You might be forgiven for thinking that the country is populated by drunks if you arrive in Helsinki during Vappu, the May Day festival of students and workers. A few weeks later on 12 June, Helsinki Day celebrates the city’s anniversary with activities in Esplanadi Park. Also, throughout the summer, free classical and pop concerts are held every Sunday in Kaivopuisto park. The event of the year is the Helsinki Festival, an arts fest which runs from late August through to early September. The festival’s high point is the Night of the Arts, with more than 100 free events. Another fun August festival is Art Goes Kapakka (Art Goes Bars), where musicians, poets, dancers and other performers take over the pubs.

In September there’s the week-long Love and Anarchy Film Festival an in early October, the annual Baltic Herring Market, a 200-year-old tradition. Etnosoi, an ethnic music festival, kicks off in early November. Christmas is a special time in Helsinki, with the big Lucia parade in mid-December. Things slow down after the New Year, as locals stay inside during the coldest and darkest months. In spring, music lovers reemerge for the April Jazz Festival, featuring top-name Finnish and international performers.

Public Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day
6 Jan - Epiphany
Mar/Apr - Good Friday
Mar/Apr - Easter
30 Apr - May Day Eve
May - Ascension Day
late May, early Jun - Whit Sunday
third weekend in Jun - Midsummer’s Eve & Day
1 Nov - All Saints Day
6 Nov - Independence Day
24 Dec - Christmas Eve
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day