On February 28, 2026, the UMK26 final will be held in Tampere, Finland, with the event broadcasted through Yle's platforms. The city is organizing a vibrant community event with a DJ container in Sorin Square playing popular UMK and Eurovision songs, while also serving to entertain attendees of the competing event. The DJ sets are scheduled for multiple time slots throughout the day, aiming to elevate the festive atmosphere surrounding the song contest.

At the same time, a protest is set to occur at Sorin Square, led by the Tampere with Palestine collective and the Finnish Palestinian Association. They are calling for a boycott of this year's UMK and Eurovision as a direct response to the European Broadcasting Union's decision not to exclude Israel from the competition, which they consider politically charged. This event highlights the contrast between celebratory music festivities and the political activism surrounding international music competitions, reflecting broader dialogues on cultural participation in light of geopolitical factors.

As Tampere hosts both events, there is an interesting dynamic at play, showcasing how public celebrations can be intertwined with activism. The dual nature of this Saturday not only emphasizes the cultural significance of music events in Finland but also underscores the importance of advocacy and protest in the context of international events, involving concerns that resonate within and outside of Finland.