The programme application for the anniversary of Finland’s first city opened 6 March 2026. Turku’s jubilee 2029 inspires new firsts and strengthens urbanism. The application that has now opened will help create a jubilee year that unites all Finns.
Turku's 800th anniversary will be celebrated in 2029 with a diverse program. The Turku 800 application, which opened in March, is looking for a program that will culminate in the anniversary year: Large and unique experiences celebrating Turku, smaller-scale joint activities taking place in different parts of the city, and projects that strengthen the Turku of the future. The Turku 800 programme application is open until 1 December 2028, that is, almost until the beginning of the anniversary year.
– Turku's anniversary is a celebration for everyone. The themes for the anniversary year have been created together with the city's residents, and now we are building a diverse and impactful programme that will be felt throughout Turku, comments Mayor Piia Elo.
Applications for the anniversary programme are submitted through an electronic application system. If a project meets the criteria for inclusion in the anniversary programme, it will be selected for the programme. Projects selected for the program will become part of the community implementing the anniversary, will be visible in the anniversary's communications, and will have the right to use the anniversary's programme logo.
– We expect the programme to attract a wide variety of contributors who will examine Turku, the theme New Firsts, and other themes of the anniversary from their own perspectives. We hope the anniversary year will be filled with events, research, art, urban culture and sports, and, fitting for a birthday celebration, also surprises, comments Turku 800 Programme Manager Salla Mistola.
You can also apply for a grant to implement your project through the online application system. The main grant application ends on 12 June 2026. A smaller grant application may be organised in 2027, but depending on the program that has been formed by then, this may be implemented in a targeted manner.
The first program launch of the anniversary year will be made in October 2026. Since a program can be registered until the end of 2028, the programme will also be published as a whole later in the coming years.
An anniversary year for all Turku residents
Various communities can apply to be part of the Turku 800 programme in the now open application process. As the anniversary approaches, we will also collect anniversary deeds and gifts that anyone can do and give. Suitable anniversary deeds include various volunteer activities, civic activism, and anniversary resolutions. Anniversary deeds can be assisted with small grants, which are applied for separately later.
It is also possible to propose ideas and wishes for the anniversary year’s programme that you do not intend or are able to carry out yourself. These ideas, meant to be realised by others, can already be submitted via the form available on the anniversary year’s website.
Two open information sessions will be held for the Turku 800 program application, the first as a remote session via Teams on Monday, 23 March, from 2–3 pm, and the second in the Studio of the Turku Main Library on Wednesday, 15 April, 2026 from 2–3 pm. The link to the remote event will appear on the anniversary website about a week before the event.
The Turku 800 programme application is open 6.3.2026–1.12.2028
The Turku 800 programme main grant application is open 6.3.–12.6.2026
More detailed information about the Turku 800 programme application can be found on the City of Turku website.
More information
Salla Mistola
Turku 800 Programme Manager
tel. 044 758 6040
salla.mistola@turku.fi
Suvi Innilä
Turku 800 Project Director
tel. 050 559 0186
suvi.innila@turku.fi
