May Day 2021 with Kids

Find May Day 2023 event tips HERE.

We're heading into the second May Day celebration during these exceptional times, but fortunately there's been time to prepare. There are DIY activities, remote May Day celebrations, and plenty of picnic spot tips available. Little Helsinki's tips for going out and events during May Day have been compiled in our usual way with a child's perspective. Happy May Day!

May Day Eve, April 30, 2021

The crowning of Havis Amanda (Manta) and other May Day vibes can be followed on Yle Areena on May Day Eve, April 30, 2021 at 5:45 PM.

Remote programming: The City of Helsinki is offering remote May Day programming. The program includes virtual concerts, Annantalon Spring Festival, and much more.

Espoo: Vappunen goes underground is a DIY May Day experience in the courtyard of the Children's Cultural Center Aurora in Espoo, April 30 - May 1, 2021. The soundscape can be listened to and experienced on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 10 AM-12 PM and 3 PM-6 PM, and Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 11 AM-3 PM. Otherwise, you can visit the courtyard on your own schedule. More information available on the event's Facebook page and on Aurora's website.
Tip! Near Aurora's neighbor you'll find the beautiful Träskanda Manor Park, perfect for a picnic.

Remote concert: Urban Espoo: Satu Sopanen & Tutti Orchestra May Day Concert can be watched from Friday, April 30, 2021 at 9 AM through Friday, May 14, 2021 at 6 PM at urbanespoo.fi/lava. Free admission.

Espoo: At the Manor Museum Glims' courtyard sausages, donuts, and mead are sold on May Day Eve from 1 PM-4 PM. Unfortunately, Manor Museum Glims is not open.

May Day, May 1, 2021

Remote programming: The City of Helsinki is offering remote May Day programming. The program includes virtual concerts, Annantalon Spring Festival, and much more.

At Haltiala Farm, the restaurant Old Farmhand sells May Day treats from an outdoor stand, you may see the farm's outdoor animals, and you can access the playground to play. Indoor facilities remain closed for the time being.

Playing is also part of May Day! Check out tips from Little Helsinki's Great Playground Story.

Picnic Spots

Time for a picnic! Kaivopuisto is a classic May Day picnic destination, but this year you could try another of Helsinki's parks for a May Day picnic: Meilahti Rose Garden, Herttoniemi or Stansviken Manor Park, Tullisaari in Laajasalo, Mustikkamaa, Seurasaari or Lauttasaari rocky shores are excellent alternatives.

For a nature picnic, you should head to, for example, Uutela, Kruunuvuorenlamma, Kivinokka, Lammassaari, or Kuusiluoto.

On the Espoo side, Villa Elfvik's nature, Marketan Park with picnic tables, and Träskanda Manor Park are great places.

More inspiration for outing destinations can be found in Little Helsinki's Helsinki Spots article.