The traditional Autumn Beat celebration for seniors returns on 12 October 2026

Organised annually by Espoo’s Elderly Council together with local pensioners’ organisations, the celebration is an important gathering for older people in Espoo. The event aims to provide seniors with cultural experiences, information about senior organisations and the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. Each year, around 800 pensioners attend the fun-filled event. For some, the event provides a welcome change from everyday life, where spending long periods alone at home may have become all too familiar.

This year’s event begins at 13:30 with coffee and informal socialising. During the coffee reception, visitors can learn about senior services provided by Espoo and the Wellbeing Services County of Western Uusimaa, as well as view the finalist entries in the Katse Espooseen poetry competition. The poetry competition, held around the turn of the year, invited people aged 65 and over to describe through poetry what Espoo smells, feels and sounds like.

The main programme in Tapiola Hall begins at 15:00 with a performance by Espoon veteraanikuoro (Espoo war veterans’ choir), followed by opening remarks by Olli Männikkö, Chair of Espoo’s Elderly Council. This year’s ceremonial address will be given by Mikko Kautto, Managing Director of the Finnish Centre for Pensions. 

The programme will also include singing, dance and poetry performances. As usual, Espoon Eläkeläisten Keskusliitto (the central association of pensioners in Espoo) will present this year’s awards. The day will conclude with a joint singing of the Finnish national anthem, Maamme.

Explore the full programme on the event page.

The celebration is free of charge and open to everyone without prior registration. You are warmly welcome to join the event!