concert19:00The 2026 Helsinki Festival opens with Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem, performed by the Helsinki City Orchestra at the Music House.
concert19:00Arja Koriseva and Riku Niemi Orchestra perform tango classics at Heinola Summer Theatre. The concert lasts approximately 2.5 hours with an intermission.
concert19:00Three rock bands at On The Rocks: Mean Silver Machine, TreZ Zombreros and Bolt Factory play classic rock, ZZ Top tribute and rhythm and blues covers.
festival17:30A country-focused evening at Malmitalo featuring two live bands: William Öster & the Moonliners perform blues, country and folk, while Steve 'n' Seagulls present newgrass and bluegrass.
concertAmerican singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson performs in Tampere.
festival(5 days)
Runokuu is an international literature festival uniting traditional and experimental literature. The festival gathers performers and audiences to inspire one another across boundaries.
festival18:30International poets take the stage at Caisa for the Runokuu poetry festival. An evening of English-language poetry for adult audiences.
concert20:00Pronoias takes the stage at Lepakkomies in Helsinki on 19 August 2026.
exhibition12:00Over 30 artists showcase their work in the Old School exhibition at Jyväskylä's Lyseum annex, featuring indoor galleries, graffiti on courtyard walls, and three rotating exhibitions.
festival17:00Sauna Hopping event at Revontuli beach resort where you can hop between five different saunas, from smoke sauna to igloo sauna, with outdoor hot tubs and lake bathing.
exhibition10:00Visit Muurame Church, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1929, representing Nordic classicism with Italian influences.
concert18:00Folk Saimaa performs beloved Saimaa orchestra music in an intimate quartet arrangement on Siltanen's terrace in August.
concert19:00Sam Shaky and Nightbird perform at Semifinal with dark americana and folk noir music blending indie rock with classic blues tradition.
other11:00Harju observation tower in Jyväskylä offers 360-degree views across the city and lake landscapes. Entry is free, and the tower also houses a natural history museum and restaurant.
lecture(120 days)
The senior reading circle meets once a month to read today's newspapers together, discuss the news, and share thoughts. You can also attend just to listen.
lecture18:00A guided park walk from Hotel Pier 4's rooftop garden to Tove Jansson Park, featuring conversations about moomins and the history of the parks. Suitable for all fitness levels.
other11:30A creative workshop in intuitive writing at Jyväskylä Art Museum, drawing inspiration from the summer exhibitions. Led by wellbeing writing instructor Jarna Pihlajamäki.
other(113 days)
Practice reading aloud with a patient reading dog at Tölö Library. The dog reduces reading stress and is especially helpful for people with dyslexia.
theater17:00Shaghayegh Ansari leads audiences on a guided audio walk through Helsinki's streets to explore ecological loss and migration. The performance projects stories from endangered cities and questions where crises truly belong.
theater09:15A puppet theatre production about plants and growth for young audiences. The performance introduces natural plants and invites children to make their own observations and discoveries.
theater17:00Theatre rehearsals at Stadin yhteisötalo Alppila. Free entry.
exhibition10:00Entrance ticket to Tytyri Elämyskaivos mine with free access to exhibitions and the family-friendly Peikkoluola area approximately 100 metres underground.
other12:00The luxury houseboat in Jyväskylä harbour features a unique glass igloo sauna with a wood-fired stove. A three-hour experience costs 590 euros for up to 10 people.
exhibition11:00A group exhibition by seven contemporary artists exploring trees and their significance. The exhibition is spread across multiple locations in Keuruu, with the opening day offering free admission.
exhibition11:00The Haihatus summer exhibition Rihmasto showcases twenty Finnish artists in galleries, gardens, and outbuildings. The exhibition features installations, sculptures, and interactive works, alongside a vegan summer café and Art Camping accommodation.
exhibition12:00The Frans Toikkanen centenary exhibition showcases a comprehensive selection of works by this significant Finnish graphic artist and sculptor spanning five decades. The exhibition includes woodcuts, mezzotints, serigraphs, sculptures and previously unseen pieces, along with the artist's personal objects.
exhibition12:00A retrospective of 90-year-old printmaker Anneli Klemola, showcasing her vibrant woodcuts, paintings, and metal engravings. The exhibition traces her artistic journey and life shared with her fellow student.
exhibition12:00Metsägalleria Tapio showcases Finnish and international artists in an invitational exhibition celebrating nature's balance and celestial themes. The exhibition runs from 28.7.-30.8.2026.
lecture13:00Free group coaching for Helsinki residents under 30 considering entrepreneurship or starting a business. Four three-hour sessions in August at Kamppi.
lecture13:00A webinar for aspiring entrepreneurs covering the first steps of starting a business in Finland, including information about startup grants.
lecture13:00Free online workshop where you will receive guidance on creating a job seeker profile on the Labour Market Platform. The workshop is designed for Helsinki residents with basic computer skills.
lecture(113 days)
A monthly reading circle at Sello Library where participants discuss various books together. In August, the group reads Sven Mikser's "Vareda".
lecture(120 days)
A peer support group for rainbow seniors meeting monthly at Kontulan Senior Centre. Open to pensioners and unemployed people with a service centre card, with the option to participate remotely.
lecture17:00Risto Kangas presents his multilingual poetry collection Amor y Pasión at Oodi library. The poems in five languages explore love, longing, pain, and hope.
lecture17:00A guided walk through Jyväskylä University's botanical garden exploring plant collections and the history of Seminaari Hill. The one-kilometre route traverses Finland's first public education botanical garden.
lecture17:00An English-language panel discussion on poetry's role in times of crisis. Three international writers and critics explore how poetry can intervene and endure in today's uncertain climate.
lecture(57 days)
A film club where participants discuss the themes raised by films together. Throughout the autumn, artificial intelligence, difference, and human connection are explored through classic films - no prior experience required.
other10:00Ranua Resort Wildlife Park is one of Finland's northernmost zoos, home to Arctic and native Finnish animals in a natural Lapland setting.
other(281 days)
Bridge 47 ry hosts an event to advance global civic education and sustainable development through collaboration and advocacy.
other(120 days)
MLL's family café at Torpparinmäki playground where parents meet and children play together. Light snacks are served.
other(120 days)
Solmu is a free and open language café where you practice speaking Finnish in everyday situations. Beginners are welcome and no registration is needed.
other(281 days)
UNICEF volunteers craft dolls whose sale supports children's wellbeing. Each doll goes to a family that donates 20-40 euros or more to UNICEF's work.
other(134 days)
Reading dog Luna listens to children read at Munkkiniemi Library. These 15-minute sessions help especially children who find reading difficult or anxiety-inducing.
other(113 days)
Open story time at Sellon library's children's section where stories are read in Finnish for children, parents, and grandparents.
lecture13:00A Swedish-language guided walk through Suomenlinna's history and present day, with free entry to the Ehrensvärd Museum.
other10:00A city adventure in Jyväskylä's centre where you solve a mystery surrounding a fictional company. A 3.5 km route guides you through searching for clues, examining physical evidence, and following a story that spans two timelines.
other11:00m/s Mässkär transports passengers from Pietarsaari to Mässkär island throughout the summer. The cruise takes approximately 3-4 hours and the island has a café-restaurant.
other10:15Chair gymnastics is an exercise programme designed for people using a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
other09:00Self-directed sewing club at Töölö service centre on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Open to retirees and unemployed residents of Helsinki.
other14:00A cruise from Jyväskylä to Säynätsalo aboard s/s Suomi, featuring a guided tour exploring architect Alvar Aalto's life and architectural legacy.
other18:00Hangasjärven sauna opens on Wednesdays throughout the summer with separate sessions for women and men. The sauna fee is voluntary.
other16:00The Skateboard Package offers skateboarding instruction at Stoa Square. Professional instructor Petrus Marttila teaches the basics and skateboard culture rules - equipment can be borrowed on site.
other17:30Free partner dances for everyone at Maunula-talo's summer square. No experience or partner needed - instructors from Dance Theatre Tsuumi will guide you.
other13:00Baby Meetups is a gathering place for families with infants at Perhetalo Kajuutta. Meetings are held four days a week with varied activities, guidance, and motor skill exercises.
other(274 days)
Seed Art Studio's English-language art course for 7-9-year-olds exploring different cultures through art while practicing English.
Multi-day exhibitions and festivals still on today.
festivalin progress
Allas Live is a summer-long concert series at Allas Pool from May to September featuring Finnish and international artists across multiple music genres.
theater(124 days)
Esa Leskinen's historical drama about Finland's struggle to preserve democracy during the Cold War. Urho Kekkonen is the central character, portrayed by Janne Reinikainen and Vesa Vierikko at different ages.
festivalin progress
Ilmajoen Musiikkijuhlat presents a jubilee opera and concerts. Isoviha tells the story of Russia's invasion of Ostrobothnia through family bonds and maternal love.
festivalin progress
A Nordic dance festival with over a hundred events throughout the week, ranging from international guest performances to courses and seminars. GöteborgsOperans Danskompani presents works by leading choreographers.
theater(87 days)
Tiina Puumalainen's new drama Lady T explores the meeting between Margaret Thatcher and a hotel worker. The play portrays Britain's first female prime minister - a powerful leader who remained distant from her children.
theater(32 days)
Remembrance Day is a Finnish theatre production about Finns who emigrated to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and became victims of Stalin's terror.
musical(136 days)
A musical where Julia takes control of her own life after Romeo. Written by Emmy-winning screenwriter David West Read and composed by Max Martin, filled with 1990s and 2000s hits.
festival(19 days)
The Nordic region's largest multidisciplinary festival brings together music, theatre, dance and visual art. Helsinki Festival is an annual cultural event that attracts audiences from around the world.
exhibitionin progress
Agni Kuokkanen presents an exhibition about hidden feelings and experiences through charcoal drawings, ceramics, and sculptural jewelry.
ballet(14 days)
Tiia Kasurinen presents her choreographic work Birds of Paradise, a physical and playful exploration of rituals, power, and gender roles inspired by the courtship dances of birds of paradise and stereotypical masculinity.
ballet(12 days)
Willman Dance Company presents an immersive performance USKO-FAITH on Suomenlinna that explores faith as an event in the human mind. The audience moves alongside performers through different scenes, with physical participation remaining voluntary. The performance is complemented by a free glass art exhibition.
lecturein progress
An architecture walk exploring Alvar Aalto's human-centred modernism in Helsinki. Discover Finlandia Hall, the Iron House, and the Academic Bookstore with an expert guide.
festivalin progress
A summer hub in Kallio combining market, live music, cultural events and food. Open from lunch to late evening throughout the season.
exhibitionin progress
KOKIMO collective's interactive work Tablescape opens HAM's New Contemporary Art Space. Around a long dining table, the human relationship to nature and ecosystems is explored through light, projection, and sound.
festivalin progress
Urkuyö and Aaria is one of Finland's oldest classical music festivals, held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer in Espoo. In 2026, the festival marks its 40th anniversary under the artistic direction of opera singer Tuomas Katajala.
festivalin progress
Live music on the summer terrace of Finlandia Park Hotel every weekend throughout the season. Free admission with a varied programme of Finnish bands and artists.
festivalin progress
Wine tasting on Vallisaari's seaside terrace with a sommelier presenting five wines and tapas. Open to all, no prior experience required.
festivalin progress
Finland's largest organ festival with over a hundred concerts throughout summer 2026. The programme includes organ concerts alongside singers, instrumentalists, choirs and vocal ensembles.
festivalin progress
Vekara-Varkaus is a children's festival with diverse art forms, hobbies, adventures and workshops for kids of all ages.
festivalin progress
Iitti Music Festival is a chamber music festival centred on a wooden cross church over 300 years old. The highlights include a piano concert and a midnight concert.
festivalin progress
Film festival in Sodankylä featuring international and Finnish directors under the midnight sun.
festivalin progress
Free film screenings for families with babies at Pasila Library, with a baby-friendly environment featuring dimmed lighting, lower sound levels, and freedom of movement.
festivalin progress
The Sommelo Folk Music Festival in Kuhmo showcases traditional and oral music through both classical and contemporary interpretations, from rune singing to modern artistic expression.
festivalin progress
Musiikin aika is a contemporary music festival in Viitasaari featuring Finnish and international composers and performers. The programme includes world premieres and academic activities.
festivalin progress
The Nordic region's oldest cultural festival offers a week of music, theatre, exhibitions, films and activities for the whole family.
festivalin progress
Finland's oldest and largest festival for poetry, recitation, and small-scale theatre. Performances, author meetings, and discussions for the whole family.
festivalin 5 days (32 days)
Oulu Festival Weeks is a major cultural festival series culminating in the Delta Life weekend in August. The programme features music festivals, arts events, and cultural activities, with most events free to enter.
festival(21 days)
Turku Music Festival presents opera, chamber music and orchestras in historic halls and the archipelago. Performances by distinguished classical musicians.
festival(10 days)
The Malmi Summer Festival 2026 offers a diverse August programme on Ala-Malmi Square featuring concerts, workshops and children's activities - all completely free.
exhibition(16 days)
A multisensory exhibition and event exploring the values and future of the forest through art, music, workshops, and theatre performances at Kanneltalo in August.
festival(127 days)
Open film screening for children and families every Friday at Tapiola Library. The first Friday of the month features a film for all ages, while other Fridays let the audience choose.
festival(6 days)
Classic horror films screen under the stars at the Falkman courtyard with authentic 35 mm projection. A curated selection of European and American masterpieces spanning different eras.
exhibition(24 days)
Maria Koskivirta's new short film explores reality as a mechanical machine. Exhibition at Forum Box gallery 7-30 August 2026.
exhibition(24 days)
Three concurrent exhibitions at Forum Box: Tianjun Li's "Bird Collisions", Pavel Rotts's "Matter of Touch", and Yujie Zhou's "Health Hammer". Free admission.
exhibition(356 days)
This exhibition presents Elga Sesemann's (1922-2007) extensive artistic output and her significant role in modern Finnish art. Ateneum Art Museum, 18.8.2026-8.8.2027.
lecturein progress
A one-hour guided tour of Alvar Aalto's iconic Kulttuuritalo, exploring the building's modernist architecture, history, and political significance.
festivalin progress
PK-Live is a free Saturday music series at Henry's Distillery & Music Bar in the Cultural Barracks. The lineup features Ilari Hämäläinen, Phantom Boogie Duo, Jasmine Wynants-Granfelt, and Ivan Radeka.
concertin progress
Avantin Suvisoitto presents classical music concerts in Porvoo for all ages. The programme features soloists and conductors of world-class calibre.
musicalin progress
The musical drama Myrskyluodon Maija, based on Anni Blomqvist's classic, is performed at Kivinokka summer theatre in summer 2026. The lead roles are played by Heidi Kyrö, Inga Sulin and Juho Taskinen.
clubin progress
A monthly silent reading circle at Pasila Library where participants read quietly together. Each person brings their own book and enjoys a peaceful reading session without discussion.
clubin progress
Men's Café brings together Arabic-speaking men for coffee and conversation.
clubin progress
Bridge club meets every Friday at Kinaporin senior centre. A classic card game for all skill levels.
clubin progress
A men's group meets at Laajasalo Service Centre for conversation and companionship. The event is for pensioners and unemployed people with a service centre card.
club(22 days)
Jouhikko jams meet on Wednesday evenings in August at the summer courtyard of Richardsgatan Library. You can play the jouhikko or other quiet instruments, try new sounds, or simply listen.
lecture(29 days)
A peer-supported reading circle for POC readers meeting twice at Tikkurila Library. The group explores Carmen Baltzar's debut work carmen, with discussion and reflection at the second meeting.
club(113 days)
Weekly board game club for adults at Lippulaiva Library. No experience needed, rules are taught, and you can bring your own games. Free entry, no registration.
club(127 days)
Free knitting club at Puistola Library on Wednesday evenings. Suitable for both beginners and experienced craft enthusiasts.
club(127 days)
Amateur musicians gather at Tikkurila Library to play pop music classics together. Feel free to bring your own instruments.
club(120 days)
Karaoke for singers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. No singing talent required, and you can also just listen.
club(288 days)
Free karaoke evening at Stadi Community Centre Alppila. Open to everyone - no experience needed. You can sing or just listen.
+ 187 more long-running events — see the calendar.