History of Qstock in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 3, 2026

Qstock is an annual two-day music festival held in Oulu, Finland, at the end of July. Since its inception in 2003, it has grown into Northern Finland's largest summer event, attracting around 40,000 visitors. Featuring a diverse lineup of major domestic and international artists across various genres, Qstock has consistently sold out, with nine consecutive sell-outs as of July 2023. It is considered a successor to the former Kuusrock festival.

1965: Promotional Vehicle

In 1965, the official promotional vehicle for Qstock became a white/yellow VW Kleinbus.

July 2003: 1st Qstock Organised

In July 2003, the first Qstock was organised in Oulu, with approximately 7,000 visitors and the lineup including Sentenced, Negative, and Radiopuhelimet.

2003: First Qstock Festival

In 2003, the first Qstock festival was organized in Oulu.

July 2004: 2nd Qstock Organised

In July 2004, the 2nd Qstock was organised in Kuusisaari, Oulu.

2004: Lineup and Comeback Performance

In 2004, the lineup for Qstock included Kotiteollisuus, Sentenced and Suburban Tribe, and the event also saw the comeback performance of Brussel Kaupallinen.

July 2005: 3rd Qstock Organised

In July 2005, the 3rd Qstock was organised in Oulu.

July 2006: 4th Qstock Organised

In July 2006, the 4th Qstock was organised in Oulu.

2006: Increased Festival Capacity

In 2006, the festival capacity was increased by moving the main entrance closer to the city center. Ticket exchange spots were also organised in the city center to reduce traffic at entrances.

July 2007: 5th Qstock Organised

In July 2007, the 5th Qstock was organised in Oulu.

July 2008: 6th Qstock Festival Organised

In July 2008, the 6th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari, Oulu.

July 2009: 7th Qstock Festival Organised

In July 2009, the 7th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari, Oulu.

July 2010: 8th Qstock Festival Organised

In July 2010, the 8th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari, Oulu.

July 2011: 9th Qstock Festival Organised

In July 2011, the 9th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari & Raatti, Oulu.

July 2012: 10th Qstock Festival Organised

In July 2012, the 10th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari & Raatti, Oulu.

July 2013: 11th Qstock Festival Sold Out

In July 2013, the 11th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari & Raatti, Oulu. The festival was sold out with 30,000 visitors.

July 2014: 12th Qstock Festival Organized and Sold Out

In July 2014, the 12th Qstock festival was organised in Kuusisaari & Raatti, Oulu. The festival was sold out. Volbeat headlined on Friday 25th and Megadeth on Saturday 26th.