See the programme for the Opening of the Academic Year – this year’s evening programme will be headlined by Olavi Uusivirta and Timo Kämäräinen!

The Opening of the Academic Year is a celebration for the entire JYU community, welcoming both new and returning students, as well as all staff, to the start of the new academic year. This year’s program features performances by top artists: Olavi Uusivirta and Timo Kämäräinen will be the headliners of the evening celebration, and the opening ceremony will feature music by the wonderful Rebekka Holi.
Published
9.6.2026

The first day of the two-day event, Tuesday, September 1, is aimed specifically at students starting their studies, featuring festive activities, coffee and presentations by local organizations.

On Wednesday, September 2, the morning begins with the traditional opening service, with music provided this year by Rebekka Holi. After this, the Rector formally opens the academic year in a ceremony accompanied by related festivities. The Opening of the Academic Year will peak with an evening event featuring the amazing Olavi Uusivirta performing alongside Timo Kämäräinen.

The Opening of the Academic Year includes a series of events that are free of charge for all members of the JYU community. On both days, there is programme at the Ilokivi Venue organised by JYY, in which all university staff are warmly invited to participate.

Enrollments for the events begins on Monday 3.8.2026 at 08:00 a.m. and ends on Thursday 27.8.2026 at 04:00 p.m.

See the full programme