Wednesday night at the legendary Helsinki restaurant Ilves is anything but quiet. The air buzzes with possibility. Strangers wander in, some chasing love, others simply avoiding a lonely evening.
Tatskatytöt – literally “tattoo girls” – is the name used by a duo of tattoo artists, Salla Ollakka and Lee Su Ling. What began as a project has grown into a movement, a series of social events that unite people at bars, festivals and museums across Finland. Their mission: to create safe, lively spaces where everyone feels welcome, no matter who you are or whom you love.
From “slow-friending” sessions to pub quizzes, bingo and group games, the events are designed to break the ice and foster genuine connections. Run in both Finnish and English, they draw a mix of locals, international students and people who have recently moved to Finland.
Returning to real life
Restaurant tables glow with candlelight, roses bloom and question cards await.
In a screen-obsessed world, real connection is becoming rare. That may be why Tatskatytöt thrive: They offer something you can’t scroll past. Meeting face-to-face isn’t always easy, but sometimes all it takes is a time, a place and some sisu (that special Finnish combination of courage and perseverance).
At six o’clock sharp, the organisers start signing up the crowd. In less than 15 minutes, both speed-dating rounds are full. Friends and curious passersby fill the place – not just hopeful romantics.
Hiski Ruusulampi arrives early. He knows how quickly the place comes alive, having already experienced five of these events. Ruusulampi is not looking simply for love, but for authentic interactions, which he feels are rare these days.
Hiski Ruusulampi has attended several Tatskatytöt events and says he values the chance for in-person conversation.
The atmosphere is warm and playful. Themed icebreakers and the gentle encouragement of the hosts make the events welcoming, even for the shyest guests.
Who shows up and why
Heta Rantakokko has attended more than ten Tatskatytöt events. Her advice? Step out of your comfort zone and into the real world.
Tatskatytöt strive for real inclusivity. They want to be “warm and approachable,” says Ollakka. “We support all rainbow communities, so we want to offer events for them, too.” The Tatskatytöt community is for everyone – you’ll see people from young adults to those in their 60s at the events.
Dating apps? Tried and tired. Swiping matches that never turn into dates is exhausting.
Another participant, Heta Rantakokko, says the event is interesting because it sparks conversations with people you’d never meet otherwise. Like Ruusulampi, she’s not chasing love – just a fun night out and a wider social circle.
The bar setting helps, Heta Rantakokko says. The concept also works well in other settings, such as Helsinki’s Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
The organisers were sceptical about whether their idea would work in Finland, so they aimed to make it inviting.
After each round, participants note the numbers of people they would like to see again. If there’s a match, Tatskatytöt handle the introductions later. There are no awkward rejections, just good vibes.
Tatskatytöt hope to inspire bravery in the face of loneliness.
As the night winds down, guests are already asking about the next event. Some who arrived solo head out with new friends, while others are happy to know they have a place to return to whenever they’re ready to try again.
By Céilidhe Becker, May 2026
Photos by Emilia Kangasluoma
Want in? Check out Tatskatytöt on Instagram, Facebook or Menokone for event details.
