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Helsinki is about to claim its place as Europe’s street snowboarding capital. On 7 March 2026, Red Bull Heavy Metal arrives in the Finnish capital – marking the first time the iconic event is staged outside North America.
At the heart of it all are the iconic steps of Helsinki Cathedral, which will be transformed into a high-stakes urban snowboarding arena. Expect some of the world’s best street riders dropping in on one of the most recognisable stair sets in Europe, right in the middle of the city – and yes, the event is completely free.
Why Helsinki?
Street snowboarding insiders already know the answer. The city has long enjoyed cult status in the global street riding scene, thanks to its architecture, handrails, staircases and no-nonsense winter conditions. It’s a place that has featured in international snowboard films.
‘Helsinki is a dream city for street snowboarding and has influenced top riders around the world,’ says Finnish snowboarding heavyweight Eero Ettala, who will host the event alongside TV personality Hannu-Pekka “HP” Parviainen, best known for his role in the Dudesons series.
According to Ettala, Helsinki is internationally renowned as a street snowboarding hot spot, offering particularly strong opportunities for street riding.
The event’s riding obstacles have been designed based on Helsinki’s most iconic rails, stair sets and everyday urban elements, many of which feature in international snowboarding films.
Snowboarding at the city’s most central address
It doesn’t get more central than this. Invited riders include Telma Särkipaju, previous Heavy Metal winners, international stars and rising talents from Finland and abroad. The competition area in front of the Cathedral will test riders’ creativity, style and ability to improvise in front of a crowd of thousands.
The arena at Senate Square will be built using recycled snow sourced from local ice rinks, turning the historic square into a temporary winter playground with a distinctly urban edge.
A win for Helsinki’s winter scene
Red Bull Heavy Metal has played a major role in bringing street snowboarding into the mainstream, and organisers expect up to 15,000 spectators to descend on Senate Square. The vibe? Part elite sports competition, part urban culture showcase, part winter festival.
‘A world-class international event like this strengthens Helsinki’s appeal as a year-round events city,’ says Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand and Events at the City of Helsinki. ‘It encourages people to see wintertime Helsinki in a completely new light.’
Red Bull Heavy Metal Helsinki 2026 is the final stop on the international tour, following events in Boston and Montreal.
📍 Red Bull Heavy Metal Helsinki
🗓 7 March 2026
📌 Senate Square / Helsinki Cathedral
🎟 Free entry, all day