Kuopio celebrates its 250th anniversary – festive weeks light up the city with celebration on 10-23 November 2025
In November Kuopio will be dressed up in its festive best. The city, whose story began 250 years ago, will now celebrate its quarter-millennium journey with the whole community. Kuopio250 celebration weeks will bring music, theater, literature, dance, art, and community spirit to the city’s residents – to market squares, halls and hearts. For two weeks Kuopio will pulse to the rhythm of celebration. The festival weeks begin on Monday, November 10, and the city will gradually fill with light, sounds, and stories. At the heart of the events are local expertise, collaboration, and the best of Kuopio – as it has always been: warm, bold, and community-building.
First week – the party begins
On Monday 10.11 the festival weeks start with an international student football match at Kuopio Hall.
On Tuesday 11.11 the Songs from the Decades concert takes listeners on a journey through the history of Eurovision songs.
On Friday 14.11 the city will be filled with youthful creativity: the Lempi dance and choir performance will be staged, and young people will have the opportunity to express themselves through art at the Nikama Art Experiment event at Kulttuuriareena 44.
Then comes Saturday 15.11 full of festive cheer. Kuopio Museum will celebrate Children’s Rights Day and the Christmas season will be kicked off at the market square with the whole family.
As evening falls, the city will be lit up with festive lights when the Välke light event transforms the city center into a fairytale for three evenings (November 15–17). On the same evening Kuopio will cheer on KalPa against JYP in a hockey game at the Kuopio Ice Hall.
On Sunday 16.11 the festive atmosphere calms down nicely at Kuopio Cathedral, where the Kuopio250 celebration mass and church coffee will be held. The communal moment of the day will be experienced at the multicultural Together in Kuopio event.
Kuopio’s anniversary – November 17
Monday 17.11 is Kuopio’s official 250th anniversary – a day when history and the present meet. Those who share their birthday with Kuopio will gather at the City Hall for a birthday coffee party.
The evening will culminate in the sparkling Välke Gala, celebrating Kuopio’s past, present and future. In honor of the day, Servica will serve a festive meal in schools.
Second week – the afterglow of the celebration
On 18-22.11 the festival weeks continue with culture and events. The program includes library and cultural tours, as well as the Gold & Candles concert for young people on 19.11 at the City Theatre.
On Thursday 20.11 Kuopio residents will have the opportunity to see the city orchestra’s open rehearsal. In the evening the Full Celebration concert will bring together two weeks of festivities and gratitude.
