In the summer, you can see samba parades, marching bands, Helsinki Pride and metal music fans on the streets of Finland’s capital.
The samba parade takes place in the city centre on Saturday 13 June
The Helsinki Samba Carnaval is back in town, offering a colourful and rhythmic experience for everyone. This open and free-of-charge event invites everyone to join in the celebrations.
The samba parade starts at 15.00 and ends by 20.00.
The parade will set off from Senate Square and follow the route Unioninkatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Mannerheimintie – Aleksanterinkatu. The parade will then disperse onto Mikonkatu and Yliopistonkatu. The streets along the parade route will be closed to traffic and parking will be restricted.
Tuska Festival takes over Suvilahti from 26 to 28 June
Fans of metal music flock to Suvilahti when it is time for the Tuska Festival. The setup and dismantling of the festival site will affect traffic in Kalasatama.
Vilhonvuorenkatu will be closed between Sörnäisten rantatie and Koksikatu from 23 to 30 June. You can reach Kalasatama from the city centre on foot or by bike via Hanasaarenkatu and Hanasaarenranta, or across Merihaka Bridge.
Helsinki Pride Week culminates in the Helsinki Pride parade and park festival on Saturday 27 June
Around 100,000 people are expected to take part in the parade. The City of Helsinki is one of the main partners of the event. The park festival will be held in Kaivopuisto.
The parade sets off at 12.00 and follows the route Senate Square – Snellmaninkatu – Aleksanterinkatu –Mannerheimintie – Eteläesplanadi – Kasarmikatu – Neitsytpolku – Kaivopuisto. It will take about three hours for the entire parade to make its way from Senate Square to Kaivopuisto.
Military bands march on Senate Square every Friday
In July and August, military bands from across the country will entertain the public at Senate Square on Fridays starting from 12.20. The guard parades start at Senate Square.