A glimpse into the Kuopio250 anniversary celebrations in November

In November 2025, the streets of Kuopio and the hearts of its residents will be filled with sparkling joy and a festive atmosphere as the Kuopio250 anniversary celebrations culminate in two weeks of festivities for all residents from November 10 to 23, 2025. These festive weeks will offer an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and enjoy. The festive week program invites families, groups of friends, and individual city residents to come together and experience this unique moment in the city’s history.

Shared moments that remain in your memory

During the festival weeks, the cultural offering is exceptionally rich and will provide plenty of communal moments that will remain in your memory for a long time. We will be able to enjoy spectacular experiences and events, including concerts, exhibitions, sports, and many forms of urban culture. Among other things, there will be a KalPa–JYP anniversary hockey game and the opening of the Christmas season on Saturday, November 15., a festive meal organized by Servica in Kuopio schools and daycare centers on the official birthday on Monday, November 17, and the closing concert of the anniversary year, Täyttä juhlaa (Full Celebration), on November 20 at the Kuopio Music Center. The city’s museums will also offer special exhibitions and programs during the anniversary weeks.

The future and history meet on Kuopio’s anniversary

Kuopio is renewing its strategy in the Kuopio250 anniversary year 2025. The new strategy looks ahead to 2035 and is being developed in collaboration with city residents, children and young people, international residents, businesses, organizations, and city staff. The new strategy will be approved at a significant meeting of the city council on November 17, 2025.

The theme of the anniversary year, children and young people, is also strongly reflected in the strategy work. The results of the youth strategy workshops, “Dreams for Kuopio 2035,” were presented at the city council’s strategy seminar in May 2025.

Välke light event illuminates the festive weeks and hearts

One of the most awaited highlights of the festival weeks is the Välke light event organized by the city of Kuopio, which delighted Kuopio residents last year. The event, which will be held on November 15–17, 2025, will transform the city into a stage for light and art, bringing joy, wonder, and inspiration to the dark season. Välke brings together light art creators and enthusiasts and creates a participatory and communal experience that is suitable for the whole family.

Kuopio250 anniversary weeks from 10 to 23 November 2025 will bring the city’s residents together to celebrate Kuopio, its history, and its future. There will be celebrations you won’t want to miss!