Varkaus-päivät City Event

Joutenlahti School Open Day 

Friday 11 September, 10.00–16.00

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15 

Fun activities and music for young and old alike on Friday and Saturday. Joutenlahti School offers a wide range of activities. 

Programme includes

• Band showcase for bands practising in the Varkaus area. Please register by 28 August with Teemu Räntilä: rantilateemu@gmail.com

• Whether you’re into humppa or tango, let’s see if we can find a musician. 

• If you’re craving a coffee, there might be something to satisfy that too. Cash payments only at the café.

Free entry. 

Organised by the Warkautelaiset ry Inclusion Working Group and WIPA, in collaboration with Yhteisötalo / Setlementti Puijola.

Lines of the Heart – Colours of Life 

Fri 11 Sept, 10.00–17.00

Väinölä Art Centre, Ahlströminkatu 8–10 

Timo and Marja-Muusa Hämäläinen’s joint exhibition, ‘Lines of the Heart and Colours of Life’, depicts their 50-year journey together through words and images. Marja-Muusa and Timo talk about their lives, how art came to play a part in their story, and the significance of the Väinölä building – completed in 1913 – within the art world. Free admission. 

Organised by Väinölä Art Centre 

Huru-uket at Käpykangas 

Fri 11 Sept at 1.00 pm, duration 45 mins   

Käpykangas Service Centre Hall, Tapionkatu 4   

The cheerful sounds of ukuleles will fill the hall at the Käpykangas Service Centre as Huru-uket invite you to a feel-good musical session. You’re welcome to sing along and dance to the best of your ability, or simply listen with a smile on your face. 

Organised by Varkaus City’s Culture and Events Services, in collaboration with Huru-uket and the North Savo Welfare Region 

Youth Centre Open Day 

Fri 11 Sept, 2.00 pm–9.00 pm

Nuorten Talo Youth Centre, Osmajoentie 28 B  

Open Day at the Youth Centre’s youth space – open to everyone, all ages welcome. Come along to have a look around and say hello to the staff. Free entry. 

Organised by Varkaus City Youth Services 

Rainbow in the shadow of the factory chimneys 

Fri 11 Sept, 2.00 pm–4.00 pm

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15 

We’ll be sharing stories about Varkaus’s rainbow-coloured life in the shadow of the factory chimneys, both factually and fictionally. We’ll also be gathering information, as it hasn’t been recorded anywhere yet. Free entry. 

Organised by Varkaus Pride ry 

Worth Caring For – Creative workshop 

Fri 11 Sept, 4.00–5.30 pm 

Varkaus Museum Centre Konsti, Krankin älypaja, Satakunnankatu 1 

Take a moment for yourself and let your creativity run wild in this creative workshop led by Riitta Pasanen. Register by 28 August 2026 via the link:
bit.ly/luovapaja26.
 
Further information: r.pasanen@pp.inet.fi. Free entry!
 
Organised by Wastery and the Varkaus Museum Centre Konsti 

Taekwondo Open Day 

Fri 11 September, 5.00–6.00 pm

Taekwondo Gym, Ahlströminkatu 17, 2nd floor 

Taekwondo demonstration and the chance to take part in a training session for those interested. No advance booking required, free entry. 

Organised by Varkaus Taekwondo Association 

VarkausTapaus! event evening 

Fri 11 Sept, 5.00–8.00 pm

Varkaus Library, Osmajoentie 1  

The VarkausTapaus! event evening offers something to see, hear and experience for all tastes. There will be music, dance, performances, experiences, poetry and fun activities for children and adults alike. Performers at the event include pupils from the Soisalo Dance and Music School, choirs from the music classes at Waltteri School, and the talented local musician Pieta Martikainen. The venue will be buzzing with activities and experiences, ranging from relaxing with poetry to face painting, entertainment and various workshops. Free entry.  

Programme: 

• 5.00 pm Performances by the Soisalo Dance School and the Soisalo Music School saxophone quartet

• 5.30 pm Lecture by Mikko Keinonen: Echoes of Antiquity – what we can learn from an age-old world view

• 6.00 pm: Waltteri School’s Years 3–6 music classes

• 6.00 pm–8.00 pm Poetry reading with Päivi Konttinen 

• 7.00 pm: Musician Pieta Martikainen 

Non-stop from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm 

• ‘Amulets of Happiness’ workshop, Soisalo School of Visual Arts 

• Video interview: Introduction to the artist Taru Mäntynen

• Glitter tattoos 

• Exhibition of books and music material on mythological themes 

• Brutal Eclair café open 

Organised by Varkaus City Culture and Events Services, in collaboration with Varkaus Library and Soisalo College 

Kids Action Night 

Fri 11 Sept, 6.00–8.00 pm

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15 

With the theme ‘Worth Caring for’, there will be lots of different activity stations: a barbecue, go-karts and a bouncy castle (outdoors, weather permitting). Other indoor activities include bingo, floorball, crafts, games and a light supper. Free entry. 

Organised by the parishes of Varkaus

A musical journey to Fresco 

Fri 11 Sept at 6.00 pm

Varkaus Main Church, Savontie 1 

A unique musical journey combines words, music and visual art as we journey together through the scenery of the largest fresco in the Nordic countries. Discover this impressive altarpiece in a new way, through stories, melodies and moments of stillness. Free admission. 

Organised by the Varkaus Evangelical Lutheran Parish 

Sand sculpture at the Old Station

Fri 11 Sept and Sat 12 Sept

Varkauden Vanha Asema, Asemakatu 3 

Warkauden Veisto is creating sand art based on the theme ‘Worth Caring for’ for display in the station forecourt. The artwork will be illuminated throughout the Varkaus-päivät City Event. 

Organised by Warkauden Veisto ry 
 

ALSO

On Friday and Saturday, there will also be Open Studios and a pre-event for European Industrial Heritage Week; see the programme in its own section further down this page.

Family Centre Open Day: Play Saturday & Lapsen kengissä 30 Years 

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–14.00

Varkaus Family Centre Perheentalo, Kauppakatu 32 

Lapsen Kengissä ry is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, an open day will be held at the Varkaus Family Centre in conjunction with Play Saturday’s open play session. The event is open to all visitors, partners and anyone interested in our activities.  The programme includes a relaxed get-together and opportunities to meet others, learn about Perheentalo’s activities, fun and activities for children and families, as well as coffee and cake to mark this anniversary year. Free admission. 

Organised by Lapsen Kengissä ry / Varkaus Family Centre 

Varkaus Folk 

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–14.00

Tyyskä, Wredenkatu 4 

The new Varkaus Folk event invites everyone who loves folk music and folk traditions to a day of fun, with woolly skirts fluttering and musical instruments ringing out! The event brings together the colours of national costumes and the rhythms of Finnish folk music in the cultural and historical setting of Tyyskä.  

Programme  

• 10.00–11.30 Folk song and music session: sing-alongs and jam sessions, accompanied by Marjo Matilainen and Anna Janka-Murros, as well as the Savon pelimannit  

• 12.00–14.00 From Master to Apprentice – Savonian Tunes: Learn to play regional tunes under the guidance of Antti Janka-Murros.  

• The ‘National Costume Airing’ encourages you to wear a national costume or part of one, so that these treasures can be taken out of the cupboards and aired! National costume adviser Anna Kaisa Piispanen will also be present. 

• The ILO Café and Tyyskä will be open throughout the event. 

• Free admission.  

Organised by Varkaus City’s Culture and Events Services, in collaboration with the North Savo Folk Music Association / the ‘From Master to Apprentice’ project. 

Martial Arts Taster Day 

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–14.00

Judo and wrestling gyms at Varkaus Sports Centre, 2nd floor, Järvelänkatu 12

The Varkaus Ju-jutsu Club will be showcasing its activities at an event open to all. The club’s martial arts disciplines include Hokutoryu jujutsu, kenjutsu, kickboxing and Brazilian jujutsu. The programme includes demonstrations of the club’s activities, taster sessions, displays and an obstacle course for children in the wrestling hall. Free admission.

Organised by the Varkaus Ju-jutsu Club

Lines of the Heart – Colours of Life  

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–15.00

Väinölä Art Centre, Ahlströminkatu 8–10 

Timo and Marja-Muusa Hämäläinen’s joint exhibition, ‘Lines of the Heart and Colours of Life’, depicts their 50-year journey together through words and images. The exhibition is open from 10.00 to 15.00. 

10.00 am The Magic of Puppet Theatre: The Seed of Happiness (in Finnish only)

Where can the seed of happiness be found? In the ‘Once Upon a Time’ puppet theatre space, the magical world of puppetry invites people of all ages to share a moment where imagination, stories and little miracles come to life. The performance was created by Marja-Muusa Hämäläinen. After the performance, we’ll pause for a moment to reflect on what brings joy and hope to our own lives. 

2.00 pm A moment of words and visual art by the artworks 
We’ll walk together through the exhibition, looking at the artworks and hearing stories about how the exhibition came to be, and how art can move us and stir memories. What values do you hold dear? Together, the words we share will form a small, shared collection of memories and hope – a moment that reminds us that everyone’s story matters. 

Street train tours at 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00 

The Kalakukko street train departs from the Väinölä courtyard and takes a guided tour of Old Varkaus. Duration approx. 30 mins. Tickets €5, free for under 3s. 

Free entry to Väinölä, admission fee for the street train. 

Organised by Väinölä Art Centre  

Joutenlahti School Open Day 

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–16.00 

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15 

Fun activities and music for young and old alike on Friday and Saturday. Joutenlahti School offers a wide range of activities. 

Programme includes

• Band showcase for bands practising in the Varkaus area. Please register by 28 August with Teemu Räntilä: rantilateemu@gmail.com

• Whether you’re into humppa or tango, let’s see if we can find a musician. 

• If you’re craving a coffee, there might be something to satisfy that too. Cash payments only at the café.

Free entry. 

Organised by the Warkautelaiset ry Inclusion Working Group and WIPA, in collaboration with Yhteisötalo / Setlementti Puijola

Taekwondo Open Day 

Sat 12 Sept, 12.00–14.00

Taekwondo Gym, Ahlströminkatu 17, 2nd floor 

Taekwondo demonstration and the opportunity to take part in a training session for those interested. No advance booking required, free admission. 

 Organised by Varkaus Taekwondo Association 

Varkaus – Architectural treasures of our beautiful town 

Sat 12 Sept at 1.00 pm, duration 2 hours

Warkaus Hall, Kauppatori 6 

We’ll explore the industrial and changing environments of our beautiful town, as well as life and housing here. This is set against the backdrop of the city’s long architectural history, which has been influenced by talented architects and designers from around the world. We’ll hear, amongst other things, about the influence of Alvar Aalto and the Swiss-born Paul Bernoulli on Varkaus. The event will be opened by Mayor Henri Tanskanen, and the experts will be Hanna-Kaisa Melaranta, Director of Museum Services in Jyväskylä, and Heikki Lonka, architect, Doctor of Technology and author. Free admission. 

(In Finnish only.)
 
Organised by Kirja-Varkaus ry 

Neulekino: A Moment Before the Light 

Sat 12 Sept, 2.00–3.30 pm 

Maxim Cinema, Kauppakatu 27 

Bring along your handiwork and come and enjoy the film whilst knitting or crocheting. The cinema has suitably dimmed lighting. Klaus Härö’s new, gripping drama about the encounter between two women amidst a crisis in the care sector. 

Doors open half an hour before the film starts at 1.30 pm, so you can start knitting and enjoy the company of others. 
 
Tickets €13.50 from Maxim’s box office and www.savonkinot.fi 

Organised by Savon Kinot 

A Rainbow in the Shadow of the Factory Chimneys 

Sat 12 Sept, 14.00–16.00

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15 

We’ll be sharing stories about Varkaus’s rainbow-coloured life in the shadow of the factory chimneys, drawing on both facts and fiction. We’ll also be gathering information, as it hasn’t been recorded anywhere yet. Free entry. 

Organised by Varkaus Pride ry 

Panel discussion: Worth Caring For – Culture and Organisational Activities 

Sat 12 Sept, 3.30–4.15 pm 

Konsti Hall, Varkaus Museum Centre, Satakunnankatu 1 

Panelists include representatives in Varkaus’s cultural and leisure sectors. Free admission.
 
Organised by Wastery and the Varkaus Museum Centre Konsti 

Our Saturday  

Sat 12 Sept 2026, 5.00 pm–9.00 pm

Nuorten Talo youth centre, Osmajoentie 28 B 

The evening is aimed at secondary school pupils and young adults up to the age of 29. A programme by young people, for young people – come along and spend your Saturday evening in good company, either on your own or with friends. Light refreshments will be served during the evening. Please note that the venue is alcohol-free and energy drinks are not permitted. Free entry. 

Organised by Varkaus City Youth Services 

Premiere of the musical ‘Menomekko’ 

Sat 12 Sept at 6.00 pm 

Varkaus Theatre, Laivalinnankatu 29 

On Saturday evenings, the party really gets going. That’s when we put on our party dresses – decade after decade. Menomekko is a hilarious, heart-warming and down-to-earth musical that follows the Nyyssönen family’s journey from 1955 right up to the present day, spanning seven decades. *Menomekko* is the story of a family that argues, loves and learns to make the most of the hand they’ve been dealt.  

Premiere at Varkaus Theatre on 12 September 2026.
Script and direction: Mari Perankoski.
Conductor: Sami Ruutiainen. Tickets
must be purchased in advance. Tickets €36–42. On sale at the theatre from 11 August. Online at https://varkaudenteatteri.fi/ohjelmisto/menomekko/ 

Organised by Varkaus Theatre

Varkaus-päivät evening concert at the main church 

Sat 12 September at 6.00 pm

Varkaus Main Church, Savontie 1 

Olli Ristolainen, Valtteri Tuomikoski, Joona Kärnä, Sauli Rissanen and Tapani Majuri will perform at this atmospheric evening concert as part of the Varkaus Days. Free admission, programme €10. 

Organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Varkaus 

Piilossa / Hidden – Light Art Event 

Sat 12 Sept, 8.00 pm–10.00 pm non-stop

Starting point: Tyyskä courtyard, Wredenkatu 4, Varkaus 

Area: Päiviönsaari 

In this walking event, set against a backdrop of light art on Päiviönsaari and Kämär, you’ll discover things worth caring for in a whole new light.  

• First, pick up your instructions from the Tyyskä courtyard (Wredenkatu 4). The instructions include a rough map and fun verbal clues to help you find the light art installations.  

• You don’t need to return the map; the joy of discovery is your reward for taking part. 

• The illuminated sites are located no more than approximately 700 metres from the starting point.  

• You can park your car in the visitor car parks at Navitas, the Ilopisara Swimming Pool and the Town Hall, for example. 

• The Tyyskä bar/café will be open throughout the event. 

• Free admission. 

The event is organised by the City of Varkaus’s Culture and Events Services, and the lighting is provided by Festivaalimaa and its partners. The KOVAMENO Co-operative is a partner in the event. 

Organised by Varkaus City’s Culture and Events Services 

Night of the Shaman Drums

Sat 12 Sept, 8.00 pm–11.00 pm non-stop 

Kämäri and Ämmäkoski outdoor recreation area, parking: Wredenkatu 2 

Fire, flowing water and the rhythm of the drums create a unique moment in the heart of nature. During the evening, we’ll pause together to welcome autumn and give thanks to nature for the summer and its bounty. We’ll be drawing on positive energy and strength to see us through autumn and winter. 

Please bring your own drum or percussion instrument, if you have one. You’re warmly welcome to join in with the collective rhythm or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the evening.  

Programme 

• Partio-Unnukka’s pancakes and food stall at Sampola (Rehnströminkatu 8) throughout the event

• Bonfires at the Leijonalaavu campfire shelter and along the paths (weather permitting). At the Leijonalaavu campfire shelter: socialising, free drumming and welcoming autumn.  

• 20.30–21.00 Ämmäkoski drum performance: An impressive shamanic drumming group will perform against the backdrop of the rapids. The audience is asked to calm down and fall silent in the presence of these ancient sounds; let’s listen to the roar of the rapids and the rumble of the drums. Venue: Kämäri bridges. (In the event of rain, the drumming performance will take place indoors; further details to follow.)

• From 21.00 onwards: Informal get-together at Leijonalaavu Campfire Shelter. 

• Open drum circle 22.00–23.00 

Free entry. 

Organised by Taikalaakso – ShamanDrumsFinland

Sand sculpture at Old Station / Wanha Asema

Fri 11 Sept and Sat 12 Sept, non-stop

Varkauden Wanha Asema, Varkaus, Asemakatu 3 

Warkauden Veisto is creating a sand sculpture based on the theme ‘Worth Caring for’ for display in the station forecourt. The artwork will be illuminated throughout the Varkaus-päivät City Event. 

Organised by Warkauden Veisto ry

ALSO

On Friday and Saturday, there will also be Open Studios and a pre-event for European Industrial Heritage Week; see the programme in its own section further down this page.

As part of the Varkaus Days, local artists are opening their doors to the public. Admission is free to all venues. 

Artists, studios and opening hours:

Painter Marko Viljakka

Konsti (Tehtaan koulu), Satakunnankatu 1, 3rd floor 

Fri 11 Sept and Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–16.00 

Sculptor Taru Mäntynen (video presentation)

Konsti (Tehtaan koulu), Satakunnankatu 1, 3rd floor 

Fri 11 Sept and Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–16.00 

Artists Teemu and Kati Paananen (Cancelled)

Konsti (Tehtaan koulu), Satakunnankatu 1, 3rd floor 

Sat 12 Sept, 10.00–16.00 (Cancelled; incorrect information in the programme)

Multidisciplinary artist Jonna Vinha 

Taideniitty Artists’ House, Kissakoskenkatu 6 

Sat 12 Sept, 12 noon–3 pm

Graphic artist Kaarin Oresmaa 

Taideniitty Artists’ House, Kissakoskenkatu 6 

Sat 12 Sept, 12 noon–3 pm

Visual artist Johanna Aho 

Ahlströminkatu 34

Fri 11 Sept, 12 noon–4 pm

Painter Eero Hyvärinen 

Antinpuisto 8, Block A, 7th floor 

Fri 11 Sept and Sat 12 Sept, 12 noon–4 pm 

Ceramic artist Susanna Nissinen 

Rajakatu 22, flat 7 

Fri 11 Sept, 10.00–12.00, Sat 12 Sept, 12.00–14.00

A pre-event for European Industrial Heritage Week will also be held as part of the Varkaus-päivät City Event. 

• History and the present day come together at the European Industrial Heritage Week pre-event, organised as part of the Varkaus-päivät City Event on 11–12 September 2026.
• The programme features a variety of guided tours, boat trips and presentations in Old Varkaus.
• The European Heritage Label has inspired us to showcase Varkaus’s unique environment, places, people and stories.
• Read the programme details for Industrial Heritage Week via the link: visitvarkaus.fi/euroopan-teollisuusperintoviikko

• Varkaus-päivät City Event is a diverse city-wide event enjoyed by all residents of Varkaus. ​

• The event takes place in September, coinciding with the European Heritage Days.

• The event takes place over two days each year, on Friday and Saturday.​

• In 2026, the event will take place on Friday 11 September and Saturday 12 September. 

• The programme is organised by local organisations. ​Each organiser is responsible for their own event as part of the overall Varkaus-päivät City Event programme.​

• The City of Varkaus’s Culture and Events Services co-ordinates the entity and handle joint promotion and publicity..

• Event details will be compiled on the varkaus.fi/varkauspäivät website and in the programme booklet (in Finnish only). 

• The event will be publicised in traditional media, on social media, online, via posters and programme leaflets, on electronic display boards and in local event calendars. You can help with the publicity by telling your friends about the event yourself.

Accessibility information for the venues of the Varkaus-päivät City Event 2026. 

• If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact the venue in question directly in the first instance.
• If there are any omissions in our accessibility information, please contact: anna-mari.ahonen@varkaus.fi 

Elokuvateatteri Maxim / Cinema, Kauppakatu 27

• There is a ramp at the main entrance
• The venue is accessible via a stairlift
• Accessible toilet
• Wheelchair spaces:
  • The wheelchair spaces in Maxim 1 are in row 1, seats 1, 2, 12 and 13.
  • The wheelchair spaces in Maxim 2 are in row 1, seats 1 and 2. 
  • The wheelchair spaces at Maxim 3 are in row 1, seats 9 and 10
• If you require a wheelchair space, we recommend booking in advance via the Savon Kino office on 040 7092 766 on weekdays between 9am and 4pm. This will enable our staff to make the necessary preparations and provide you with the best possible service.
• Accessibility video

Joutenlahti School, Käärmeniementie 15

• There is a ramp at the main entrance
• To access the hall, you must use the stairs
• No accessible toilet

Ceramic artist Susanna Nissinen’s studio, Rajakatu 22, flat 7 

• Ring the bell at the side door to gain entry
• To access the space, you must go up the stairs

Visual artist Johanna Aho’s studio, Ahlströminkatu 34 

• Access to the space is via a ramp
• Parking spaces near the door; no specifically marked spaces
• There is no accessible toilet

Käpykangas Service Centre hall, Tapionkatu 4

• The venue is accessible
• The venue has an accessible toilet
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility

Nuorten Talo Youth Centre, Osmajoentie 28

• The venue is accessible
• You can travel between floors by lift
• Accessible toilet
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility

Väinölä Arts Centre, Ahlströminkatu 8–10 / Matintori 6

• Access to the interior is via a ramp
• The premises are not fully accessible
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility

Painter Eero Hyvärinen’s studio, Antinpuisto 8, Block A, 7th floor 

• Further details will be provided closer to the event

Taideniitty, Kissakoskenkatu 6

• To access the venue, you must use the stairs
• The premises are not fully accessible
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility

Taipale Canal Museum, Taipale Canal, Kanavakatu 1

• The venue is not fully accessible; there are thresholds at the external door
• The second floor is accessed via stairs
• No accessible toilet

Tyyskä, Wredenkatu 4

• The venue is not accessible
• The toilet facilities are not accessible
• 1 parking space for people with reduced mobility in front of Tyyskä

Varkaus Library, Osmajoentie 1

• The venue is accessible
• The venue has an accessible toilet
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility
• The exhibition spaces and auditorium (2nd floor) are accessible by lift

Varkaus Sports Centre, Judo and Wrestling Halls (3rd floor), Järvelänkatu 12

• The venue is accessible
• The venue has an accessible toilet
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility
• You can travel between floors by lift

Varkaus Museum Centre Konsti, Satakunnankatu 1

• There is a ramp at the main entrance
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility
• Accessible toilet on the ground floor
• Exhibitions (1st floor): accessible access
• Krankin Smart Workshop (1st floor): Accessible via a ramp
• Hall (2nd floor): The hall is accessible via a stairlift; the hall is equipped with an induction loop
• 3rd-floor facilities: A stairlift takes you up to the second floor, after which you must use the stairs

Varkaus Taekwondo Gym (2nd floor), Ahlströminkatu 17

• Parking available near the main entrance
• To reach the Taekwondo Gym, you must use the stairs
• The venue has an accessible toilet

Perheentalo - Varkaus Family Centre, Kauppakatu 32

• There is a ramp at the main entrance
• The venue is accessible
• There is an accessible toilet on the premises

Varkaus Main Church, Savontie 1

• Defibrillator
• The venue is accessible
• The venue has an accessible toilet
• An induction loop is in use
• Parking space for people with reduced mobility

Varkaus Theatre, Laivalinnankatu 29

• Defibrillator
• The theatre has a virtually accessible entrance. There is a ramp next to the front door, but the outer door does not open automatically and there is a threshold over 20 mm high.
• An induction loop is in use
• There is an accessible toilet in the theatre foyer
• A parking space for people with reduced mobility is located to the right of the main entrance.

Warkaus-sali, Kauppatori 4 

• The external doors have small thresholds and do not open automatically

• The venue is accessible; there is a ramp leading into the hall and wheelchair spaces are in the front row 

• Accessible toilet

• Parking space for people with reduced mobility  

At the Varkaus-päivät City Event, everyone can participate, be present, and express themselves without discrimination or harassment. The goal is to create a respectful, open, and accessible atmosphere that supports cultural experiences, learning, and a sense of community.

BE MINDFUL

Be mindful of everyone in the space or at the event. Be aware of different needs, backgrounds, and ways of participating.

RESPECT

Treat everyone equally and with respect. Do not make assumptions about people’s backgrounds, identities, or experiences. Respect privacy and approach sensitive topics with care.

BE RESPONSIBLE

Take responsibility for your words and actions. Remember that even well-intentioned comments or behavior may affect others in unintended ways.

If you take photos or videos, make sure to get consent from everyone appearing in them.

GIVE SPACE, BE OPEN, AND LISTEN

Listen actively and give everyone the opportunity to participate in conversations or activities in their own way. Everyone has the right to express themselves without being belittled or labeled.

APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE

If you hurt or offend someone, intentionally or unintentionally, apologize and be willing to reflect on and adjust your behavior. Be kind to yourself and others; everyone is learning.

INTERVENE IN HARASSMENT

If you notice inappropriate behavior or harassment, report it to the person responsible for the venue or event. Everyone has the right to a safe cultural experience.

A shared commitment

The organisers of the Varkaus-päivät City Event are committed to developing safer space practices together with their community and to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Varkaus-päivät City Event is coordinated by the City of Varkaus’s Culture and Events Services, which also organises some of the event programme. Dozens of different organisations are involved in staging the event, including various city departments, associations, businesses, parishes, volunteers and independent arts organisations.

The programme content is being delivered in collaboration with: 

• Festivaalimaa
• Kirja-Varkaus ry
• Lapsen kengissä ry / Varkaus Family Centre
• North Savo Folk Music Association / ‘From Master to Apprentice’ project
• Savon Kinot
• Soisalo College
• Väinölä Arts Centre
• Taikalaakso / ShamanDrumsFinland
• Varkaus Library
• Varkaus City Sports Services
• Varkaus City Youth Services
• Konsti Museum Centre, Varkaus
• Varkaus Ju-jutsu Club – VJJS
• Varkaus Taekwondo Association
• Parishes in Varkaus, including the Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Varkaus and the Varkaus Pentecostal Church
• Varkaus Theatre
• Varkaus Region Social and Health Organisations Association (Wastery)
• Varkaus Sculpture Association
• Varkaus Community Centre / Puijola Settlement
• Varkaus Pride Association
• Warkaus Residents’ Association
• Artists from Varkaus: Marko Viljakka, Jonna Vinha, Susanna Nissinen, Johanna Aho, Eero Hyvärinen, Kaarin Oresmaa, Taru Mäntynen

Also collaborating with, amongst others, the Northern Savo Welfare Region, the Verso Children’s Cultural Centre, Vekara-Varkaus, KOVAMENO osk, the City of Varkaus’s Communications and Marketing Department, and numerous volunteers.

We would like to ask for your feedback on the event anonymously via an online form.

Your feedback is important so that we can make the event even better next year.

Link to the 2026 feedback form: bit.ly/varkauspäivät26 (only in Finnish)

No new content will be accepted for the 2026 Varkaus Days.

If you have an event proposal that you would like to organise as part of the Varkaus-päivät programme in 2027, please contact cultural producer Anna-Mari Ahonen: anna-mari.ahonen@varkaus.fi / 041 732 1055

Each organiser of an event within the programme is fully responsible for their own event, from safety and staff to the venue and content. 

Culture and Events Services will assist by promoting the event as part of the overall programme.

Event details for the 2027 event must be compiled by 31 July 2027.