The east bank of the Aurajoki river contains six outdoor venues, each with a different atmosphere, that can be used for events either individually or in combination.

The Aurajoki riverside is a popular place for spending time around the year. The atmospheric streets running along the river are considered to be the centre of events and a key part of the character of the city. The riverside is a busy meeting point for locals, and the riverfront streets are lined by many restaurants and restaurant ships, shops, parks and historic attractions.

The river is also a border that shapes the city. The city centre of Turku was originally built on the east side of the Aurajoki river, a fact that is still apparent in the way people from Turku speak. Due to its long history, the east side of the Aurajoki river is called ”täl puol jokke” (“this side of the river”), whereas the current city centre and Market Square are located on the west side of the river, known as ”tois puol jokke” (“the other side of the river”).

The riverside setting stretches all the way from the Turku Cathedral, or its vicinity, to the port, located close to the mouth of the river. Both sides of the river contain many outdoor venues, each with a different atmosphere, that enable you to bring to the event right to the banks of the river.

There is a busy road that runs along the east side of the river, which means that riverfront streets have to be closed during events due to the busy traffic.

The venues on Itäinen Rantakatu are divided into the following street segments:

  • Old Great Square (Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge) – Kirjastosilta bridge
  • Kirjastosilta bridge – Auransilta bridge

Many events are held on the streets along the Aurajoki river every year. The archipelago and Baltic herring markets bring the feel of the archipelago to the riverfront streets of the city. The riverfront streets of old Turku host a medieval market in the summer.

Capacity: 2,000–40,000 by combining street segments.

Area: The areas between the bridges around 5,000–7,000 m2, and up to 50,000 m2 if combining segments and closing streets.

Rent: EUR 0–700/event (depending on the nature of the event)

The venue is suitable for: Open events, Commercial promotions, Large events, Concerts, Concerts with a high noise level, Arts events, Markets

Transport links and parking: The Aurajoki riverfront streets are located in the city centre or a maximum of 2 km from the city centre.

Practical considerations:

  • The segment of Itäinen Rantakatu between Tuomiokirkkosilta and Auransilta bridges is suitable mostly for markets and small events.
  • Traffic to the plots, emergency access roads and substitute cycling routes must be taken into consideration.
  • Between the Auransilta and Myllysilta bridges, segments of Itäinen Rantakatu can be closed for events. The wide riverfront street adds plenty of extra space to the venue.
  • Bus routes are negotiated separately with Föli, Turku Region Traffic.
  • Access to the restaurant ships from the pavement must be taken into account.

Availability of water and electricity: Electricity is available in the street segments between the Old Great Square and Myllysilta. Both water and electricity are available in the street segments between Myllysilta and Telakkaranta.

Location on a map

Additional information: City of Turku Event Services