Helsinki: Events

You might be forgiven for thinking that the country is populated by drunks if you arrive in Helsinki during Vappu, the May Day festival of students and workers. A few weeks later on 12 June, Helsinki Day celebrates the city's anniversary with activities in Esplanadi Park. Also, throughout the summer, free classical and pop concerts are held every Sunday in Kaivopuisto park. The event of the year is the Helsinki Festival, an arts fest which runs from late August through to early September. The festival's high point is the Night of the Arts, with more than 100 free events. Another fun August festival is Art Goes Kapakka (Art Goes Bars), when musicians, poets, dancers and other performers take over the pubs.

In September there's the week-long Love and Anarchy Film Festival and in early October, the annual Baltic Herring Market, a 200-year-old tradition. Etnosoi, an ethnic music festival, kicks off in early November. Christmas is a special time in Helsinki, with the big Lucia parade in mid-December. Things slow down after the New Year, as locals stay inside during the coldest and darkest months. In spring, music lovers re-emerge for the April Jazz Festival in Espoo, featuring top-name Finnish and international performers.