On Sunday, September 21, Finland’s oldest city welcomes Turku residents and friends of Turku to celebrate Turku Day with moving events. The day features over one hundred different events offering both long-time favorites and brand-new experiences.
This year, Turku Day inspires people with the theme “Movingly charming Turku.” In addition to the City of Turku, a wide range of local associations, companies, and clubs are organizing events. Visitors can try different sports with local clubs, enjoy art, and experience the market atmosphere at the Old Great Square and the Market Square.
The festivities begin already on Saturday, September 20, with the Turku Day pre-party at Gatorade Center, where TPS faces KalPa. Alongside the hockey match, visitors can explore local sports and hobby opportunities. The evening culminates with a performance by Turku’s own pop star Robin Packalen.
Activities for the whole family
This year’s theme is reflected especially in the wide range of sports activities. Several gyms have open doors in honor of Turku Day. Loiste Studio’s Tanssirieha offers trial lessons and performances. Yoga lovers can join, for example, a Yin Yoga session at Joogastudio 8, accompanied by live violin music. Other activities include CrossFit, disc golf, water aerobics, Taekwondo, and carnival samba.
Children can enjoy Family Day at Kupittaa Sports Hall with track and field activities, as well as the popular InterAction sports event. Turku Orienteers invite families to try orienteering in the city environment. The main library offers storytelling sessions and playful surprises in the courtyard. At Blomberginaukio in Kupittaa Park, the popular Isot koneet (Big Machines) event returns for the third time, showcasing the vehicles that keep Turku’s streets and parks in shape.
Turku’s art and culture touch the audience
Beyond sports, Turku Day is filled with cultural and artistic experiences. Entry to the Museums of the Turku City Museum is free, with special programs at sites like Kuralan Kylämäki and Turku Castle. Many art galleries, including Critical Gallery and the Iso Galleria at Turku Art Hall, also offer free admission.
Throughout the city, visitors can enjoy diverse musical performances. At 8raita record store, Turku artist Elaine Alaïs performs with her band. Later, Telmu ry gathers local artists aboard Restaurant Ship Donna, with Muscular, an electronic funk-pop act, headlining right after the city’s fireworks. Vimma Art and Activity Centre for Youth also hosts a lively program tailored for young audiences.
This year, Turku Day is a dream come true for secondhand enthusiasts. Numerous flea markets and yard sales welcome visitors, including Vartsikan kirppis, Kårenin Kirppis ja Kutomon flikkojen kirppis. At the Art House Turku, visitors can explore multiple exhibitions, the Turku Antiquarian Book Fair. The day also features a festive Turku day dinner at Art House Turku.
New experiences alongside traditions
The atmospheric Turku Market Hall is open exceptionally on Sunday, offering a taste of Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations. At the Market Square, visitors can explore the Turku day Grand Markets with lively stalls, crowds, and a festive atmosphere. Local associations, clubs, and council parties will be presenting themselves at the Old Great Square market event, and there will be a variety of dance and singing performances on stage. The Turku Cultural Person of the Year, chosen by the Turkuseura will also be announced on stage, and the Mayor of Turku Piia Elo will be there to greet them.
Every year brings new experiences to Turku Day, and this time one highlight is the Kutomo Open Doors, where creative professionals showcase their workspaces. In addition to yoga and flea markets, visitors can explore dance and performance art studios, sewing workshops, and tufting. Nearby in Linnanfältti, artist Mika Natri unveils Kukat (Flowers), an installation of nine colorful flower sculptures, in a public opening ceremony.
The day’s celebrations culminate in a spectacular fire show in front of the Turku Cathedral at 8 pm, followed by the traditional fireworks show at Samppalinna Hill at 9 pm. Welcome to enjoy the Movingly Charming Turku Day!
Turku Day has been celebrated since 1961. The event was initially organised by the Turkuseura and the tradition has been continued by the City of Turku. In addition to the City of Turku, local associations, companies and clubs are responsible for organizing the day's programme.
All information about Turku Day: Turku Day - Turun Päivä
Program of Turku Day: Explore our programme - Turun Päivä