Salmela Art Centre, Mäntyharju, June 11–Aug 14, 2022
A multi-arts programme is on offer, incorporating concerts and exhibitions of Finnish contemporary art. Salmela is situated in the historical parish village of Mäntyharju by Lake Pyhävesi. An old parish cottage built in the 1850s serves as its oldest exhibition room.
Moomin World, June 11–Aug 21, 2022
This children’s theme park is based on the Moomin books by Swedish-speaking Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson. The blueberry-coloured Moomin House is the main attraction. Guests can also explore the Hemulen’s house, Moominmamma’s kitchen and the fire station. All over the park, you’ll bump into various Moomin characters.
Mänttä Art Festival, June 12–Aug 31, 2022
Finland’s largest summer exhibition of contemporary art appoints a new curator every year, ensuring that the exhibition always provides a fresh perspective on the entire field of Finnish contributions.
Midnight Sun Film Festival, June 15–19, 2022
The concept of the Midnight Sun Film Festival is awesome. People from across the country and all over the world come to a small town in Finnish Lapland to watch movies day and night. You won’t even notice if it’s night or day, because the sun doesn’t set at all.
Kuopio Dance Festival, June 15–21, 2022
At the largest and widest-ranging dance festival in the Nordic countries, the programme includes performers of the most important Finnish and international dance art of our time.
Pori Jazz, July 8–16, 2022
One of the world’s longest-running major jazz events, Pori Jazz never fails to feature top names from near and far. The unique atmosphere, diverse programme, fine services and delightful surroundings attract about 400,000 visitors every year. Among the highlights of Pori Jazz 2022 are US superstar John Legend and UK recording artist Emeli Sandé.
Helsinki Festival, Aug 12–Sept 4, 2022
The capital has the country’s largest arts festival, which is once again providing an extensive programme of events throughout the city. Experiences range from classical to world music to pop, from drama to contemporary dance, and from visual art to film and children’s events. This festival brings the arts to everyone.
Santa Claus Village, open every day, all year round
As everyone knows, Santa lives in northern Finland. You can meet him, and step across the magical Arctic Circle, at Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland – even during the summer. If you want snow, though, you’ll have to come back in the winter.
By Maria Öfverström, ThisisFINLAND Magazine 2022