Open day for basic education classes in theatre arts at Annantalo
The Teatterikoulu ILMI Ö theatre school will host two open days at its basic education classes in theatre arts at Annantalo. Come and check out any of our classes! Below is the schedule for open classes (age groups are indicated in parentheses). No advance registration is required. A warm welcome! Monday, November 16 14:45–15:45 Thalia Group (ages 8–10) 16:15–17:15 Inspiraatio Group (ages 10–12) 18:00–19:00 Drama Group (ages 15–17) Wednesday, November 18 16:30–17:30 Kuiskaus Group (ages 13–15) 18:00–19:00 Katharsis Group (ages 16+)
Guided tour of the Huimaa! exhibition for primary schools
The Huimaa! – Sirkuksen taikaa ja tarinoita exhibition will take you on a journey through the history and present day of the Finnish circus. Along the way, we will see how the circus has evolved from the travelling troupes of the 19th century into the international art form it is today. The guided tour explores what makes the circus so fascinating, what it is like to become a circus artist, and just how much practice these skills require. We will also be exploring life on tour, different performance venues, and how circus can be used to promote wellbeing and a sense of community. Finally, we will discuss what the circus means today and why it continues to amaze, inspire and encourage audiences to see the world from a new perspective. Two free guided tours will be organised: one for primary school students and one for lower secondary school students (young people). The maximum group size is 20 people. Please register in advance by emailing: milla.kortemaa@teatterimuseo.fi.
Circus Magenta will be offering two fun 45-minute workshops where you can explore baby and toddler circus. In the joint circus workshops for children and adults, participants play, perform tricks and try out various circus props. The workshops are free of charge. No prior circus skills are needed. The workshops require advance registration. Both groups can accommodate 10 children and their adults. Detailed schedule 10.00–10.45 babies aged 4–12 months. 11.00–11.45 toddlers aged 1–3 Sign up for the circus workshop using the online form.
Guided tour of the Huimaa! exhibition for lower secondary schools
The Huimaa! – Sirkuksen taikaa ja tarinoita exhibition will take you on a journey through the history and present day of the Finnish circus. Along the way, we will see how the circus has evolved from the travelling troupes of the 19th century into the international art form it is today. The guided tour explores what makes the circus so fascinating, what it is like to become a circus artist, and just how much practice these skills require. We will also be exploring life on tour, different performance venues, and how circus can be used to promote wellbeing and a sense of community. Finally, we will discuss what the circus means today and why it continues to amaze, inspire and encourage audiences to see the world from a new perspective. Two free guided tours will be organised: one for primary school students and one for lower secondary school students (young people). The maximum group size is 20 people. Please register in advance by emailing: milla.kortemaa@teatterimuseo.fi.
Jamkids Musiikkisirkus tuo lavalle musiikkia, iloa ja sirkustunnelmaa koko perheelle. Osallistavassa esityksessä sirkustirehtööri, pelle ja leijona kutsuvat yleisön mukaan laulamaan, leikkimään ja kokemaan musiikin riemua yhdessä. Jamkids Musiikkisirkus on iloinen, osallistava ja vauhdikas musiikkiesitys koko perheelle. Jamkids juhlistaa 20-vuotista taivaltaan kutsumalla yleisön mukaan riemukkaaseen syntymäpäiväjuhlaan. Sirkustirehtööri, pelle ja leijona johdattavat katsojat sirkuksen ihmeelliseen maailmaan, joka on täynnä hauskoja lauluja, hahmoja ja leikkejä. Esityksessä yleisö pääsee osallistumaan leikkien, laulaen, liikkuen ja kuunnellen. Kohderyhmä: Koko perhe, erityisesti lapsiperheet Kesto: 40 minuuttia Ikäsuositus: Kaikenikäisille lapsille Lisätiedot ja liput: https://jamkids.fi/musiikkisirkus/ Järjestäjä: Jamkids Musiikkikoulu
Leikkipuiston vauvatreffeillä on mahdollisuus tavata toisia vanhempia ja vauvoja vaihtuvan toiminnan ohessa. Ohjattu tuokio kello 10.30. Vauvatreffeillä köllöttely- ja konttausikäiset lapset saavat yhdessä vanhemman kanssa osallistua leikkimiseen, liikkumiseen, tutkimiseen ja ilmaisuun mm. musiikki-, vauvasirkus-, taide ja lorutuokioissa. Vanhemmilla on mahdollisuus tutustua muihin lapsiperheisiin ja lapset saavat leikkiseuraa. Vanhemmat voivat osallistua toiminnan suunnitteluun yhdessä ohjaajien kanssa. Mahdollisuus omien ruokien lämmittämiseen ja kahvin/teen keittoon. Puiston sisätilat ovat perheiden käytössä. Iltapäivällä puistossa on myös koululaisten iltapäivätoiminta.
Leikkipuisto Vähätupa, Vähäntuvantie 4a · Helsinki
Open rehearsals: the ‘Sorsa Aaltonen ja lentämisen oireet’ chamber opera
Come along and join us for the open rehearsals of the performance based on Veera Salmi’s book of the same name. The work currently in production combines the expressive techniques of contemporary circus, musical theatre, physical theatre and opera to create a unique stage performance. The rehearsal is particularly suitable for 3–5-year-olds. Please note that you may only attend the rehearsal for part of the time. Please sign up in advance by emailing stiina.laakso@kapsakki.fi
Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäkki, Hämeentie 68 · Helsinki
Mikä se on? – a performance about the wonders of life – Wednesday Club
Mikä se on? is a performance for young children about the wonders of life, held in the library’s multi-purpose room Tempo. “If you pour water from a rubber boot onto the floor, could it create an ocean? If you find a ball on the floor, could it turn into a steam locomotive making its way through the landscape, a parent’s ear, or a baby bird learning to fly? If you give enough light, water and time, could they give rise to flowers blossoming in thousands of colours?” Kukka and Nuppu find a peculiar round object. What is it? The friends decide to find out, resulting in an adventure in which even the most ordinary of subjects turns into a great wonder and a gateway to a starry world of play. Mikä se on? is a lightly interactive performance for families with babies, which the children watch from their own seats with their parents. During the performance, baby care activities and all kinds of emotional states are allowed. We are looking forward to seeing you! Reservations and inquiries: Please contact Kanneltalo Community Producer at taru.honkanen@hel.fi. You can also come to the performance without a reservation if there are free seats available. There will be two performances: one at 10:00 and another at 11:00. Creative team: Siiri Ervasti and Paula Kovanen, Nuppuensemble Duration: roughly 30 minutes, after which you are welcome to remain for a moment to examine the props in the performance space. Maximum number of attendees: 15 children + 15 adults Recommended age for the children: 0–18 months Language spoken: Finnish
Open day for basic education classes in theatre arts at Vuotalo
The Teatterikoulu ILMI Ö theatre school will host an open day at its basic education classes in theatre arts at Vuotalo. Come and check out any of our classes! Below is the schedule for open classes (age groups are indicated in parentheses). No advance registration is required. A warm welcome! Wednesday, November 18 15:00–16:00 Esirippu Group (ages 8–10) 17:00–18:00 Mysteeri Group (ages 11–13)
Come and discover Teatteri Tuike. Come and explore shadow theatre and take part in a set-building workshop, where you will get to build sets for the summer 2027 theatre production. More information: pauliina.alanko@teatterituike.fi.
In the park, amidst a blaze of flowers, the emotional elephant Fanni, the lively tiger Ralf, and the black swans Lilli and Lenni are on an adventure. The friends have built a hut in the park and are planning an overnight trip! But oh no, strong emotions get in the way and threaten to mess everything up! How will they sort things out? What feelings do the friends experience? How do they manage to calm down? Luckily, flower caretaker Ari comes to the rescue with his emotion thermometer! This Fanni performance explores emotional skills, naming emotions, and what to do when feelings threaten to take over. Emotional turmoil is overcome with emotional regulation, and the emotion thermometer helps with that. The show is for children and families, with an age recommendation of 3+. (The age recommendation is just that – a recommendation; even younger children can come if you think they'll be able to concentrate and enjoy the show.) The performance lasts about 40 minutes. Premiere
Loopy lizards and fairy-tale ferns – theatre play workshop
Let’s play! The theatre play workshop will take loopy lizards, fairy-tale ferns and children and adults on an adventure. Through shared imaginative play and improvisation, we will explore the forest and transform ourselves into forest animals, plants or even the wind, the rain or a stone. What happens in the imaginative play is decided jointly by the children and adults taking part in the theatre workshop, together with the community artists from Theatre ILMI Ö. In the theatre workshop, we will improvise short scenes, make sculptures from things found in the forest, imitate the sounds of the forest, and build a piece of environmental art: a communal nest for the forest animals. We will also organise some truly magnificent and unique house-warming parties in honour of the newly built homes and their residents. The work is experiential, engaging, based on dialogue and collaboration, fun, and designed to spark the imagination of children and their loved ones. We will start by meeting in the Glass Courtyard in the Cable Factory, from where we will walk together to the nearby park. The workshop accommodates 15 children and their accompanying adults. Please register in advance by emailing teatteri@teatteri-ilmio.fi.
PerformanceSirkus invites families with children to celebrate children’s rights and its own 30-year journey in children’s culture. On Friday, Ringmaster Vasiljev Vitelloni’s Mini Circus will be performing to mark the occasion. Vasiljev Vitelloni is a radiant ringmaster who charms his way into everyone’s hearts. Vitelloni’s performances consist of small magic tricks, balancing acts and juggling. He is quick on his feet when it comes to changing situations. He engages his audience with his distinctive, energetic style and improvises to suit the surroundings. The performance is a circus theatre production characterised by gentle humour, interaction and a sense of community, and is aimed primarily at families with children. Register in advance for the Mini Circus by emailing vesapetteri@performancesirkus.fi.
The Pro lastenkirjallisuus children’s literature association will host a storytelling workshop for children at Annantalo. Step into another world by opening a book and reading it or listening to it. There are many different ways to venture into the world of books. When a book is opened, it is filled with letters and pictures. Who makes them all? Who reads the book, and how does it end up in the reader’s hands? There are lots of questions and lots of answers to think about together. Workshop participants may also, if they wish, step into the shoes of a critic, illustrator or writer and explain how they would narrate and illustrate the same story – in other words, to write a story on top of another story or take a look behind the narrative. Books do not always have to tell you everything, but sometimes it would be nice to know what is going through the characters’ minds at any given moment, or where they are from. Perhaps the workshop participants know something about this? Stories can also break free from books and be turned into plays. During the workshop, participants can perform short scenes from the book if they feel inspired to act. We are open to suggestions, and the workshop will take shape according to the participants’ ideas. Please register in advance by email at: kaisalange@gmail.com.
PerformanceSirkus invites families with children to celebrate children’s rights and its own 30-year journey in children’s culture. Friday’s circus workshops promise fun and a sense of achievement as participants learn some simple circus tricks. The aim of the circus workshops is to improve physical expression, balance and body awareness. In the circus workshop, participants will be introduced to various circus disciplines, such as juggling and balancing, and will get to know different circus props, such as stilts, balls, sticks and plates, the diabolo and juggling scarves. The circus workshops are well suited to people of all ages and abilities. No previous circus experience is required. Each workshop can accommodate 10 children accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance by email at: vesapetteri@performancesirkus.fi.
Jazz concert for the whole family at the Väreet festival: Kadi Vija 3
Kadi Vija 3 is a new band from Helsinki whose music exudes joy, a sense of liberation and space for experimentation. Sound artist Kadi Vija’s unique approach to singing and improvisation has been influenced by instrumental jazz, free-flowing thoughts and abstractness. The band’s line-up and Vija’s compositions are reminiscent of the traditional jazz wind instrument trio, in which a human voice now interprets melodies usually played by the wind instruments, accompanied by double bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Ville Luukkonen. Founded in 2013 and established as a bright spot in Helsinki’s late autumn event calendar, We Jazz Festival is known as Väreet as of 2026. Väreet continues the open-minded musical adventure across Helsinki known from We Jazz – listening to new music in a communal atmosphere and getting to know different venues. Väreet 2026 takes place in Helsinki from 2 to 5 December.
At Nukketeatteri Sampo's circus, marionettes come alive, filling the stage with music, song, and puppet theatre magic. You'll see talented knife throwers, amazing bicycle acrobats, incredibly agile dogs, and maybe even a ghost! Come and be enchanted by Sampo's fairytale world. The show features different marionettes, accompanied by live music in Sampo's unique style. It's a non-verbal performance, perfect for all ages, and lasts 30 minutes. You can also book the show for kindergartens, schools, or other events. For more info, contact Henna Lundberg at 020 735 2232 or henna.lundberg[at]nukketeatterisampo.fi.
Open film screening for the whole family: ‘Urpo ja Turpo johtolangan jäljillä’
Welcome to a family-friendly film screening at Cinema Orion on Saturday 21 November at 10.30, featuring the classic children’s film ‘Urpo ja Turpo johtolangan jäljillä’ (dir. Liisa Helminen, Finland, 2018, 60 min, all ages). Based on Hannele Huovi’s popular storybooks, ‘Urpo ja Turpo johtolangan jäljillä’ is a collection of six classic films and has now been restored and is more colourful than ever on the big screen! Urpo and Turpo, two curious toy bears, live on the bookshelf in the children’s bedroom. The bears’ favourite pastime is reading, as books provide them with brilliant ideas. The bears come up with the most entertaining adventures as fairy tales blend into everyday life. Thanks to the breadfruit tree, Urpo and Turpo are saved on a desert island; they unabashedly give other characters makeovers, search for clues, flout the rules, long for peace and quiet, and compete to be the best and strongest in the world. Just like the toys from Toy Story, Urpo and Turpo come to life when the family are not looking. The Urpo and Turpo film is sure to entertain both adults and the youngest members of the family. Free tickets for the performance will be available from 1 October onwards. Book your free tickets in advance at cinemaorion.fi
Hyppää rooliin! (Step into the role!) – Children’s theatre workshop at Performing Arts School Valo
Come and discover theatre at Performing Arts School Valo! At Valo’s non-stop theatre workshop, you will have the chance to create the character of your dreams and explore different aspects of theatre: acting, costume design, and lighting and sound design. Dive into the whirlwind of the theatre and emerge on top as the character of your dreams!
Children’s Saturday – children are masters of marvelling!
On Children’s Saturday, we explore science and the arts, play and marvel at the world around us. 10.00–16.00 | Skidimarket Play is allowed at the Skidimarket in the gallery! Skidimarket is looking for new shelf stackers, cashiers and baking point staff to join the team! Skidimarket is a space for children to play and have their own imaginary customers. A temporary toy shop takes over the gallery space, transforming it into a colourful market world. Shelf stacking and cashier duties are on the menu! Production: the Skidit collective. 13.00–16.00 | ‘Children are masters of marvelling!’ art workshop In this art workshop for all ages, we play with natural science by exploring nature’s little wonders. We carefully examine various natural materials by using loupes and a children’s microscope. We use a variety of drawing supplies to create playful and colourful works of art based on our observations. Are you ready to see lichen, pebbles and acorns in a whole new light? The workshop is organised by Adventure Art School. 14.00 | Dinosaur hiccups or bee poo? 33 intriguing science questions from children A repeat performance by popular demand! Science dances the samba and imagination runs wild in this musical theatre adventure about science questions from children. Warning: The performance may cause chronic questionitis! Duration: 50 min. Performance language: Finnish. Tickets: €15/12/6 via lippu.fi.
Dinosauruksen hikka vai mehiläisen kakka? – 33 kutkuttavaa lasten tiedekysymystä
Science dances the samba and imagination runs wild in this musical theatre adventure about science questions from children! The performance is an ode to a child's curiosity and ability to wonder and question. Why does an adult say that something looks good when they don't even look? Do fish snore? How can you know what is true? Answers to these and other tricky questions are sought in a musical and fast-paced adventure that takes the viewer across the Atlantic on the wings of a social media bee, revealing the secret conversations of the trees and leading the travellers into the wild jungle of misinformation. When little reporters Solmu and Silmu invade the Extreme Knowledge Conference (Äärimmäisen tiedon konferenssi), chaos ensues as science meets imagination and facts dance the samba. Dinosauruksen hikka vai mehiläisen kakka? – 33 kutkuttavaa lasten tiedekysymystä – is based on a Helsingin Sanomat column and the books edited based on it: Ovatko kaikki esineet joskus olleet märkiä? (2015), Tietääkö karhu että se on karhu? (2018) ja Miksi linnut heräävät niin aikaisin? (2020). These books, edited by Tuomas Kaseva, contain a total of more than 400 tough questions that children have asked experts in various fields in the Helsingin Sanomat column. Children's science questions are themselves insightful, imaginative and, with expert answers, educational for everyone. They cover a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to astrology, not forgetting philosophical reflections. The show is aimed at children aged 5–9, but the whole family will probably enjoy it. The performance is visually striking, musically rich, insightful, playful and thought-provoking, with the aim of encouraging children to question, explore and wonder about the world and to reflect more deeply on the nature of knowledge. It is an ode to a child's curiosity, wonder and questioning. The show respects children and the way they look at the world. It's hard to imagine adults being able to look at things in such a multidisciplinary and creative way. In this performance, you are allowed to laugh at fart jokes and adults with their rigid thoughts. The presentation will also examine knowledge itself and the nature of knowledge from the perspective of media criticism. Multi-literacy and media literacy are now taught to younger and younger people. Children already in early childhood education should be able to identify reliable information and where to look for it. The production team consists of actor-writers Pinja Hahtola and Iida-Maaria Lindstedt and musician Suvi Isotalo. The visuals of the work are the responsibility of the scenographer and puppeteer Tua Hautamäki and the lighting designer Mirkka Saari. On stage: Pinja Hahtola, Iida-Maaria Lindstedt ja Jouni Raatikainen. The premiere of the show will take place in April 2026, and it will be produced in collaboration with Q-teatteri and Kanneltalo. Dinosauruksen hikka vai mehiläisen kakka? – 33 kutkuttavaa lasten tiedekysymystä is also part of the Culture Kids project. After the performances in Helsinki, the show will be available to order from autumn 2026 onwards throughout Finland. Duration: max. 1 h. The performance language is Finnish. Warning: The performance may cause chronic questionitis!