Please note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the complications it may have, most events have or potentially will be cancelled in Finland.
The Government’s recommendation is that all gatherings involving more than 500 people indoors must be cancelled.
For more information, see:
– COVID-19: What’s Happening in Denmark?
– Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
– European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Springing into March? You’re not the only one! As there’s no shortage of events in the Finnish capital this month. With plenty of fairs and festivals, including a tattoo convention, children’s festival at Espoo’s Museum of Modern Art, and Roihuvuori’s returning book fair. March is also the month to celebrate International Women’s Day, so you can be sure there’s plenty of feminist events to add to the normal crop of concerts and courses.
Here’s what’s happening in Helsinki this month, including workshops, exhibitions, concerts, and book fairs:
Monday 2nd March
Hel Tech
Hel Tech is a monthly tech meetup in Helsinki. It brings together tech and startup enthusiasts, experts, and investors to discuss new trends and fresh ideas. This month, the topic being discussed is the gaming industry, including how it has grown over the past 10 years in Finland. If you purchase a 5€ priority ticket, you get access to the pre-networking event, complete with free drinks. Regular tickets are free.
Rex Fest: Feminism, Gender, and Real Action
Every Monday in March, the Bio Rex cinema will bring new-media art to the big screen. For the first Monday, Tytti Rantanen has curated a show of both Finnish and international works about feminism and gender. The night includes eight films ranging from realistic to surreal. Tickets are 8€.
Tuesday 3rd March
weaving at Verstas247
Come to crafts workshop Verstas247 to learn how to use natural materials – hemp, jute, wool, etc – to make a woven wall hanging. The experts at the workshop will teach you how to pull it all together in three hours. Tickets are 35€.
An Entry to Iranian Music #1: Rhythms in Persian Poetry
An interactive session with Mohsen Namjoo, a musician, songwriter, and poet, held at The Museum of Impossible Forms. Namjoo will open up the world of rhythm in Persian poetry from the 9th century and later, explaining how they relate to Iranian music. Entry is free.
Wedneday 4th March
Jokrates, Jere Lilja and Peltokurki at on the rocks
A triple threat. Fans of contemporary pop and hip-hop, make sure you’re at On The Rocks bar for this night. Jokrates, winner of Finland’s 2019 rap championships, will take to the stage first, followed by Jere Lilja, a Helsinki native singer-songwriter, and Peltokurki, from northern Finland. Tickets are 6€.
Thursday 5th March
A wo/man for women
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an event aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs. All are welcome to join this night of panel talks, guided networking, and refreshments. Tickets are 20,51€
Helsinki Drink Festival
Once again, Vanha Ylioppilastalo will fill with offerings from Finland’s best cocktail bars and international alcohol brands. There will be organized tastings and workshops, including a chance to make your own cocktail. Tickets are 12€, samples are purchased separately.
Friday 6th March
Ne Vinovata (Not Her Fault)
Ne Vinovata is an international DIY initiative that originally started in Russia and Belarus. Held every year on or around International Women’s Day, the event raises awareness for domestic violence prevention and funds for survivors. Expect live music, spoken word, and drag performances at Loukko.
Saturday 7th March
Menstruation revolution: Documentary and discussion
Plan International Finland presents a screening of “Period. End of Sentence,” the winner of Best Short Documentary at the 2019 Oscars. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with representatives from Plan, Väestöliitto, and Lunette. Free event.
Tueday 10th – Saturday 14th March
Penkereen Speksi 2020: Äärella Meren
Theatre group Penkereen Speksi’s immersive performance takes place in a small fishing village in Scotland in 1978. Through musical numbers and interactive storytelling, the audience finds themselves asking the same questions as the characters: What is love? Where do I belong? And does anyone see me? Tickets are 20€.
Thursday 12th March
Anna Murtola & Guests
Flamenco singer Anna Murtola perfroms in celebration of her solo album Fuego Por Dentro. In addition to traditional flamenco, Murtola adds aspects of Arabian music, tango, and other sounds from around the world. Murtola’s will be joined by Lotta-Maria Pitkänen and Ali Haithem. Tickets are 15€.
Princess Nokia at Tavastia
The American-Puerto Rican rapper, Princess Nokia, arrives in Finland to perform as part of her European tour. Nokia has made a name for herself through her use of feminist, sexually subversive lyrics, and deep-cut emo referencing. She is supported by Tkay Maidza, the Zimbabwean-born Australian singer-songwriter and rapper. Tickets start at 32€.
Friday 13th March
Jack Friday III: Draama-Helmi
Bar Loose’s third Jack Daniels inspired music night, “Jack Friday,” falls on Friday the 13th – do you dare come? You’d better, since the artist on stage is the local Finnish Draama-Helmi, whose music has been described as experimental hip hop with a “childlike voice [that] blurs strange, naive, and dreamy stories past the beat.” Free event.
Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd March
Bravo! Festival
Introduce the next generation to the magic of performing arts with Bravo! Festival. Aimed at families with children, from babies to teens, the festival includes theatre, dance, circus, and workshops. Performances will take place in multiple cultural centers around Helsinki. Tickets are 0-7€.
Saturday 14th March
Lau Nau at Roihuvuoren Rio
Roihuvuoren Rio welcomes Lau Nau, AKA Laura Naukkarinen, a Finnish singer-songwriter and producer. Her music explores an intersection between experimental contemporary pop and traditional folk sounds. Due to demand, there will be two sets, one at 6 pm and another at 8 pm. Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-want basis but spaces are limited.
Sunday 15th March
Bellydance with metalmusic
Look, no one thought peanut butter and jelly would work but here we are. Studio Shangri-La plays host to this creative marriage of styles: Belly dance from the middle east is taught to metal music, arguably Finland’s greatest export. Tickets are 15€, please sign up by Friday 13th.
IAMDDB at Tavastia
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Manchester, UK, brings her combination of hip-hop, trap, and urban jazz on a 23-city tour around Europe, with a stop at the famous Tavastia music club. Tickets are 26€.
Tuesday 17th March
turn plastic into jewelry
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, or at least this is the case for jewelry designer Wiebke Pandikow, who has been upcycling plastic bags into jewelry for years. She’ll be leading the course at Verstas247, where participants will make earrings, necklaces, or brooches using their own plastic bag or one from Verstas. Price is 35€.
Wednesday 18th March
SOFA: BFF album release
Rap duo SOFA are finally releasing their long-awaited, full-length album, and are celebrating with a concert at Tavastia. SOFA are known for their energetic live shows and lyrics that celebrate feminism, equality, and freedom. Tickets start at 14€.
Thursday 19th March
Muro, Kohti Tuloa, and Generals at Kuudes Linja Club
Columbian band Muro brings Bogotá-style hardcore punk to Finland on their three-city tour. On the 19th, they’ll be in Helsinki’s Kuudes Linja Club. Muro are well known for their festival appearances around the world. Opening for Muro are Kohti Tuhoa and Generals. Tickets are 10-12€.
Friday 20th March
Litku Klemetti and Kynnet at Konepaja
Recently opened cultural center, Konepaja, is back in action for spring and welcomes Litku Klemetti and Kynnet to its stage. Both acts, armed with recently released new music, will be playing lo-fi pop-rock and power-pop. Tickets start at 22,50€.
Saturday 21st March
Children’s Museum Festival: Space Odyssey 2020
Espoo’s Museum of Modern Art transforms WeeGee’s backyard into a space station for a day and invites children to explore. The station, led by Captain Futuro, brings with it music, dance, workshops, and art. The festival premieres two shows: Sisidisko’s Disco Rocket performance, and Ventriloquist Sari Aalto’s Cosmic Show. Let’s get out of this world! Free for children, adults pay for museum entry (12€).
Roihuvuori Book Fair
For the third year, the eastern Helsinki neighborhood of Roihuvuori hosts a book fair for authors and readers alike. The fair will play host to many well-known Finnish writers, including Antti Tuuri, Riikka Pelo, Elina Hirvonen, Ville Ranta, Tomi Kontio, Tuutikki Tolonen, Pauliina Haasjoki, Meiju Niskala, Tommi Uschanov and Timo Forss. Free event.
Friday 27th – Sunday 29th MarchHelsinki Ink
Helsinki Ink
Every year, Helsinki hosts Helsinki Ink, a large international tattoo convention. This year, there will be 68 international artists from 17 countries in attendance, as well as 68 Finnish artists. The program includes multiple stage performances and even a few competitions. Tickets range from 16-26€.
Friday 27th MarchDark Omens: Art workshop
Dark Omens: Art workshop
Calling all goths, punks, rockers, occultists, and anyone interested in the darker side of life. This creative workshop starts with a relaxation exercise, followed by collage art that celebrates those who dwell in dark aesthetics and dreamy visuals. No previous artistic experience is required. Tea and snacks are on offer to all participants. Tickets are 40€.
Saturday 28th March
Suicide records: Demonic Death Judge, Mammoth Storm and Tryer
Suicide Records is celebrating three years in Finland by throwing a party with three loud and exciting acts. Demonic Death Judge starts the night with their own album release celebration. Mammoth Storm, from Sweden, keeps the party going and Finnish band, Tryer, play you into the small hours.
Sunday 29th March
HESY Flea Market
A flea market that even fleas would want to attend! HESY, the Helsinki Animal Rights Organisation, is hosting this market for everyone looking to buy or sell pet supplies and other treasures. You can book a spot for 20€, and either bring your own table or rent one for 5€. HESY will also provide a buffet for the day.
Jon Hopkins at Helsinki music hall
British electronic music star Jon Hopkins makes a stop in Helsinki on his European “Polarity” tour. He plays at Helsinki Music Hall, which is sure to be an interesting departure from his usual festival atmosphere. Julianna Barwick supports. Tickets start at 46€.
Ongoing in March
Natalia Goncharova at ateneum
Russian artist, Natalia Goncharova, created avant-garde work in the early 20th century. This exhibition, previously shown at Tate Modern in London and the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, includes more than 100 pieces of her work; ranging from paintings to illustrations, costumes to sketches. Goncharova’s wide-ranging practice drew inspiration from folk art and religious icons. Tickets are 17€.
Nastja Säde Rönkkö: for those yet to be
Young Artist of the Year, Nastja Säde Rönkkö, brings her series of video performances to EMMA in Espoo. The performances, created around the world between 2016-18, explore the relationship between emotions and ecological destruction. Adult tickets are 12€.
If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!
Get new articles, interesting links and upcoming events delivered to your inbox every month. No spam. Unsubscribe whenever you want.
Header image by Moomins creator Tove Jansson