September 2026 in Helsinki: Top Things to Do

September brings the first signs of autumn to Helsinki and evenings are getting darker, but the city’s event calendar is still going strong. There’s plenty to choose from, including concerts, culture, exhibitions, theatre, city events and other experiences across Helsinki. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting things to do in September 2026 – pick your favourites and make the most of Helsinki this autumn.

Events in Helsinki in September | Contents:

Helsinki events in September 2026
Theatre and opera picks in Helsinki
Exhibition picks in Helsinki
Live music in Helsinki
Week 36 picks: Tuesday 1 September – Sunday 6 September 2026
Week 37 picks: Monday 7 – Sunday 13 September 2026
Week 38 picks: Monday 14 – Sunday 20 September 2026
Week 39 picks: Monday 21 – Sunday 27 September 2026

Helsinki events in September 2026

Theatre and opera picks in Helsinki for autumn 2026

Aida – Finnish National Opera
28.8.–1.10.2026
Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera is presented in a new interpretation set amid war, where the fates of Aida, Radamès and Amneris become intertwined.
More information and tickets – Finnish National Opera

Swan Lake – Finnish National Ballet
21.8.–11.9.2026
Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet classic tells the story of Odette and Prince Siegfried, with big emotions, beautiful music and the magic of classical ballet.
More information and tickets – Finnish National Opera and Ballet

& Julia – Helsinki City Theatre
20.8.2026–20.3.2027
The hit musical gives Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet a new twist: this time, Juliet chooses life, in a high-energy pop celebration featuring the hit songs of Max Martin.
More information and tickets – Helsinki City Theatre

Kotijoukot – Helsinki City Theatre
2.9.–19.12.2026
Written by Niina Lahtinen and Joonas Nordman, this fast-paced relationship comedy sends Hanna and Matti to a rather unusual couples’ retreat, where the instructor may be taking the assignment a little too seriously.
More information and tickets – Helsinki City Theatre

Elolliset – Helsinki City Theatre
From 3 September 2026
Based on Iida Turpeinen’s novel, this powerful stage work takes audiences into the history of extinction and the story of Steller’s sea cow through natural science, history and audiovisual storytelling.
More information and tickets – Helsinki City Theatre

Nattland – Swedish Theatre
10.9.–14.11.2026
Marius von Mayenburg’s dark comedy is a sharp and absurd satire about the value of art, history and what we are willing to sacrifice to hide the truth.
More information and tickets – Swedish Theatre

Änglagård – Swedish Theatre
17.9.2026–13.5.2027
Based on Colin Nutley’s beloved film, this warm-hearted musical brings colourful characters, strong emotions and catchy music to the stage.
More information and tickets – Swedish Theatre

Exhibition picks in Helsinki for autumn 2026

Amos Rex

Generation 2026 runs until 6 September and brings together fresh contemporary art by young artists; meanwhile, The Secret Capital of EGS turns Helsinki’s urban space into an art trail from 28 August to 30 September.
More information, programme and tickets – Amos Rex

Kiasma

In September, Kiasma is showing Edith Karlson’s exhibition Dawn till Dawn, exploring mythical creatures and the human relationship with nature, alongside Entiset ainoat and Nelivärinen uni. Kiasma’s free admission day is 4 September from 10am to 8pm, with several free guided tours also on the programme.
More information, programme and tickets – Kiasma

Ateneum

Ateneum’s autumn highlights include Eero Nelimarkka’s major exhibition, on view until 13 September, Elga Sesemann, which opened in August, and the collection exhibition Ajan kysymys.
More information, programme and tickets – Ateneum

HAM

At HAM, Petri Ala-Maunus and Mauno Markkula: Blazing Sky continues until January 2027, as does Tove Jansson Gallery: Artist Family Jansson. A new exhibition by Antti Tolvi opens on 25 September, and 25 September is a free admission day at HAM.
More information, programme and tickets – HAM

Helsinki Kunsthalle

Alia Ali: In Light of… is an immersive exhibition combining textiles, photography, sculpture, murals and sound to explore cultural memories and traditions. September also brings life drawing evenings and a Meet the Artist event on 26 September.
More information, events and tickets – Helsinki Kunsthalle

Architecture & Design Museum

Aalto Design – Forms of Wellbeing, Escape to Moominvalley and Craft Punk offer a look at different sides of Finnish design, architecture and craft; the museum also hosts a free evening on 29 September.
More information, programme and tickets – Architecture & Design Museum

Finnish Museum of Photography

Malla Hukkanen: Film Stills and Z Walsh: Feminine Man are on view until 20 September, offering two different perspectives on photography and themes of gender, identity and popular culture.
More information and tickets – Finnish Museum of Photography

Helsinki City Museum

Tuntematon lähiö is on view until 13 September, while the permanent Helsinki Exhibition and Children’s Town offer a look at the city’s history for the whole family – admission to the City Museum is free. In September, the Helsinki Exhibition also offers open guided tours on Thursdays.
More information and programme – Helsinki City Museum

Sinebrychoff Art Museum

Anna Sinebrychoff – Edelläkävijä continues until next summer, while Peacock in the Garden – Mathias Withoos and Rome, opening on 24 September, brings the colourful world of the 17th-century artist to life. September also features several drama tours and a free afternoon on 25 September.
More information, programme and tickets – Sinebrychoff Art Museum

More interesting exhibitions

Elin Danielson-Gambogi opens at Didrichsen Art Museum on 12 September, offering a look at the work of one of Finland’s significant female artists. Poetic Reality continues at Villa Gyllenberg until 13 September, exploring art, design, fashion and garden culture from the 1920s to the 1940s. September also brings the Hotel and Restaurant Museum’s Barley Porridge and Crispbread – The Story of Finnish School Food and Annantalo’s Heli Kemiläinen: Connecting.

Didrichsen Art Museum – more information and tickets
Villa Gyllenberg – more information and tickets
Hotel and Restaurant Museum – more information and tickets
Annantalo – more information and programme

Live music and concerts

Tavastia

Helsinki’s legendary rock club offers concerts almost every week in September. The line-up includes The 69 Eyes, Eläkeläiset, Aknestik, Daniel Lanois, Saimaa, Eini, nublu, Samuli Putro and Waltari.
See programme and tickets | Tavastia

Allas Live

Allas Sea Pool’s outdoor concert season continues until 19 September, with September performances including Poets of the Fall, Saat miehen kyyneliin – anniversary concert, Bizi, Karri Koira and Melo. The seaside venue is especially atmospheric on those early autumn evenings.
See programme and tickets – Allas Live

G Livelab

The intimate live club on Yrjönkatu focuses on high-quality jazz, pop, soul and experimental music. September performers include Olli Ahvenlahti New Quintet, Fatboy, Tommy Lindgren Metropolis, The Necks and Kelly Moran.
See programme and tickets | G Livelab

Ääniwalli

Popular Vallila club venue offers electronic music, indie, rap and club nights throughout September. The programme includes keiju + MOMO as well as several other DJ and live nights.
See programme and tickets | Ääniwalli

On the Rocks

Located near Kallio, this club is a great choice especially for fans of rock, alternative and heavier music. The September programme includes IAMX as well as several Finnish and international bands.
See programme and tickets | On the Rocks

Semifinal

The smaller club stage next to Tavastia focuses in September on emerging artists, punk, rock and alternative music. The line-up includes Viivi Rättyä, MTVKID and Drug Store Raid.
See programme and tickets | Semifinal

Savoy-teatteri

Savoy’s September concert programme spans a wide range of genres, from classical music to world music and entertainment concerts.
See programme and tickets | Savoy

Korjaamo

Korjaamo’s September programme features indie, rock, alternative music and various club events. It’s also a great place to discover smaller and exciting artists.
See programme | Korjaamo

Things to do in Helsinki in September 2026

11 September–4 October: iik!week. Linnanmäki transforms into an autumn horror neighbourhood, with spooky experiences, characters and themed programme on weekends.
More information | Linnanmäki

Helsinki Taidehalli life drawing evening, every Tuesday from 6:15pm to 8pm. The guided drawing session is suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists.
More information and tickets | Helsinki Taidehalli

Week 36: Tuesday 1 September – Sunday 6 September 2026

1 September: Carminho & Tuuletar, Huvila at 7pm – Portuguese fado star Carminho takes the stage, with Finnish vocal group Tuuletar opening the evening.
More information and tickets | Huvila

2–6 September: Habitare. Finland’s largest furniture, design and interior event brings together the latest ideas and inspiration for the home.
More information and tickets | Habitare

3–13 September Helsinki Design Week. Design, exhibitions, talks, tours and more across Helsinki.
More information | Helsinki Design Week

3–6 September: Open House Helsinki. Free opportunities to explore interesting buildings, architecture and urban spaces that are not always open to the public.
More information and programme | Open House Helsinki

4–5 September: Nerdlesque Festival. A festival combining burlesque, comedy and performance art at Korjaamo.
More information and tickets | Korjaamo

4 September: Olympic Day. Olympic Stadium, 10am–5pm. A free family sports day where you can try around 25 different sports.
More information | Olympic Stadium

4–5 September: Wine Tasting Vallisaari, 1pm–7pm. Wine tasting, a tapas buffet and a seaside terrace, with a sunset atmosphere in the evening.
More information and tickets | Wine Tasting Vallisaari

Until 5 September: Helsinki Festival continues. This multidisciplinary city festival wraps up during the first week of September.
More information and programme | Helsinki Festival

5 September: Teurastamo Block Party, 12pm–6pm. A free city celebration with music, dancing, food and activities for children.
More information | Teurastamo

Week 37: Monday 7 – Sunday 13 September 2026

7–13 September: Karhupuisto Film Festival. This film festival spread across Kallio brings outdoor screenings, international films, discussions, music and club events for a full week.
More information and programme

7 September: HJK Klubi 04 – KäPa, Bolt Arena at 7pm – Helsinki football at Bolt Arena in a league match.
More information and tickets | HJK

10–13 September: Helsinki Circus Festival. A new four-day festival showcasing Finnish contemporary circus, from street circus and tent performances to comedy and contemporary circus. The programme includes 13 performances across Suvilahti, the Stoa–Caisa area and Cirko.
More information and tickets | Helsinki Circus Festival

10 September: Ismo Leikola, Kulttuuritalo. A stand-up evening featuring one of Finland’s best-known comedians.
More information and tickets | Kulttuuritalo

11 September: Helzinki Hardstyle Festival presents Showtek, Kaapelitehdas at 9pm. An electronic music night headlined by Showtek, with Warface, Adrenalize and MC Villain also on the bill.
More information and tickets | Kaapelitehdas

12 September: Faithless + Orkidea, Kaapelitehdas – Faithless brings its electronic music classics to Helsinki, joined by Orkidea.
More information and tickets | Kaapelitehdas

12 September: Devin Townsend – Metamorphosis Solo Tour, Finlandia Hall at 7pm. Canadian heavy rock and progressive music cult favourite Devin Townsend performs a solo show.
More information and tickets | Finlandia Hall

12 September: Midnight Run Helsinki, around 9pm–midnight. This evening city run offers 5K and 10K routes through central Helsinki.
More information and registration | Midnight Run Helsinki

12 September: Kaisaniemi Run, around 4–7pm. This traditional running event offers a 5K race and a half marathon.
More information and registration | Kaisaniemi Run

12 September: Wine Tasting Vallisaari, 1–7pm. The final tasting event of the summer season combines wine, a tapas buffet and a seaside setting.
More information and tickets | Wine Tasting Helsinki

Week 38: Monday 14 – Sunday 20 September 2026

14 September: HJK Academy – FC KTP, Bolt Arena at 6:30pm. Helsinki football at Bolt Arena.
More information and tickets | HJK

15 September: NITS, Savoy Theatre at 7pm, the Dutch cult band NITS comes to Helsinki for a concert.
More information and tickets | Savoy Theatre

17 September: Love & Anarchy, 17–27 September Finland’s largest and most diverse international film festival fills Helsinki cinemas with new, exciting and fearless films.
More information and programme | Love & Anarchy

17 September: Jokerit – JYP, Veikkaus Arena at 6:30pm – The Finnish Liiga hockey season gets underway at home.
More information and tickets | Jokerit

17 September: Amy Winehouse – Back to Black 20 Years tribute, Kulttuuritalo. A tribute concert celebrating the music of Amy Winehouse.
More information and tickets | Kulttuuritalo

17 September: City Museum Helsinki Exhibition open tour at 5pm. A free guided tour exploring Helsinki’s history and how the city has changed.
More information | Helsinki City Museum

18 September: Africa Day, Malmitalo, 5–9pm. A celebration of African culture featuring music, dance and other programme at Malmitalo.
More information | Malmitalo

18 September: HJK Academy – TPS, Bolt Arena at 7pm. A football evening at Bolt Arena.
More information and tickets | HJK

19 September: Jokerit – Tappara, Veikkaus Arena at 5pm. A meeting between top teams at Helsinki’s ice hockey arena.
More information and tickets | Jokerit

19 September: HJK Women – IF Gnistan, Bolt Arena at 6pm. A meeting between Helsinki’s league teams at Bolt Arena.
More information and tickets | HJK

20 September: HAVASI, Kulttuuritalo at 4pm and 7:30pm – Hungarian composer and pianist HAVASI combines classical piano, rock and an audiovisual show.
More information and tickets | Kulttuuritalo

Week 39: Monday 21 – Sunday 27 September 2026

21 September: Love & Anarchy, 17–27 September. This international film festival filling Helsinki cinemas offers new films, festival favourites and intriguing special screenings.
More information and programme – Love & Anarchy

22 September: Jokerit – Pelicans, Veikkaus Arena. A Liiga hockey night in Helsinki.
More information and tickets – Jokerit

22 September: Helsinki Kunsthalle life drawing evening, 6:15–8pm. A guided drawing evening offers a relaxed opportunity to draw from a live model in the gallery setting.
More information and tickets – Helsinki Kunsthalle

23–26 September: Helsinki Comedy Festival. A four-day stand-up festival takes over several Helsinki venues, featuring both established comedians and fresh new talent.
Programme and tickets – Helsinki Comedy Festival

23–27 September: Helsinki International Grand Market. Hakaniemi Market Square welcomes entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries and different parts of Finland, along with international food stalls; free admission.
More information – Helsinki International Grand Market

24 September: Aalto in Helsinki architecture walk, 5–6:30pm. This walking tour introduces Alvar Aalto’s Helsinki architecture and key Aalto sites around the city.
More information and registration – Alvar Aalto Foundation

24 September: City Museum Helsinki Exhibition open tour, 5pm. A free guided tour explores Helsinki’s history and transformation.
More information – Helsinki City Museum

11 September–4 October: iik!week. Linnanmäki turns into a horror playground on weekends, with creepy attractions, characters and an unmistakable autumn atmosphere.
More information and tickets – iik!week

25 September: free afternoon at Sinebrychoff Art Museum, 3–6pm. Admission is free, and the afternoon programme also includes piano music.
More information – Sinebrychoff Art Museum

26 September: Roast Fest, Wanha Satama, 10am–5:30pm. An all-day event combining stand-up comedy and roast culture.
More information – Wanha Satama

26 September: Idän kirjamessut, Stoa, 12–7pm. A city event dedicated to literature, with daytime programming and evening performances including Duo Vastaanotin and Asa.
More information and programme – Stoa

27 September: iik!week, Linnanmäki, 4–9pm. September’s final iik! evening offers spooky experiences and themed programme at Linnanmäki.
More information and tickets – iik!week