May Day in Kuopio 2026
May Day will be celebrated in the traditional way at Kuopio Market Square from April 30 to May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – come join the festivities! Two days of student traditions, music and the lively market atmosphere await you.
May Day Eve at Kuopio Market Square on April 30
On the May Day Eve you can get into the spirit at the early-evening events in the Market Square, featuring statue-capping ceremonies and pool events, among other things.
The Savonia University of Applied Sciences student union SAVOTTA is organizing the traditional May Day parade from Valkeisenlampi Pond to the Market Square as well as the washing and capping of the Sister statue. In addition, the Student Union ISYY will once again hold its traditional May Day Eve fountain event at the Brother statue. The statue will be washed and capped, and the professor will be thrown into the fountain.
- Event at the Sister statue at 16-17
- Pool event at the Brother statue at 17.30.
May Dat Market Square on May 1
The traditional May Day Market Square offers a fun-filled program for all ages at 9-15: in addition to the traditional May Day auction, you can listen to speeches by political parties and enjoy live music and dance performances in the spirit of May Day.
The program on the Market Square:
- 10.30-12.30 Political parties`programs
- 10:30 May Day opening and music
- 10:40 May Day speeches
- 11:20 Music
- 11:30 May Day speeches
- 12:00 The Mayor’s speech, Soile Lahti
- 12:10 Music
- 12.30 Minna Canth`s visit
- 12.30-15: the auction, Turaukot Orchestra, Kalamukki dance group, Kuopio Circus and fishing for kids with Leo the Lion
