Turku Day Program

Since 1961, Turku Day has been celebrated with a varied programme throughout Turku. Held annually on the third Sunday in September, the day offers a wealth of things to see and do around the city. The long-established local heritage day programme includes music, dance, sport and culture. The events are organised by the City of Turku and local associations, companies and clubs.

The Turku Day celebrations will culminate in a traditional fireworks display from Samppalinna Hill (Samppalinnanmäki) at 9 pm. Turku Day 2023 will be celebrated on 17th of September.

Turku Day program

Turun inhimillinen valokuvakerho photography exhibition: Todellisuus (Reality)
Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo Island, near the water bus stop

The exhibition of Turun inhimillinen valokuvakerho discusses reality from different perspectives with eight photographers. The outdoor exhibition is open to everyone and free of charge and can be found in Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo Island. The exhibition can be combined with a nature excursion in Ruissalo.

Two for the price of one to swim – Turku Day special offer!
8–17
City of Turku swimming facilities

The City of Turku Sports Services are taking part in celebrating Turku Day this year. To celebrate Turku Day, a two-for-one offer is valid at Impivaara Swimming Centre from 9:00 to 17:00, at Petrelius from 10:00 to 14:30, and at the Samppalinna Outdoor Swimming Stadium from 8:00 to 15:00.

Vietnamese Culture and Culinary Day at the Liên Tâm monastery
9–15
Moisiontie 225

To celebrate Turku Day and Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, the Liên Tâm monastery hosts a programme for people of all ages. There is a free and versatile vegetarian buffet, and visitors can visit the monastery area and the temple building. 

11:00 Short recitation and dharma talk
12:00 Vietnamese buffet
14:00 Versatile activities and presentations for children

Turku Day at the Biological Museum 
9–17 
Neitsytpolku 1
 
Mushroom information and tips for people of all ages are available in the museum courtyard from 10:00 to 15:00. A mushroom exhibition is on display, and the mushroom advisors of Turku Mycological Society are there to guide you to the world of mushrooms. The museum also hosts a Collections from Home and Abroad exhibition.

Turku Day at Luostarinmäki
10–18
Vartiovuorenkatu 2

To celebrate Turku Day, the Luostarinmäki Museum Block opens its doors to visitors. Historically significant, Luostarinmäki has the only complete wooden building area that survived the 1827 Great Fire of Turku.

Escape Game at Escape Room Sly Fox (only in Finnish) 
9–22
Aninkaistenkatu 14 b 3

The “Pako unesta” (“Escape the dream”) escape game only 70 €/game on Turku Day! Group size 2 to 6 persons. “Pako unesta” is suitable for the whole family. Reservations and additional information www.slyfox.fi.

Morning sports event for the whole family
9:30–11
Turku Energia Areena, Kupittaa 1

Morning sports event for the whole family on Turku Energia Areena on Turku Day! The main part of the event is the InterAction rink and other sports things. 

Turku Day Celebration Mass (only in Finnish)
10:00
Turku Cathedral

The priests of the mass are Sofia Flinck, Aulikki Mäkinen and Tuomas Vaura. Music by Jukka Pietilä and Markku Hietaharju, as well as the TFO musicians Matti Koponen (violin) and Päivi Severeide (harp). The mass can also be followed at www.virtuaalikirkko.fi.

Turku Day Coffee at the Mosque
10–13, 14–16
Yliopistonkatu 7

On Turku Day, the Turku Islamic Society opens its doors to visitors! Come on in to chat and drink a cup of coffee at the mosque.

Lahjan Tytöt Obstacle course
10–14
Yliopistonkatu 31

Welcome to the obstacle course of Lahjan Tytöt! The obstacle course is located in the courtyard of Yliopistonkatu, on the second floor.

Open doors at the Turku Central Fire Station
10–14
Eerikinkatu 35

Welcome to see the rescue department's new and old equipment. The fire museum Kellari also opens its doors to the public presented by veterans.

Isot koneet (Large machines)
10–15
Blomberginaukio

Isot koneet is an event for the whole family, where you can familiarise yourself with the city's maintenance equipment, without forgetting the large machines, of course. In the programme, at the Blomberginaukio in Kupittaa, also a children's track, sausage roasting, as well as contractors' own stands.

Guided tours at Kakolanmäki Wastewater Treatment Plant (only in Finnish)
10–15
Sofiankatu 14

On Turku Day, hop on River Train Jokke to visit the wastewater treatment plant inside Kakolanmäki rock! There are also partners of Turku Region Wastewater Treatment Plant Ltd. presenting their activities. Turku Jazz Orchestra musicians are in charge of the music at the event. On Turku Day, free bus transport is available to guests, on the route: Wastewater Treatment Plant - Centre - Waterworks Museum. Access to the wastewater treatment plant from the corner of Sofiankatu and Korkeavuorenkatu streets.

Popup bike repair shop on the riverside
10–15
Next to the staircase on the Rettig slope along the riverside

Popup bike repair carries out small maintenance and repairs without an appointment on the riverside, during Turku Day. Bring your bike for maintenance to Fillaritalli!

Turku Day at Myllärintalo and Halistenkoski
10–15
Valkkimyllynkuja 2

An event for the whole family at Myllärintalo and in the surroundings, combining culture and outdoor activities! The programme includes tasks, canoe paddling guidance, fish ladder presentations and a culture walk. The Waterworks Museum has open doors between 10 and 15. Guided tours are free of charge. 

Turku Day at Turun Vesilaistomuseo
10–15
Halistentie 4

Turun Vesilaitosmuse will have open doors and a sausage barbecue in the courtyard on Turku Day. There will also be a free shuttle bus service between the museum and the Kakolanmäki sewage treatment plant.

Tar-scented river tours (only in Finnish)
10–16
Suomen Joutsen, Linnankatu 27

On Turku Day, the Storbåt AURA boat offers tar-scented tours on the Aurajoki river. Departures on even hours between 10:00 and 16:00 from the stern side of Suomen Joutsen, the duration of the tour is approximately half an hour. The boats are filled in the order of arrival. The river tours will not take place in case of inclement weather.

Turku Antiquarian Book Fair
10–16
Taiteen talo arts centre, Nunnankatu 4

The antiquarian book sales event will take place on the weekend, from 15 to 17 September. Also participating: Terrakoti ry, Turku Science Fiction Society, the University of Turku's Science Culture Cabinet, Turku Anime and Manga Society Senpai and Vaskikirjat.

Turku Day Market 
10–16 
Turku Market Square 

You may enjoy the cheerful atmosphere during the traditional Market Square event of Turku Day in Turku Market Square!  

Old Great Square market event
10–17
Old Great Square 3

On the day of Turku, the Old Great Square is filled with a happy market atmosphere when local associations, clubs and council parties present their activities. The event includes presentation points and a performance stage where you can see dance performances and choirs performing, for example.

In addition to all Turku council parties, having their own stands on the Old Great Square are Turku Union of Freethinkers, Pyhiinvaellus Suomi (Pilgrimage in Finland), Turku Animal Welfare Association TESY, Turku Suzuki School, Turun Lähimmäispalveluyhdistys ry, Turkuseura - Åbosamfundet ry (Turku Society),  Monipalvelukeskus Tsemppi, Turku City Centre Association, Turun Seutusanomat newsmagazine, Turun Urheiluautoilijat ry, Turku and Kaarina parishes, Turku Summer Theatre, Turun Työväen Teatterin kannatusyhdistys ry, SOS Children’s Village Kaarina, Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto, University of Turku (Biodiversity Unit), Turun historiallisen miekkailun seura ry, Turku Cheerleading Association Smash, Finnish-Ukrainian Association, Animalia ry, Vegaaniliitto ry, Sano KYLLÄ elinluovutukselle, Urban mobility solutions, Turun työväen eläkeläiset, as well as Kaverikoiraryhmä Halinallet.

Stage programme
10:00    Opening words + Opening show Dance studio Flama
10:15    Turku Cheerleading Association Smash
10:20    Regional Dance Centre of Western Finland
10:30    Turku Society serves abundant information on Turku, society introduction
10:40    SFP i Åbo - Turku Swedish People's Party
10:50    Turku National Coalition Party
11:00    Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Mayor Minna Arve, 200,000 Turku residents celebration
11:20    Turku Society's challenge: Clean Beach!
11:30    Choir: Laulun Ystävät
11:40    Dance Studio Centro
11:50    Manu memories
12:00    Pyrkivä Gymnastics
12:10    Turku A-Kilta
12:20    Movement Now Southwest Finland
12:30    Turku Centre Party
12:40    Nach Baliye Indian Dance
12:50    Turun Kansantanssin ystävät folk dancers
13:00    Fashion show Aarre Turku
13:15    Nappe Naakka ja linnut (children’s show)
13:40    Manu Quiz and Male Choir Naskalit
14:00    Turku SDP
14:10    Turku Left Alliance
14:20    Studio Reynier Goméz
14:25    Turku Police Choir
14:40    Turku Finns Party
14:50    Turku Christian Democrats
15:00    Pyhiinvaellus Suomi (Pilgrimage Finland)
15:10    Dialect quiz
15:30    Kamikaze Aerial Dance Studio
15:40    The Greens Turku
15:50    Studio Action
16:00    Chorus Cathedralis Aboensis
16:15    Kommenttiraita-duo music
16:55    Closing words

Turku Day in Turku Orthodox Parish
10–18
Yliopistonkatu 19

Come and explore the church's architecture, icons and other objects from 11:30 to 17:00. On Turku Day, the Orthodox parish has liturgy at 10:00 and evening prayer at 15:00. The cemetery chapel at the old cemetery in Vasaramäki is open from 12:00 to 14:00.

Turku Day Appro 2023
10–18
Old Great Square 3

The City of Turku invites students to explore their hometown on 17th of September in the form of free appro. The students go around and visit the different events of Turku Day to collect stamps on the map. At the end of the appro, the stamped map is exchanged for awezome overall badges. 

Turku Day at the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House
10–18
Läntinen Rantakatu 13b

In addition to the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House, the children's pharmacy is open in the museum's courtyard.

Turku Day at the Brinkkala Gallery 
10–18
The Old Great Square

The Drawing Together exhibition presents the art and stories of young refugees from Finland, Norway and Scotland.

Turku Day at Turku Castle
10–18
Linnankatu 80

On Turku Day, the historic Turku Castle features the Princess’ Journey exhibition and the “Säihkettä saleista ja kamareista” exhibition.

Turku Day at WAM 
10–18
Itäinen Rantakatu 38

On Turku Day, WAM will showcase the exhibition Hey Buddies! in the main exhibition facilities, and the exhibition by Home Alone Collective at WAMx.

Turku Day at Forum Marinum
10–18
Linnankatu 72

On Turku Day, Forum Marinum Maritime Centre's exhibitions, such as Titanicin suomalaiset (Finns on board the Titanic), as well as museum ships Suomen Joutsen, Karjala and Keihässalmi, are all available to visit with a €10 joint ticket. In addition, Turun Seudun Mobilistit are presenting vintage cars and engines in the yard area.

Escape games at a special price on Turku Day 
10–22
Escape Artist Room Escape

Escape room games on Turku Day 69€/game. Choose from six different rooms and book in advance at www.escapeartist.fi. The offer does not apply to team vs. team battle.

Open doors at Pyrkivä Gymnastics ry
10:30–12:30
Pikkis-sali hall, Raunistulantie 15

Welcome to try gymnastics at the Pikkis-sali hall of Pyrkivä Gymnastics. 

Merisunnuntai – Sea Sunday
11–13:30
Turku Michael's Church and Michael's parish hall

The Turku Day Mass will take place at Michael’s Church at 11:00, and the sea celebration at the Michael’s parish hall at 12:30. The exhibition includes Aboa Gospel and Turun Naispoliisilaulajat  (Women's Police Choir).

Antiracist football match 
11–14 
Sports Park, Valtaojantie 4 

An antiracist football match is organized for fifth time on Turku Day and the theme for this year is the racism experienced by non-white girls, women and also female assumed persons. There will be a match for adults and a match for girls and persons assumed as girls, and the public may also take part in the match! Also, there will be speeches, arts and coming together while promoting equality. Warm welcome to all to take part in an important matter! 

Vasaramäki Flea Market
11–14
Vasaramäki area

A traditional large garden flea market event in Vasaramäki! Come and discover treasures from lockers and basements.

Explore agility!
11–15
Royal Canin Areena, Yrjönalhontie 2, Lieto (Avanti 2)

Come and get to know agility and watch the fast-paced race! On-site there are guides talking about agility and other dog sports.

Open doors at Marttakulma
11–15
Uudenmaankatu 19 A, 4th floor

The association's action groups present their activities over coffee serving. On site, you can explore the 72 hrs/preparedness exhibition and the history of Marttalehti.

Hotel Kakola history tours (only in Finnish)
11–15
Kakolankatu 14

To celebrate Turku Day, Hotel Kakola offers free mini tours in the hotel i.e. the old county prison. Historical tales can be heard free of charge on even hours and half-hours. After the tour, you can sit down and enjoy Kakola's cake and coffee.

Art Workshop: Clay Works
11–16.45
Kupittaankatu 2

The art workshop for children and families gives you the chance to try out different methods, use a variety of materials and develop your handicraft skills. Children under 9 and children with special needs need to be accompanied by an adult.

Turku Day in Kylämäki Village
11–17
Jaanintie 45

The Esihistoria esille (Prehistory to Prominence) event turns the focus to the prehistory, at a time when there was no life without animals, and reflects on the relationship between humans and animals from different perspectives. Tours to ancient Kurala and lectures on the longest-standing partner of man; the dog, as well as the early history of livestock in Finland.

Bibliotheca 120 years in Turku Main Library
11–17
Linnankatu 2

Turku Day celebrates the 120th anniversary of the old library building of the Main Library. Join the drama tour written by author Ann-Christin Antell and experience history around the library. The programme includes live music, lectures, exhibitions and a story session for children.

Turku Day at Turku Art Museum
11–17
Aurakatu 26

Turku Art Museum celebrates Turku Day on Sunday 17 September with new exhibitions and guided tours. The beautiful details of the museum building can be admired from the outside on the free architectural tour. The guided tours of about an hour lead to fortunate coincidences in the exhibition of Lars Göran Johnsson's collection, which is open for the first weekend.

Turku Day at Aboa Vetus Ars Nova
11–18
Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6

On Turku Day 17 September Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum tickets are available at half price. During the day, the Bottoms Up, Then Crawling to Bed – guided tours on medieval drinking culture are available at 13:00 and 15:00. Guided tours are included in the price of the ticket.

Kui Design’s Turku Day 
11–18
Kristiinankatu 6

On Turku Day, Kui Design offers all Kui Design's normal-priced own products at a 20% discount. The offer is only valid on Turku Day in the shop and online shop. On Turku Day, the shop offers the opportunity to participate in colouring a giant Turku print. 

Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti: AUKI visual arts exhibition
11–18
Itäinen Rantakatu 64b

AUKI presents the versatile production of visual artists working in Manilla's numerous studios. The exhibition includes a total of 23 artists; paintings, sculptures, textile art and interactive works. AUKI is part of the festival Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti programme. The festival Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti in Turku from 13 to 23 September.

Discover Old Turku -guided tour
14
Departure from Aurakatu 2

Turku is a magnificent old city full of secrets and hidden beauty. The guides on the walking tour are authorised guides from Turku Tourist Guides.

Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival: Ollab Group – Lokkijuttu
12 and 15
Departure from Varvintori 1

Lokkijuttu is a place-sensitive performance on the riverside, where people observe and imagine the realities of another species. Lokkijuttu is part of the Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival programme. The festival Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti in Turku from 13 to 23 September.

Church service in Swedish 
12:00
Turku Cathedral

Welcome to celebrate the service in Turku Cathedral on Turku Day. The participants include Malena Björkgren, Maria Björkgren-Vikström, Marjo Danielsson and the service group. Children's corner is open.

The Aurajoki river is cleaned by divers
12–14
Läntinen Rantakatu 5–9

Voluntary divers in the Turku region clean the river on the area between the Library Bridge and the Auransilta Bridge. The dive can be followed on both sides of the river. 

Open doors at Hansan Nuki 
12–15
Hansakortteli, Yliopistonkatu 20

Come and meet the instructors and explore the activities of Hansan Nuki youth center! The open doors on Turku Day are intended for people of all ages. In addition to other activities, there is the opportunity to varnish nails and craft hand jewellery.

Turku Day at the City Hall
12–15
Aurakatu 2

On Turku Day, Turku City Hall opens its doors to visitors.

12:00 "Turku täsä ja ny" - Mayor Minna Arve's current review 
12:30 Chair of the City Council Mika Maaskola

During the day, performances by the male choir Naskalit of Turku NMKY and Professor Timo Soikkanen’s lecture “The years of Mauno Koivisto in Turku”. After Soikkanen's lecture, the audience has the opportunity to ask questions. Deputy Mayors Elina Rantanen, Mirka Muukkonen and Piia Elo can be met in the lower lobby of City Hall from 13-14.

In addition, the City Hall presents key projects of the City of Turku. These include the cultural spearhead project, centre spearhead project, communal Turku, competence spearhead project & IHT, as well as Turku Science Park and Kupittaa partnership project. 

Leave your mark in the history of Turku!
12–15
Aurakatu 2

Come and learn about the planning of the future main exhibition of the Museum of History and the Future. At the same time, you can give suggestions on what the museum should highlight in the long and interesting history of the city. The event is part of the Turku Day programme of the City Hall.

Turku Day Kosmoraama show at the City Hall
12–15
Aurakatu 2

To celebrate the Reinberg anniversary, on Turku Day, you can once again admire the enchantment of one of the 19th-century photography technique when Turku Arts Academy students Kanerva Kuitu and Ben Liukkonen implement a Kosmoraama (cosmorama) performance for Turku City Hall. The event is part of the Turku Day programme of the City Hall.

Turku Day at Pastell
12–15
Youth centre Pastell, Humalistonkatu 7b

On Turku Day, Pastell offers small snacks and games. A fishing game is organised for the smallest family members, with fun surprises for the participants. At 13:30 there is a bingo, from which you can win prizes. The event is for the whole family.

Open doors at Åbo Svenska Teater
12–15
Aurakatu 10

Join us for a half-hour tour behind the scenes, we will guide you in Finnish at 12:30, 13:30 and 14.30 and in Swedish at 13:00 and 14:00. Åbo Underrättelser can be found in the lobby area.

Turku Day at the Health Care Museum
12–16
Building 13, Kunnallissairaalantie 20

Turku Health Care Museum displays treatment equipment used to treat serious illnesses of the past. An operating room and its accessories, maternity and child health clinic and school health care equipment are also on display. 

Turku Art Corner
12–16
Old Great Square 5

Turku Art Corner from Turun Taidelainaamo presents Turku-themed works on Turku Day. The displayed works can be rented and purchased as usual.

Autumn glow and delicacies at Kupittaa Allotment Garden
12–16
Kunnallissairaalantie 4

The autumn of Turku's oldest allotment garden, founded in 1934, is full of colours, scents and atmosphere. During the event, Kuppis Kaffila café serves harvest season delicacies.

Turku Day in the Maailmanpuutarha garden
12–16
Lemminkäisenkatu 45

Turku Day is celebrated in the Maailmanpuutarha garden with a multicultural family event. The programme includes a bouncy castle, music, dance, art, exercise and much more for the whole family! Further information and a more detailed programme can be found at: www.daisyladies.fi.

Turku Lazaret Museum open
12–16
Kiinamyllynkatu 4–8

Turku Lazaret Museum presents the history of medical care, medicine and the oldest hospital in Finland, Tyks. The museum is located in the hospital's old Gatekeeper's house. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there is a theme exhibition on nursing education in Kiinamyllynmäki. 

Turku Day at the Brinkkala Outolintu shop & gallery
12–16
Old Great Square 3

Brinkkala Outolintu is open on Turku Day! You can find Brinkkala's multidisciplinary art handicrafts shop at Brinkkala House.

Mahdollisuuksien tori on Turku Day
12–17
Brinkkala courtyard

The charming courtyard of Brinkkala House offers a multicultural bazaar atmosphere! Welcome to explore the stands of the organisations and watch the stage programme. There will be theatre, dance, music, association presentations and information bulletins.

Bowling at Kupittaa Bowling Hall
12–18
Kupittaankuja 1 

To celebrate Turku Day, go bowling at the Kupittaa Bowling Hall! During the day, the lane price is 20€/hour, and the shoe rent is included in the price.

Art exhibition "sitä sun tätä”
12–18
Loiva Studio, Linnankatu 33

An inspiring art exhibition for people of all ages. Come and experience the dimensions of abstract art

Turku Day in Flowpark
12–18
Skanssinkatu 10

Flowpark celebrates Turku Day by offering a day ticket at half price! The offer only applies to normal day tickets.

Open doors in Paavo Nurmi's house
12–18
Jarrumiehenkatu 4, apartment 17

The home of the King of the Runners, Paavo Nurmi, is located in the centre of Turku. Welcome to see the Flying Finn’s Home on Turku Day!

Turku Day at Finlands Scoutmuseum
12–18
Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13

Finland's only museum related to youth work, the Scoutmuseum, has been reformed. Welcome to explore!

Vimma - All Under One Roof
12–18
Aurakatu 16

Opening of the new Vimma! Get to know the familiar and new actors in the building. The event includes handicrafts experimentation, performing arts, music and art exhibitions. 

Taiteen lumo
12–18
Aurakatu 16

Taiteen lumo is a performing arts event aimed at young people and young adults. In addition to the horror house, the event will include dance and music!

Turku Day at the Art Chapel
12–19
Seiskarinkatu 35

St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel celebrates Turku Day! The programme will include a Kaisa Kraft and Virpi Vähäpassi concert at 13:30, after which Pekka Vallittu's artist meeting will take place between 15:00 and 17:00. The Turku Day evening prayer is at 17:00.

Theatre parade: well-being from theatre hobby
12.15–13.15
Market Square, Vähätori Square, The Old Great Square, Library Bridge side, Front of the Main Library, Market Square

Children's and young people's cheerful theatre parade runs around the centre of Turku. The participants are students of basic education in theatre arts from the Turku Youth Theatre. At the same time, the 20th anniversary of the Esittävien taiteiden oppilaitosten liitto (“Association of Performing Arts Education Institutions”) will be celebrated.

Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival: Kallo Collective - Hiekkalaatikko
13:00
Barkerinpuisto park’s playground sandbox    

Magic on the playground of childhood! The new and unknown will be encountered when a sand creature and a researcher meet in the sandbox of the Barkerinpuisto playground. Hiekkalaatikko (sandbox) is a contemporary circus performance for the whole family, which invites its young audience to experience the everyday environment in a new and surprising way. The performance is part of the Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival programme. Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival in Turku from 13 to 23 September.

Singing trial lessons
13–18
Tuureporinkatu 14

Come and try a singing lesson at an affordable price on Turku Day! During the trial lesson (25 min), you will receive constructive feedback from the Ääniräätäli song pedagogue, and you will learn to understand the development targets of your voice.

Sunday lunch in Aurelia
13:30–15:30
Aurakatu 18

After the Swedish-language church service in Turku Cathedral, a bring-your-own-food type of Sunday lunch will be served in Aurelia. Rice and potatoes are available on behalf of the parish. Everyone is invited to join in!

A preview of Työnlausujat performance
14:00–14:10
The courtyard of the Taiteen talo arts centre, in case of inclement weather the performance space of the Turku Student Theatre

The performers of the Työnlausujat work offer a taste of their future performance. The performance is an interpretation of the workmen choir of the same name in the 1930s, which offers movement, recitation and topical themes. The Työnlausujat contemporary theatre performance will premiere on 30 September. At Turku Student Theatre. The performance is interpreted in sign language.

Turun kasvit plant lecture at Ruissalo Botanical Garden (only in Finnish)
14–15
Ruissalon puistotie 215

During the Turun Kasvit lecture, Kaiu Tamminen talks about the plants in the Turku area and why mapping them is important for biodiversity. You can also hear about the future of the mapping project at the event. 

Melodies in Concrete – WeW! 10th anniversary concert
14–15
Piispankatu 17

What Ever Works! contemporary music festival celebrates its tenth anniversary at the Sibelius Museum on Turku Day at 14:00. Welcome to hear new music from young composers in the Turku region!

Posankka Race
14–15
Library Bridge

Posankka Race is a fast-paced fund-raising event of the environmental organisation Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association and Turku's own city animal Posankka. At posankkarace.fi, anyone can adopt a small bath toy Pigduck with a donation of 10€, which will race on a fenced track in the Aurajoki river, on Turku Day. The aim of the event is to draw attention to the littering in the Baltic Sea and to collect funds for the concrete work of Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association against littering in water bodies.

Turku Åbo Runoraati
14–16
Taiteen talo arts centre, Nunnankatu 4

The relaxed Runoraati poetry panel of Turku Day presents unreleased poems of five Turku-based poets. The panel of experts will comment on the poems and score them. Welcome to hear poetry at the Turku Åbo Runoraati, which is being held for the first time!

Public presentation of the city's patron ship MHC Katanpää
14–18
Läntinen Rantakatu 67

The patron ship of Turku, the naval mine hunter vessel Katanpää, arrives on the riverside to celebrate the anniversary of the city. The public has the opportunity to get to know the vessel on its exterior decks. Welcome!

Pikkuli’s song and play show at Timantti Theatre (only in Finnish)
14–18
Kupittaankatu 2

The frame of the Pikkuli song play show, suitable for all ages, consists of characters and stories familiar from the Pikkuli books and animation series, but each performance is different and unique. This time, to celebrate Turku Day, various references to Turku have been hidden in the performance. The event is organised by the Children's Culture Centre Adventure Park.

Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival: Jonna Aaltonen – Lentoon
At 15:00 in front of the City Theatre, at 16:00 Föri ferry, at 17:00 Manilla courtyard

A small dance ode to freedom, beauty, joy, melancholy, and also with compassion to letting go, comfort and hope. The performance is part of the Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival programme. The festival Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti in Turku from 13 to 23 September.

Open doors at Betel Church
15–19
Yliopistonkatu 29 A

Welcome to experience the story of the historic Betel Church on Turku Day! Guided tours are available. 

Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival: Livsmedlet duo / Grus Theatre: Invisible Lands
16:00
Itäinen Rantakatu 64 b

Geography and politics stretch and become living performance platforms. We will learn what touch, presence and durability really are all about. In the performance, the Livsmedlet duo, which is part of the Grus Theatre, challenges itself to a unique encounter between puppet theatre and choreography. The performance is part of the Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti festival programme. The festical Tehdasfestivaali Manifesti in Turku from 13 to 23 September.

Kieltolaki noin tunnissa tour (only in Finnish)
16–17:15
Departure from the City Theatre next to the Aleksis Kivi statue

On Turku Day, you can learn about the Finnish Prohibition Act in a about an hour, from the declaration to its joyful ending. The event features stories about the history of the Prohibition Act, including crimes, as well as the politics in the drafting of the Act.

From the Big Bang to today along the Aurajoki river (only in Finnish)
17–18:30
Auransilta Bridge

On Turku Day, Time Trek organises a guided public trek on the banks of the Aurajoki river. Guided by Biologist Aleksi Elovaara, we will travel from Auransilta Bridge to Tähtitorninmäki hill, a distance of 1.4 kilometres, which reflects the 13.7 billion year age of the universe. The tour is intended for everyone who wants to learn something new from the world around us.

Chamber Choir Key Ensemble concert: Kuumaisema
18–19
Martin’s Church, Huovinkatu 1

The concert of Chamber Choir Key Ensemble presents Icelandic choir music. The main theme of the concert is the relationship between Icelandic music and nature. 

Armchair travelling to the Raunistula district with Jouni Elomaa
18–19:30
Parish hall, Eerikinkatu 3

In honour of Turku Day, Jouni Elomaa takes you armchair travelling to the Raunistula district. The event includes coffee service, a voluntary coffee fee for the benefit of the Common Responsibility. Armchair trips are open to everyone. 

Stop Väkivallalle festival
18–20:30
Old Great Square 3

Stop Väkivallalle (Stop to Violence) festival is a new family event concept for non-violence. This event is a festival in favour of an important issue so that we can together influence and say stop to violence!

Kaisu Koivisto exhibition: Kultapallo
18:30–20
St. Johannes Chapel of the Cathedral, Tuomiokirkonkatu 1

The Goldball exhibition is a study on time and materials. The drawings and artefacts brought to the chapel by Koivisto meet the rich history of the Turku Cathedral. 

Turku Day fireworks
21:00

Turku Day celebrations culminate in the evening at 21:00 with fireworks from Samppalinnanmäki hill. The fireworks are best-visible from the west bank of the Aurajoki river, in the area between the city hall and Kristiinankatu 1, from the Theatre Bridge, and also from the east bank. 

Restaurants and cafés 

Turku Day on Sunday, 17 September 2023 is an excellent opportunity to not only take part in events but also give your kitchen at home a rest and enjoy local food and beverages. Finland’s best culinary city offers a great range of delicacies, and many restaurants and cafés are standing by to serve hungry and thirsty visitors on Turku Day.

Delicacies in the central fire station of Turku
10–14
Erikinkatu 35

On Turku Day, there will be grilled sausages, drinks, and sweet delicacies from Mood restaurants in the front yard of the central fire station of Turku. 

Brinkhall Cider & Harvest event
10–17
Brinkhallintie 414

Take part in the harvesting of cider apples in the old garden of the historical manor and try cider production with the guidance of cider workers. If you wish, you can receive an assessment of the cider eligibility of your apples. In the programme, lectures related to cider, apples and the manor, as well as cider tastings along with harvest delicacies prepared for the event by the café.

Turku Day at Wiklund
11–18
Eerikinkatu 11

Turku Day is celebrated at Wiklund, welcome to enjoy restaurant services

Turku Day at Restaurant Ship S/S Bore
12–15
Linnankatu 72

On Turku Day, the brunch will be served at Restaurant Kristina. Creating the mood is Saxophonist Kristian Lakari. 

Turku Day at Logomos Teatro
12–18
Junakatu 9

Logomos renoverad restaurant Teatro serves on Turku Day from 12am to 6pm. Come and fall in love with Neapolitan artisan pizza, which is made in real Neapolitan pizza oven Di Fiore with large italian heart. In honor of the Turku Day are two pizzas for price of one during the whole day! 

Turku Day treats at Restaurant Tori'o by the Market Square
12–21
Aurakatu Pavilion, Market Square

Exceptionally, the restaurant is open for Turku Day from 12:00 to 21:00 (kitchen until 20:00). DJ Lotta and X Gunu will start playing in the evening at 16:00.

Turku Day Grill It! at Marina
From 13:00 to 22:00
Linnankatu 32

To celebrate Turku Day, we serve with extended opening hours.

Turku Day Aperitivo

Turku Aperitivo is the perfect opportunity to explore Turku's versatile restaurants and new flavours, as well as enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of Turku with friends and family in a relaxed afterwork style. During the event, you can buy various aperitifs, i.e. a fresh drink and a delicious antipasto-style appetiser for an affordable price of 12 euros, in the participating restaurants.

Participating in Aperitivo:

Siro, Karu Izakaya, The Tasting Room,Vinho Winebar, The Cow, 5piste5 x Myrrys, Veistämö Wine Bar, Via Tribunali, Tårget, Cup & Pint, di Trevi, E. Ekblom, Roster Turku, Rica Bar, Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Aune, Restaurant Viinille, Panini ,Tiirikkala, Kakolanruusu , KBC Taproom

Turku Day in Veistämö Wine Bar
16–22
Linnankatu 63

Turku Day is celebrated again this year in Veistämö with fitting offers! Come and celebrate the day from 4pm. Warm welcome to enjoy wine and tapas! 
 

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