What’s on in Helsinki this week

Autumn colours are on their way. As the week goes on, the trees should only become more spectacular. Some of the best places in Helsinki to admire the autumn foliage include Suomenlinna, Seurasaari, Tervasaari in Kruununhaka, Puu-Käpylä, Roihuvuori Cherry Park and Viikki Arboretum.

For Monday’s pick, head to Korjaamo, where Australian singer-songwriter Stu Larsen returns to Helsinki for an intimate show. Known for his warm, melodic folk-pop, Larsen has built a following with his storytelling songs and laid-back atmosphere. His latest Solitude project took shape over the course of a year, with 12 songs written in 12 different places around the world.

The evening opens with Imme & Julia Adriana.

Tickets €22 in advance and €25 on the door.

Finnish ’90s and early-2000s pop duo Nylon Beat celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album TYTÖT HALUAA with no fewer than four arena concerts at Helsinki Ice Hall.

Tickets are still available for the additional show on Wednesday 30 September, while the other concerts have already sold out. So if you are hoping to catch them live, it is worth moving quickly.

Tickets from €59.90.

Aavistus Festival brings audiovisual art and VJ (video jockey) culture to audiences across Helsinki and Vantaa from September 30 to October 4. The festival offers visual and sonic experiences, including performances, installations and workshops at venues across Helsinki and Vantaa. At Heureka’s planetarium, for example, there’ll be 360-degree fulldome performances, with works unfolding across the entire dome. More than 44 artists from Finland and abroad will take part in the festival.

Festival passes €64. Tickets to individual events €15-22.

Community-driven and independently organised Herttoniemi Jazzfest brings jazz to Herttoniemi’s courtyards and neighbourhoods from October 2-4. This year, the festival also features the AistiJazz concert series, which invites audiences to experience music through different senses. Expect live music led by a dance therapist, tasting snack cakes while listening to music and visual art created together with the audience.

You’ll find ticket prices for the festival and AistiJazz concerts on the organiser’s website.

The traditional Stadin Silakkamarkkinat (Helsinki Baltic Herring Market) is one of Helsinki’s oldest events, dating all the way back to 1743. Taking over Market Square from October 4-10, the fair gives visitors a taste of Helsinki’s maritime food culture. This year, a dedicated restaurant area will open at the market, while the stalls will branch out beyond herring to include other delicacies from the archipelago. On the opening day, the Silakkasoutu charity rowing event will also take place, raising funds this year for WWF Finland’s wetland conservation work.

If seafood doesn’t tempt you, or you’ve already had more than your fill, there’s another very Finnish food tradition to celebrate: Saturday is also Cinnamon Bun Day. Head to Helsinki’s cafés and bakeries and hunt down the city’s best korvapuusti.

Free entry.