Calendar

What’s On in Helsinki: November 2019

November in Helsinki begins with the remaining Halloween and All Saint’s Day celebrations that didn’t fit into October. After that, it’s time for movie festivals, music ranging from classical to punk, and the first holiday season markets. The huge startup event Slush rounds out the long list of things to do. Go forth and enjoy yourself!

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Here are all the best events happening in Helsinki this month:

Friday 1st November

Petojen yö – Halloween Heurekassa (Night of Predators – Halloween at Heureka)

Heureka is the Helsinki area’s grandest science museum, so it’s expected that they could throw a big party! This 18+ event will have chances to experiment in the laboratory, see a one-of-a-kind film in the planetarium, and listen to experts address chilling topics. Tickets are 15€.

 


 
 

Wave Helsinki

The electronic music genre “wave” was born on SoundCloud and has already made a mark on London’s and Los Angeles’s club scenes. Now it comes to Helsinki for the first time with Finnish wave artists Hyperforms, Elaksi, Foolish and DEVF. Tickets are 10-12€.

 
 
 

Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd November

Angamardana in Helsinki

Yoga school Shanti brings angamardana, a fitness system designed to help the whole body, to Helsinki. Angamardana can benefit your strength, aerobic ability, and stamina with no need for any exercise equipment. The two-day class is 195€.

 


 
 

Samova Fest

Samova Fest is an international festival of storytelling. It explores the theme of identity through performances, workshops, and artist meetings. Both adults and children will find events to enjoy. A one-day ticket is 35€, a two-day ticket is 49€, and single show tickets are 25€.

 
 
 

Saturday 2nd November

Kauhujen ilta Oodissa (Horror Night at Oodi)

If your family didn’t get enough Halloween fun during the previous week, central library Oodi has family Halloween activities on All Saint’s Day. Children and adults alike can find fun and spooky things to do! Free event.

 


 
 

Halloweenin kinokonsertti: Häxän + Mara Balls

Kino Regina is winding Helsinki down from Halloween by screening Häxän, one of the biggest silent films from the Nordic countries (directed by the Danish Benjamin Christensen). Accompanying the silent film will be rock guitarist Mara Balls and her band. Tickets are 15€.

 
 
 

Sunday 3rd November

Talvivaatevaihtajaiset aikuisille (Winter clothing swap for adults)

Cultural organisation Kallion Kulttuuriverkosto regularly organises swap meets such as this one. Bring some of your old winter clothing which is still in good condition and exchange it for new (to you!) clothing. Any leftover clothing will be donated to assist the homeless and impoverished. Free event.

 


 
 

Wednesday 6th – Friday 8th November

Korean Movie Festival

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea is presenting three Korean films over the course of three days at Kino K-13. The chosen films are “Forgotten”, “Juror 8”, and “A Quiet Dream”. Free admission to all films.

 
 
 

Wednesday 6th November

Naisten hemmottelupäivät Yrjönkadun uimahallissa (Women’s Pampering Days at Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall)

One of Helsinki’s central swimming halls is hosting pampering days for ladies with an array of available services. In addition to the swimming itself, you can also get spa treatments such as Indian head massages and facials. Light spa treatments are 7€ each, entrance to swimming hall is 5,50€.

 


 
 

Thursday 7th November

Collaborative Feminist Manifesto Workshop

Aalto University’s group Aalto Student Intersectional Feminists (ASIF) wants the public’s help to craft a document outlining the beliefs and ideas of intersectional feminists. To participate, register by emailing the organiser at [email protected]. Free event.

 
 
 

Friday 8th November

Pää Kii + Pojat

Two Finnish punk music favourites, Pää Kii and Pojat, are among the first artists to take the stage at Konepaja-sali. Konepaja-sali is a new performance venue situated in the old train factory in Vallila. The urban and grungy environment is sure to be perfect for a punk show! Tickets are 22,50€.

 


 
 

New Age: Frank Frank Frank & Elia

Cultural centre Korjaamo opens its doors this day to fans of pop and violin music. Swedish and Finnish trio Frank Frank Frank play powerful pop, and Elia (Elias Riipinen) combines classical and electronic genres with their music. Tickets start at 12€.

 
 
 

Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November

Korjaamo Design Market

Cultural centre Korjaamo will be filled with over 50 vendors selling sustainable Finnish design products. You can find jewellery and accessories, cosmetics, home goods, and other beautiful objects. Free entry.

 


 
 

Saturday 9th November

Helsinki Synth City Festival

Helsinki’s famous Ääniwalli club is the location for the inaugural Helsinki Synth City Festival. In addition to seven Finnish synthwave acts, the stage will be commanded by German singer NINA and Swedish singer Robert Parker. Tickets are 18€.

 


 
 

Oyster Festival

Find out who Finland’s fastest oyster shucker is at the Holiday Bar! The winner will be crowned Finnish Champion 2019. Restaurant teams will also compete against each other. Everyone in attendance can practice their oyster shucking with 1€ oysters and other menu items.

 
 
 

Wednesday 13th November

Mariska

Finnish rapper Mariska shows that she’s still got what it takes with her long-awaited new album, released 18.10. Her Finnish tour to promote the new album is making its first Helsinki area stop in Sellosali, located just outside of the city in Espoo. Tickets are 17,50€ online or 19,50€ at the door.

 


 
 

Friday 15th November

Kallioland

Kalliolan setlementtitalo (Kalliola Settlement House) has stood in the same spot for 100 years, and this November it is celebrating by giving positive vibes back to the community. Kallioland is filled with empowering workshops, lectures, and music. The event is a safe space and is free for everyone.

 
 
 

Friday 15th – Sunday 17th November

2+2+2

2+2+2 is a contemporary circus act premering at cultural centre Stoa. Two couples, composed of two acrobats and two dancers, take the stage to explore femine and masculine gender roles both seriously and through humorous caricatures. Tickets are 6€ or 12€, depending on performance.

 


 
 

Saturday 16th – Saturday 23rd November

Tanssiteatteri Tsuumi: Poiju (Dance Theatre Tsuumi: Poiju)

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, dance theatre Tsuumi presents their show “Poiju”. Poiju is a retreat for the senses composed of different kinds of songs and body movements. The show is choreographed by Ari Numminen and composed by Petri Tiainen. Tickets start at 21,50€.

 
 
 

Sunday 17th November

Pikku Papun Orkesterin joulukonsertti (Pikku Papu Orchestra’s Christmas Concert)

Children’s orchestra Pikku Papu will delight people of all ages in the beginning of the holiday season. Children are encouraged to sing and celebrate! The orchestra will play both original songs and well-known Christmas songs. Tickets are 12€, or 10€ each for family tickets.

 
 
 

Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th November

Night Visions Maximum Halloween 3019

The annual Night Visions festival is Helsinki’s best event for fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and action films. The official film selections and guests are being chosen in October. Ticket prices TBA.

 


 
 

Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd November

Slush

Right as the autumn rain is turning into actual slush, Helsinki once again hosts the huge start-up event with the same name. Slush 2019 will fill Messukeskus (fair centre) with 4,000 startups, 2,000 investors, and 700 journalists to meet up and listen to expert talks. Tickets start at 395€ for startups.

 
 
 

Thursday 21st – Saturday 23rd November

Hellsinki Industrial Festival

The electronic music festival with the best pun in its name returns to Helsinki this year. The first night is a preclub night and the remaining two nights are stuffed with fifteen music acts. One-day tickets are 45€, and two-day tickets (+ free entrance to preclub night) are 70€.

 


 
 

Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th November

Vinokino Film Festival

Vinokino is Finland’s only film festival exclusively for sexuality- and gender minority themed films. The festival will present 13 films this year in Helsinki, on the screens of the independent Orion cinema. Ticket prices for one film are 8-10€.

 
 
 

Nuorten Chopin 2018 (Young Chopin 2019)

The Chopin Society of Finland and the Helsinki Conservatory are bringing a taste of classical music to the city. The concerts, performed on Friday and Saturday, will be played by gifted young musicians under age 20 from Finnish schools of music. Ticket prices TBA.

 


 
 

Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th November

Xmas Design Market WeeGee

Just outside of Helsinki in Espoo’s Tapiola neighbourhood is WeeGee Exhibition Centre. At the end of November they’re hosting a holiday marketplace with 50 design companies and festive workshops. Entrance to WeeGee’s museums will be free all weekend.

 
 
 

Saturday 23rd November

Maunula Elektronik III

Maunula-talo (Maunula House) in northern Helsinki lights up this chilly autumn night with eleven electronic music acts. This mini festival also includes food, drink, and video art. Free event.

 


 
 

Sunday 24th November

Lukemattomien kirjojen tori (Market of Unread Books)

After enjoying Kallioland earlier in November, head to Kalliolan setlementtitalo for this book fair. You can bring up to five fiction books and exchange them for the same amount of new reading material! Free event.

 
 
 

Valmistujaisshow 5-kurssi (5-course Graduate Show)

The inaugural graduating group of Improv School Finland’s 5-course present their theatrical creation. There are six actors participating in the show. Come to Teatteri Ilmiö and pay what you want for a ticket!

 


 
 

Friday 29th November

The Empire Strikes 7th Anniversary birthday bash!

Helsinki rock ‘n’ roll foursome The Empire Strikes are celebrating their 7th anniversary as a band at club Semifinal. The band has been performing an anniversary gig every year, and this year’s gig promises another extra-long set. Tickets start at 12€.

 
 
 

Saturday 30th November

Loukko UG Drag Show Vol. 1 – Grand Opening!

Subcultural Centre Loukko’s drag and performing arts clubs are returning, starting with this grand opening. Loukko is a safe space for everyone, including these amazing performers and everyone who comes to cheer them on! Ticket prices are flexible and range from 5-10€.

 


 
 

Itäkeskuksen Joulumarkkinat (Itäkeskus Christmas Market)

Helsinki’s eastern hub Itäkeskus hosts regular marketplace days, including this one in preperation for the holiday season. Here you can browse the wares of crafters and local businesses and get into the Christmas spirit. Free event.

 


 
 

Ongoing in November

Edgar Allan Poe 210 Years

Icon of horror and crime writing Edgar Allan Poe left an inescapable mark on the field of entertainment. His works have been adapted into visual media for years, including the six films that make up this event. All six films have multiple showings at Kino Regina. Tickets are 7,50€ and the showings run until 12th November.

 
 
 

Maailmalta Löysin Itseni (I Found Myself Around the World)

This exhibition is a collection of the work of Helene Schjerfbeck, one of Finland’s most successful artists. The exhibition focuses on Schjerfbeck’s travels around Europe and the inspiration she found during those travels. The 130+ works include landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, including 16 self portraits. Adult tickets are 17€. On until 26th January 2020.


 

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!

 


 
 

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Header image: Archangel Michael and the Dragon by unknown Spanish artist, Statens Museum for Kunst

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Linda Vuorenvirta

Linda Vuorenvirta is an illustrator and culture buff from Helsinki, Finland. Follow her on Instagram @lindanimated to see her latest art projects.