To every soul who showed up, stayed up late,
gave up comfortable choices, and poured themselves
into something that had never been made before —

thank you.

"a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

— Christopher Reeve

What we lived through & where we go

Something new was born this year. ODDference arrived — and it arrived with a bang. The program was sharp, the conversations were real, the production was on point, and the people were exactly who they needed to be. The concept was validated. We know it works. We know what it can become. Expect a more immersive, co-created and deeply developed format ahead.

ODDfest continued to seek its form. It was ambitious — deliberately so. Hundreds of beautiful performances. Multiple iconic venues. Programming that stretched across disciplines, genres, and ideas in ways Helsinki had not seen before. Those who arrived, loved what they found. But the concept was layered, complex, and new — and that made it hard to explain before you'd experienced it. Not enough people crossed that threshold.

We gathered a lot of feedback. We heard what to crystallise, what to cut, and what deserves to grow. We got to know our audience. All of this has been enormous, necessary work. And it was worth every step.

Next year is about focus. One cohesive concept. One central location. An immersive experience that is nailed down, crystal clear, and impossible to forget. Co-curated with our visitors and target audience at the very centre — not made for them, but with them.

In 2027, Finland turns 110. ODD will be a living showcase of Finnish culture and creativity — past, present, and future. The most Finnish and the most international we have ever been, at exactly the same time.

The work continues. See you on the other side.

Our ODD Heroes

The doers.
The supporters.
The makers.

These are the people who made it real.

Core Team

Artists, Performers & Collectives

Volunteers

You were the heartbeat of the festival.
Every smile, every direction given, every moment of calm
in the middle of chaos — that was you.

Partners & Collaborators

Production

Partners

Media

Supported By

Collaborators

The work continues

The festival may be over.
But the space never closes.

ODDspace is our year-round home for creatives,
makers, thinkers, and those who don't fit anywhere else.
This is where ODD lives between festivals.

Become a member at ODDspace

Stay ODD.

We love you and miss you already.