August events in Helsinki – discover this month's best things to do!

Kallio Block Party transforms the streets of Kallio into one huge urban celebration, bringing people together for live music, art and food on the first Saturday of August. Organised entirely by volunteers, the event once again features dozens of artists and DJs performing across multiple stages throughout Kallio and Alppila. The programme runs from midday until late.

If you're not ready to call it a night, the official afterparty takes place at KULT Club in Kulttuuritalo, with performances by KATTO and PTNKY (tickets €17).

Free entry.

The second-to-last free blanket flea market of the summer takes place outside Café Regatta on Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Browse for bargains, then enjoy a coffee and pastry on the café's sunny terrace. If you've still got energy afterwards, make the most of the waterfront by hiring a kayak, SUP board or rowing boat from Regatta.

No registration or advance booking required.

The Dansbana open-air dance floor, built at Lasipalatsi Square for the summer, hosts free dance performances every Monday. On the first Monday of August, cabaret collective DeLyxx presents Decadence at 5pm. Known for their playful, kitsch-infused performances, the collective explores hyper and alter egos, audience interaction, drag, and the ways we claim and share space. Dansbana is the city's own dance floor, where anyone is welcome to dance, rehearse or perform.

All Dansbana events are free.

Discover Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden and its arboretum on free guided tours running until 22 August. Outdoor garden tours take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11.30am, followed by arboretum tours at 12.30pm on the same days. Afterwards, stop by the charming Café Viola, which is open every day of the week.

Free admission. No advance registration required.

Superterassi's penultimate Pepsi Max Live Wednesday takes place on 5 August, with Hugo taking to the stage at 7.30pm. The day's programme begins with Lingonperry's New Music Afternoon, featuring Auno & Sekosysteemi from 2pm to 2.45pm. Alongside its packed summer programme, Superterassi offers a wide range of food and drink options. The venue remains open until 13 August, so there's still time to soak up the events and terrace atmosphere.

Free entry. The concert is open to all ages.

Experience what it's like to run on the Olympic Stadium's athletics track during the venue's summer open track sessions. The track is open to everyone on selected evenings from 4pm to 8pm. In August, sessions take place on 4, 6 and 11 August. If you're still in a sporting mood afterwards, climb the Olympic Stadium Tower for panoramic views or visit the TAHTO Sports Museum.

The track sessions are free. Admission charges apply to the museum and tower.

Held at Helsinki Ice Hall, better known locally as Nordis, Hellsinki (7–8 Aug) is the darker, hungrier challenger to Tuska, which has gradually evolved into a more laid-back mainstream celebration. This year's line-up includes metal legends such as Opeth, Accept, Paradise Lost and Carcass, alongside rare performances including Triptykon's Celtic Frost set and Misþyrming and Nergal performing Behemoth's Sventevith album.

The Vintage Market, familiar from Puotila Manor, arrives at Teurastamo for the weekend of 8–9 August. Browse a carefully curated selection of vintage and second-hand finds, from fashion to home décor, with traders setting up in the courtyard outside HuuHaa Astro Bar & Bistro from 11am to 6pm.

Free entry.

Celebrate Finnish national icon Tove Jansson's birthday at Helsinki Art Museum with coffee, cake and a day of special events. The first 100 visitors will be treated to vegan coffee and cake in HAM's ticket hall, followed by live music. Children's Skidit Disco parties begin at 1pm and 3pm, while at 2pm Paleface spins highlights from the record collection of Tove and her lifelong partner, Tuulikki Pietilä. Mark the occasion with a visit to HAM's Tove Jansson Gallery, which explores the life and work of the artist's family.

Free entry. No advance registration required.

Skeittikontti offers free skateboarding sessions for all ages with guidance from experienced instructors until the end of August. Skateboards are available to borrow on site, and instructors are always on hand to help. Adult Monday sessions run from 6pm to 7.30pm, while free beginner sessions are also held every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Free entry.