45 Special

"45 Special" is a legendary rock club and bar located in the center of Oulu. For locals, it is not just an establishment, but a true cultural institution that has been shaping the region's musical landscape for decades. An atmosphere of freedom, drive, and love for quality sound reigns here.

Travelers coming to Finland for musical discoveries often include this place in their itinerary.

This establishment is famous for its hospitality and diverse crowd. During the day, you can chat quietly here, while in the evening "45 Special" turns into the epicenter of nightlife, where live bands perform and DJs play. It is a place where everyone feels at home, regardless of musical preferences.

If you want to check the concert schedule or book a table at this cult spot, use the official contacts. The club is located in the city center, making it easily accessible for visits.

The main activity at "45 Special" is enjoying live music. The club's stage regularly hosts talented groups playing rock, pop, indie, and blues. The concert schedule is very tight, so visitors can almost always catch an interesting performance, whether it's a famous Finnish group or a promising local band.

Besides concerts, it is worth taking the time to study the bar menu. The establishment offers an excellent selection of drinks, from classic beer to interesting cocktails. The setting is conducive to leisurely conversations with friends or meeting local music lovers at the bar.

Also, pay attention to the interior details. Walking through the halls (the club has several levels), you can examine posters from past years and musical artifacts that tell the history of this place. On weekends after concerts, club nights often start, where you can dance to rock hits and alternative music until morning.

Getting to the "45 Special" club is not difficult, as it is located in the very heart of the city. The establishment is situated at Saaristonkatu 12, literally a few steps from the main pedestrian zone and popular shopping centers. If you are already walking around the center, walking here is the easiest and most pleasant option.

For those arriving from other districts, city buses are suitable: most routes pass through the center, and the nearest stops are a 2–5 minute walk from the entrance. At night, especially after concerts, it is most convenient to use a taxi; taxi stands are located nearby, or a car can be ordered via local apps.

The history of "45 Special" began in 1990, and since then the establishment has firmly secured the status of one of the main musical bastions of Northern Finland. Founded by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the club was originally conceived as a place where live music would sound loud and honest, without compromises.

The name of the establishment is a tribute to the classic vinyl era, referring to seven-inch singles played at a speed of 45 revolutions per minute (45 RPM). This detail emphasizes the philosophy of the place: respect for the roots of rock and roll and musical traditions, which are carefully preserved here.

Over decades of operation, thousands of performers have taken the stage at "Forty-Five": from local garage bands to top-tier stars of the Finnish and Scandinavian scenes. The walls of the club are literally steeped in concert history, and many famous musicians consider this place their "home" in Oulu, returning here again and again for the unique energy of the hall.

The time worth allocating for a visit to "45 Special" depends on your plans for the evening. If you stop by here to drink a pint of beer and appreciate the interior, one hour will be quite enough. This time is sufficient to soak up the atmosphere of the legendary rock bar.

However, if you are going to a concert or a themed party, plan to spend the whole evening or night here (from 3 hours or more). Live performances and DJ sets often drag on, and the friendly atmosphere and good music do not let guests go until closing time.

According to the current schedule, the establishment is open to visitors at the end of the week, serving as a center of attraction for Friday and Saturday parties. This is the ideal time to plunge into Oulu's nightlife.

• Monday — Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 19:00 – 04:30
• Saturday: 19:00 – 04:30
• Sunday: Closed

The club's location in the city center makes it easy to combine an evening program with exploring local attractions. A walk around the neighborhood will reveal historical architecture and iconic places within walking distance.