What to do in Helsinki in July: the month’s best things to see and do

As the name suggests, Wednesdays on Vallisaari are all about dining with strangers. Dinner with Strangers invites guests to enjoy a multi-course surprise menu paired with wines, all in the company of people they’ve never met before. To help get the conversation flowing, each table comes with a set of ready-made discussion prompts. The summer programme at IISI Vallisaari is packed with things to do, too, including wine tastings, dating events, scenic Pilates sessions, stand-up comedy and parties.

Dinner costs €49. Vallisaari can be reached in around 20 minutes by JT-Line ferry from Market Square.

Elsewhere, July kicks off with Family Day at Restaurant Backas, while CoolHead’s July live music series opens with performances from Pilven Piirtäjät and Nössö Nova.

Throughout the summer, Malja’s terrace transforms into an open-air cinema from Thursday to Sunday. If Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, screening on 2 July, isn’t quite your thing, the July programme offers a varied line-up of classics for both adults and children. Films generally start at 19.00 unless otherwise stated. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

It’s worth arriving early to secure a good spot for the screening.

The Coca-Cola Fan Zone, which popped up in Kansalaistori in June, is not only screening Women’s World Cup matches but also serving as an event venue until mid-July. One thing is guaranteed on Friday 3 July: the entire fan zone will be dancing. Dose is taking over with a six-hour open-air DJ set featuring afrobeats, house classics and club edits.

Free entry.

Elsewhere, the international skateboarding event Helride takes over the Suvilahti DIY Skatepark from 3-5 July.

On Saturday, Kulttuuritalo celebrates the era of Madonna’s True Blue, marking 40 years since the release of the pop icon’s classic album. Expect a night packed with timeless pop anthems, nostalgia, remixes and some of modern pop’s biggest dancefloor hits.

Tickets from €11.50.

Meanwhile, Tervasaari hosts the community-focused Tervasaari Jams music event. Expect a lively open-air atmosphere with live music and good vibes from 17.00-22.00.

Throughout the summer, the Japanese retro dessert pop-up café Kissa Azayaka Coffee takes over restaurant Owan from 10.00-18.00. Alongside its cosy atmosphere and warm service, you’ll find a tempting selection of nostalgic Japanese sweets, including custard puddings, cake slices and refreshing soda drinks that are perfect for hot summer days. A strong recommendation from us.

The pop-up café is generally held on Sundays at Owan on Uudenmaankatu.

On Eino Leino Day, the stage at Espa hosts Päivitä Leino, an event celebrating Finnish poetry, spoken word and singer-songwriters. The programme also includes the announcement of the 2026 Eino Leino Prize winner. Performers include two-time Finlandia Prize-winning author Jukka Viikilä, poet Aura Nurmi, singer-songwriter Miikka Leivo, writer and literary all-rounder Susinukke Kosola, and spoken word artist Rauhatäti.

Free entry.

The Lego Jurassic World exhibition is the perfect indoor activity for families during the summer holidays, especially if the weather isn’t playing ball. Then again, it’s pretty spectacular whatever the forecast. This dinosaur-themed experience has been built using more than six million Lego bricks and remains open until early September.

Day ticket €20.90, flexible ticket €29.90.

At Uuno in Jätkäsaari, summer Wednesdays mean live terrace jam sessions, with dates in July on 8 July and 29 July. Terdejamit kicks off with the house band and a line-up of guest vocalists before opening the stage to anyone who wants to join in. On 8 July, the music comes courtesy of jazz outfit Mäkelä-Dunkel Family Quintet. The jam session runs from 18.00-21.00.

Kaiku’s new club concept, Dare Disco, returns every Thursday throughout the summer. Better still, entry is free all season long. Expect a soundtrack packed with some of the best pop and indie tracks from the past few decades.

You can stay all night for the price of the cloakroom fee (€3.90). Doors open at 22.00.

Downtown Calling takes over Helsinki Ice Hall, better known as Nordis, with a line-up featuring nearly 30 of the biggest names in alternative and indie music, alongside a strong selection of underground and hip hop artists. A handful of international acts are also on the bill. Friday’s highlights include Ege Zulu, Maustetytöt, Mobb Deep ft. Havoc, Louna0nline, DJ Ibusal and Malla.

Tickets cost €99.90 for one day or €159.90 for a two-day pass.

There’s plenty more happening across the city this summer Friday, too. FunDesign Market is in full swing, Lapinlahden Lähde hosts a yoga festival, and Alvar Aalto Park comes alive with the Alvar Summer Party.