Helsinki this May

Across Helsinki, Vappu brings events to every corner of the city, whether you’re heading for a picnic in Kaivopuisto, a brunch or lunch, a concert or a night of dancing. Many kiosk cafés also reopen for the celebrations: at the Käpylä kiosk, for example, the opening day is packed with activity, including a sima-making competition.

On Vappu, brunch and lunch tables are laid out in restaurants on nearly every block as well as in Helsinki’s manor houses. As evening falls, you’ll find Vappu dances at venues such as Korjaamo.

How well do you know the islands off Helsinki’s coast? On the nature centre’s guided island tour, you’ll get to explore Harakka’s natural surroundings and pick up tips on observing island wildlife.

The tour (in Finnish) is free of charge and lasts one hour. No registration is required. The island can be reached by a ferry departing from Ullanlinnanlaituri. The tour starts in front of the nature centre at 13.

The ingredients of a perfect Sunday: a leisurely stroll and market coffee in the lively buzz, plus of course some treats from small producers to take home. The Hakaniemi farmers’ market is held on the first Sunday of every month. At the market, you’ll find products grown and made by numerous vendors themselves. There are also artisans and street food vendors on site.

Singer-songwriter Asla Jo has emerged as a notable name on Finland’s indie scene in recent years. Her debut album Papin tytär explores youth, loneliness and a longing for love. Asla Jo has described the record as a tender ode to solitude as well as an autofictional coming-of-age story. The tour, which began earlier this year, comes to a close at Tavastia in Helsinki on May 8 2026.

GetMoreTats brings its Time4Tats concept to Ääniwalli in Helsinki, where the tattoo event expands into music over the course of the day. Around 25 tattoo artists will be taking part. You can book appointments in advance, and ready-made flash designs will also be available. You can browse the artists beforehand via the organiser’s website or app. The concept combines spontaneous tattoos with pre-booked sessions in one event. As the evening goes on, the atmosphere shifts into a more club-like vibe with live music and electronic sets.

Savoy Theatre and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra’s popular lunch concerts continue this spring. Latin jazz is a musical dialogue between continents: upbeat, energetic and made for dancing. The jazz lunch can be booked via the Savoy Theatre box office or the Lippu.fi online store. The concert is part of UMO’s 50th anniversary programme.

The one-hour concert is free to attend, but a ticket is required. Please arrive in good time.