The national parade of the Finnish Defence Forces will be held in Kuopio on 4 June 2025

The event will cause changes to traffic and parking. During the parade events public is encouraged to move around the harbour and Väinölänniemi areas on foot.

The Defence Forces will celebrate Flag Day in Kuopio all day on Wednesday 4 June. The programme includes a flag-raising ceremony in the harbour, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Cemetery, a church service in Kuopio Cathedral, a parade review at Väinölänniemi stadium, a parade on Satamakatu Street and a display of equipment on the harbour square.

In the event areas, streets will be closed to traffic and parking will be restricted. Traffic restrictions will be removed as soon as possible after the end of the event.

Parade troops and equipment will arrive in Kuopio on Tuesday 3 June, and on the same day parade arrangements will begin at the event venues.

Streets and intersections will be closed to traffic before and after the parade for the movement of troops and equipment. The main changes in traffic and parking will be seen on Satamakatu Street, around the harbour square, on Asemakatu Street, Väinölänniemi Park and in Kuopionlahti Bay.

Parking is strictly forbidden in areas where parking is restricted by signs. Vehicles will be removed from the prohibited areas by the City of Kuopio.

Program of the Day on June 4th

Ceremonial flag-raising, Harbour Square 8.00 – 8.15
Wreath-laying ceremony, Heroes’ Park 9.00 – 9.15
Equipment demonstration, harbour area 9.00 – 16.00
Liturgy, Cathedral Church 10.00 – 10.35
Parade review, Väinölänniemi Park 12.00 – 12.30
Parade and flyover, Satamakatu Street 13.15 – 14.00
MILjazz 2025 concert, Harbour Square 18.00 – 21.30

Welcome, the event is free of charge!