concert hall and cultural centre, is the pride of Kuusamo. Check with the tourist office for performances and exhibitions.
reviewed
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Kaarlenholvi Jumpru Pub
This Oulu institution is a great place for meeting locals. It has an enclosed terrace, a perennial favourite, and a warren of cosy rooms inside, as well as a nightclub that opens at 22:00 Wednesday to Saturday.
reviewed
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G
Café Milou
Named after Tin Tin's hound, this place is away from the main strip but packs in students with its relaxed vibe, bookshelves filled with comics, and service so rude it's almost comical. There's a small terrace.
reviewed
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O'Nelson's
Then there's this lively, Irish-style pub at the Kaupunginhotelli. At weekends the around €5 entry includes admission to the inaccurately named but entertaining Paradise, a well-attended upstairs disco.
reviewed
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Näköala Kahvio
If you like your morning coffee with a stunning view, and aren’t superstitious by nature, Näköala Kahvio, a cafe on the 13th floor of the town hall, is the place to be.
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Krunni
The best spot for a drink in town is the deck of this old Danish fishing boat around and dominating the market square. There’s also a terrace and indoor seating where snacks are served.
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Giggling Marlin
This is one of a new brand of 'Suomi pop' clubs, featuring two dance floors with contemporary Finnish pop and international music and young Finns dancing on the tables.
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Raksila Arena
Oulu loves its ice-hockey team, the Kärpät (Stoats), who had won four Finnish titles out of five up to 2008. They play at Raksila Arena east of town.
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St Michaels
In the same block as Never Grow Old, St Michaels is a convivial Irish bar that pours a very acceptable Guinness, and has an excellent selection of whiskies.
reviewed
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Old English Pub
Thirsting for the British Isles? This boozer slakes with UK beers that have made it a hit with a local cross-section of young and old, suits and Goths.
reviewed
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Rantamakasiini
Rantamakasiini is an old wooden building by the water. In summer, it is one of the lively and picturesque spots for a drink.
reviewed
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Oulu City Theatre
This theatre has classical music, contemporary theatre and the occasional Shakespearian performance, almost all of it in Finnish.
reviewed
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Katariina
Katariina is a beer terrace and boat bar. In summer, it is one of the lively and picturesque spots for a drink.
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Onnela
A huge club with several separate areas with different styles of music ranging from Suomipop to electronica and rock and metal.
reviewed
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Kuukettu
Kuukettu is one of a couple of central nightclubs, kicks on late, and has the liveliest dance floor in town.
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Oulu Music Centre
The Oulu Symphony Orchestra - the world's northernmost professional symphony orchestra - holds concerts here most Thursdays.
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45 Special
This grungy club is Oulu’s best rock venue, with wall-to-wall patrons. There’s a €5 cover at weekends and regular live gigs.
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Tervahovi
A more typically Finnish place than St Michaels, with leopard-skin and a vaguely French theme; they also do tasty food.
reviewed
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Hemingway’s
Hemingway’s is a popular chain spot whose terrace overlooks, er, the supermarket car park.
reviewed
