What’s on in Helsinki this September: the best things to do

The autumn season at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet opens with the return of Swan Lake, back on stage after a break of a few years. One of the best-loved and most famous ballets in the world, it is something everyone should see at least once – or preferably several times – in their lifetime. The run begins on 21 August and continues until 11 September. In October, Swan Lake also returns to Helsinki in a guest production by the British Festival Ballet at Finlandia Hall on 23–24 October.

Tickets €31–130.

Habitare brings the latest in Nordic design, interiors and living back to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from 2–6 September. Expect themed areas, exhibitions, panel discussions and interviews. The Habitare Protos exhibition, for example, showcases some of the brightest ideas from young designers, while the winner of Habitare’s annual design competition will once again be announced during the fair.

Adult tickets €20–23.

The city’s architecture festival Open House Helsinki, running from 3–6 September, opens the doors to fascinating homes, studios and architecturally significant spaces that are normally off limits to the public. This year’s main theme is architectural competitions, and many of the locations featured are buildings that began life as competition entries. You can find the full programme and participating sites here. Sign up for tours as soon as you can, as many fill up quickly.

Tours and events are free of charge.

An English-language evening of gloriously over-the-top 19th-century melodrama, featuring The Terror of London and East Lynne. The performances come from NoName Theatre, Helsinki’s only English-language theatre company. Great choice for anyone in the mood for something a little eccentric, camp and unapologetically theatrical.

After a ten-year break, the Finnish Graffiti Championships return on Saturday, bringing together ten of Finland’s best graffiti artists. You can watch them at work outside Konepaja at Teollisuuskatu 16 from noon to 6pm, with the winners chosen jointly by the public and a jury.

Another street-culture title will be decided on the same day, as the Finnish Skateboarding Championships take place at Savela Skatepark.

Both events are free and open to all ages.

Camera enthusiasts, head east to Marjaniemi. On Sunday, Ivana Helsinki House hosts a large camera flea market from noon to 3pm, with affordable film and vintage cameras on sale. Even if you are only browsing, it is also a rare chance to have a look around the striking studio house and its architecture.

While you are in eastern Helsinki, you can also stop by the family-friendly Herttoniemi Village Festival at Herttoniemi Sports Park.

Free entry.

One of September’s most eagerly awaited events is the second Karhupuisto Film Festival, which was close to selling out when it debuted last summer. Screenings take place at several locations around Helsinki, with a programme of around 20 films including acclaimed international titles and more than ten Nordic premieres.

There is plenty beyond the films, too: interviews and discussions, a movie-themed flea market, a ‘pussikaljakävely’ – essentially a walk with supermarket beers – and plenty more besides. You can find the full festival programme and screening schedule here.

Festival pass €15/10. There are also several free screenings and events.

En Tidsresa is a leisurely walking performance that takes participants back to the early years of arts collective Oblivia. The route begins at the Tram Museum, continues to the Winter Garden and ends at the former VR railway warehouses. Along the way, you will hear memories and stories about Oblivia’s former performance spaces, its beginnings and the Helsinki that has changed around it over the years. Performances continue until 22 September.

Tickets €15/10. The performance lasts two hours. Places are limited, so booking early is recommended.

Launching in September, Musiikin tuolla puolen is a new club series exploring the music, stories and ideas of Finnish indie artists and rising stars through changing guests. After the conversation, each evening naturally culminates in live music.

The club takes place at Club & Music Hall Dubrovnik in the Vallila Konepaja district. Beloved singer-songwriter Antti Autio is the first artist to take the stage, on Wednesday 9 September. The evenings are hosted by Ella Ossi, who also interviews the artists.

Tickets €25 via Tiketti.

Wednesday is also a free-entry day at the Natural History Museum.

Red Nose Company’s About the Rite of Spring reimagines the 1913 classic through four clowns, physical comedy and dance. The clowns perform their own choreography to music composed especially for them, while exploring ideas of community, sacrifice and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Tickets €10–40. Running time two hours, including an interval.

In the evening, Espoo Cultural Centre hosts the Finnish premiere of the Venus & Adonis opera, part of the Espoo Baroque Days festival.