Weekend filled with May Day parties
This May Day you are spoiled for choice, as Espoo’s cultural venues will be organising events in different parts of Espoo for the entire May Day weekend. You can enjoy the festivities alone, with a friend or with your whole family. The entertainment includes rock music for children, punk rock performed by Nyrkkitappelu + Aino & Hajonneet, children’s music by Satu Sopanen & Tuttiorkesteri, and April Jazz concerts.
We have events for people of all ages, but the programme at the Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora is geared especially towards our youngest residents:
“I am happy to say that we can offer joyous and festive experiences for children and families all over Espoo! Since 2012, the Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora has organised a May Day event in its yard. This year, we will double the fun, as we will start the celebrations ahead of time, on Friday morning. Other cultural venues will also be in a festive mood, and there will be sweets available in honour of May Day. Children love May Day, and their enthusiasm is contagious”, says Children’s Culture Coordinator Johanna Kallioaho.
Children’s May Day at Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora
Fri 28 April, 9:30–11:30, Vappunen Festival PREPARTY Read more about Aurora’s preparty at Espoo.fi (in Finnish)
Sun 30 April, 14:00–17:00, Vappunen! Festival
It is once again time for the family-friendly Vappunen! festival! Now is the time to dance and celebrate to joyful music and take part in exciting art workshops.
14:30: Merkkarit & Kai Kuutamo
Fun and energetic children’s rock music, skilful circus tricks and interactive singing games.
16:00: Mutaveijarit
Mutaveijarit are known for fun and energetic stage performances and engaging songs; their concerts are full of games and singalongs and the band’s songs that combine different music styles are liked by both adults and children.
Read more about Aurora’s Vappunen! Festival at Espoo.fi
Kannusali’s May Day concerts for children and adults
Sat 29 April 2023 at 10:30, Megamusicplayschool
Read more about Megamusicplayschool at Espoo.fi
Sat 29 April 2023, 19:00–21:00, Nyrkkitappelu + Aino & Hajonneet
Aino & Hajonneet is a power pop / punk rock band founded in 2020, whose musical roots lie somewhere between melodic Finnish punk and indie rock.
Read more about the Nyrkkitappelu + Aino & Hajonneet concert at Espoo.fi
May Day crafting studio and beloved children’s songs for the whole family at Sello Hall
Sat 29 April 2023, 13:00–16:00 May Day crafting studio (foyer)
Sign up in advance to secure a place in the crafting workshop organised by Hupsansaa ry.
Read more about Sello Hall’s May Day studio at Espoo.fi
Sat 29 April 2023 at 15:00, Children’s May Day concert featuring Satu Sopanen & Tuttiorkesteri: Juhlatuulella!
Read more about Sello Hall’s concert featuring Satu Sopanen & Tuttiorkesteri at Espoo.fi
April Jazz rhythms and May Day concerts at Espoo Cultural Centre
Sat 29 April 2023, 18:00–19:30, April Jazz: Billy Cobham Band
Read more about Espoo Cultural Centre’s concert featuring Billy Cobham Band at Espoo.fi
Sat 29 April 2023, 20:00–22:45, April Jazz: PoiL Ueda, Aurora Hentunen Quintet
Read more about the concert featuring PoiL Ueda and Aurora Hentunen Quintet at Espoo.fi
Sun 30 April 2023 at 14:00 and 16:00,
Traditional May Day concert by Espoo Music Institute’s symphony orchestra (Tapiola Youth Symphony Orchestra) at the Espoo Cultural Centre.
Read more about the Music Institute’s concert on the Lippupiste website(external link, opens in a new window)
Sun 30 April 2023, 18:00–20:00, Tapiola Sinfonietta: May Day Eve concert – Erik Lindström Lives!
Read more about Tapiola Sinfonietta’s concert at Espoo.fi
Also explore the many exhibitions at Exhibition Centre WeeGee
WeeGee is open on Saturday 29 April from 11:00 to 17:00 (closed on Sun 30 April and Mon 1 May).
Read more on Exhibition Centre WeeGee’s website
Celebrate May Day at the many fun-filled cultural events offered by Espoo’s Event and Cultural Services!
The venues of Espoo’s Event and Cultural Services include the Espoo Cultural Centre in Tapiola, Sello Hall in Leppävaara, the multi-purpose facility Kannusali in Espoon keskus, the Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora in Järvenperä, and the Exhibition Centre WeeGee in Tapiola. In addition, the City Events Unit organises art and cultural events.
Winter is behind us and the biggest spring celebration is approaching. May Day (Vappu in Finnish) marks the beginning of summer for Finns. May Day celebrations take place on 30 April and 1 May. Read more about Finnish traditions, such as May Day, on the Visit Finland website:
Traditional Finnish celebrations and parties(external link, opens in a new window)