Helsinki Day at the Heart – main event of Helsinki Day

Free programme for all ages throughout the day at Kamppi

In the very heart of Helsinki – at Kamppi’s Narinkkatori and Lasipalatsi Square – a festive event celebrating the city’s birthday will take place on Helsinki Day, Thursday, June 12. This all-day, free of charge and open event will feature live music, film screenings, sports activities, and participatory art.

The Helsinki Day at the Core event area is divided into two parts across Kamppi’s squares. At Narinkkatori, visitors can enjoy the joys and spirit of football as HJK sets up an inflatable football field in the square. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet role models from HJK’s first team, play games, and take part in light-hearted competitions.

On Lasipalatsi Square, artist Greta Muuris will create a participatory and experiential art installation titled The Blue Carpet. In this work, a long blue carpet transforms into a stage for event guests and passers-by – each step taken on the carpet, whether alone or together, dancing, leaping, marching, or tiptoeing, becomes part of the piece. Along the carpet, visitors can leave messages, drawings, thoughts, or greetings for others on designated message boards.

The square will also feature a glimpse into Helsinki’s past through Hufvudstadsbladet’s City Life photo exhibition, based on archival press photographs of the city. Annantalo will bring a joyful clown parade to the event, led by experienced clowns Bella & Siss. The day at Lasipalatsi Square will culminate in a live concert by Karri Koira, known for his danceable summer hits. The performance will also be broadcast live on the Helsinki Day Instagram channel.

Amos Rex’s exhibitions and Gilda cinema’s Helsinki-themed film screenings are free of charge on Helsinki Day. Screenings begin at 12:00 with “Kanelia kainaloon, Tatu ja Patu!”, followed by Peter von Bagh’s “Helsinki, ikuisesti” at 14:00, and Aki Kaurismäki’s acclaimed “Mies vailla menneisyyttä” at 16:00. Tickets for the screenings can be collected from the Gilda cinema box office while supplies last.

Helsinki Day schedule:

Lasipalatsi Square
– 11am–6pm The Blue Carpet.
– 11am–6pm Hufvudstadsbladet’s Urban Life photo exhibition
– 4.30pm Arrival of Annantalo’s Bella & Siss clown procession
– 7pm Karri Koira’s gig

Narinkkatori
11am–6pm HJK’s football-themed activities

Gilda Cinema 
Free film screenings in auditorium 1 at Gilda
– 12 noon Kanelia kainaloon, Tatu ja Patu! (70 min)
– 2pm Helsinki, forever (75 min)
– 4pm The Man Without a Past (75 min)

Kamppi Chapel
– 11 am–6pm –  free entry