The opening of the Kuopio250 anniversary year is approaching – plenty to experience!
City of Kuopio, founded in 1775, will turn 250 years old on 17.11.2025.We will celebrate the anniversary for a whole year, starting in November 2024.We invite Kuopio residents, the city organisation, various participants and companies to build, experience and celebrate this anniversary together.
The Jubilee will be visible in the city’s streets, neighbourhoods and rural areas through a diverse range of events. As a rule, the program will consist of events produced by residents and various operators. The programs will be mainly free of charge, open to all, accessible and alcohol-free. There are also events with admission charges.
The opening ceremony of the anniversary year will be held at the Market Square on 16.11.
You can take part in the anniversary program already from the beginning of November, for example at the Market of Opportunities in Matkus on 9 November.
The official opening of the Kuopio 250 anniversary year will take place on Saturday 16 November 2024 at 15:00 in the Market Square in combination with the opening of the Christmas season. The program will include a greeting from the Mayor, a choir performance, a visit by Santa Claus and his wife, the lighting of the Christmas tree, a light show and fireworks. The event is free of charge and suitable for all ages.
Välke light event 16.-17.11. invites you to experience our hometown in a new light
The opening ceremony will be followed by the main event of the opening week – the Välke light event.
The event will feature a series of lightworks in the city centre and rural areas of Kuopio. Citizens will be able to admire the light art and enjoy the accompanying program all weekend on 16-17 November at 16-21.
The light works will be on display in Snellmaninpuisto Park, Piispanpuisto Park, Savilahti, Tahko, Juankoski and Nilsiä, among others. The event is free of charge and open to everyone.
Lots to experience in the opening week of the anniversary year
The opening week also includes an official opening concert at the Kuopio Music Centre on Thursday 21.11, the Family Church Service in Kuopio Cathedral on Sunday 17.11 and the Day of Children’s Rights at Kuopio Museum on 16.11. Other events include the Responsible Wellbeing Day at Kuopio City Theatre and performance of the Dance Theatre Minimi in Kuvakukko – 33⅓ years of professional dance from North Savo.
All programs and event information for the anniversary year can be found in the Kuopion Seinä – event calendar under the Kuopio250 anniversary category. The program will be completed during the year.
Let’s celebrate the anniversary together!
The call for applications for the anniversary programme started in January 2024 and so far more than 140 proposals have been received from citizens, artists, associations and companies. The call for programme and production support for the jubilee is still open.
“It has been a pleasure to see the enthusiasm with which the citizens of the city have come up with ideas and proposals for the programming of the anniversary year. Children and young people in particular will have plenty to experience. The Year offers something for everyone, with events open to all and free of charge, and you can also invite a neighbour to join you. Come and join us for a unique experience that will live on in the history of our city and for generations to come. Together, we will make this a year of celebration for our city!”, encourages Nina Venäläinen, Kuopio250 Project Manager.
