What to do in Uusikaupunki - events 26.8.-1.9.2024

Even at the end of August, Uusikaupunki offers a wide range of programs for people of all ages. There are enjoyable activities for seniors at Sakunkulma. Cruises to the lighthouse island of Isokari are still running, and on Saturday, there's an evening cruise for the Night of Ancient Fires. The little ones will compete in the Nappula Games on Wednesday. In honor of Baltic Sea Day, the city of Uusikaupunki offers a free "My Sea" movie night on Thursday. On Friday, there will be bingo at Pakkahuone and music by Vakkarit at the Männäinen Energy Market. On Saturday, we celebrate the Venetian festival, marking the end of the summer season. The day's program includes, among other things, a spectacular samba parade on Alinenkatu, and as night falls, the festivities continue around the Kaupunginlahti area, at Pakkahuone, and in restaurants. The evening culminates with a fireworks display. We have compiled the weekly program in one booklet again. Check out what's on offer and welcome!

Cruises to the lighthouse island of Isokari will take place from August 28th to 30th (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) aboard the passenger vessel M/S Kerttu. During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to see the beautiful nature of the inner archipelago and the vast open waters of the Bothnian Sea, as well as a variety of birds and sea marks. Upon arrival in Isokari, lunch will be served at the Kasarmi Restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the island's nature, history, and, of course, the third oldest lighthouse in Finland.

Vakka-Suomen Puhelin Oy and Uudenkaupungin Kenttäkarhut are organizing the VSP Nappulakisat at the Sorvakon sports field on Wednesday, August 28th, at 6:00 PM. The competition events include ball throwing and a 40m run for 4- and 5-year-old girls and boys, as well as long jump and a 60m run for 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old girls and boys. Registration takes place on-site from 5:00 to 5:50 PM. The top three in each event will receive medals, and there will be free coffee available at the event.

The New Church of Uusikaupunki is open on summer Thursdays until August 29th from 11:45 AM to 2 PM. Volunteers ensure the church is available for personal reflection and quiet time.

The city of Uusikaupunki is hosting a free "Minun mereni" movie night on Baltic Sea Day, Thursday, August 29th, at 6:00 PM at the Kuvala Cinema. The poetic film by Ari Heinilä is a dialogue between the sea and humans, where the sea takes the leading role and humans are in the supporting role. The film features the voices of Taneli Mäkelä, Irina Björklund, and Martti Suosalo as narrators, and it is in Finnish with Swedish subtitles. Seating is limited. Register here for the Uusikaupunki screening

Welcome to the open Bingo event at Pakkahuone on Friday, August 30th, at 4 PM. Bingo cards and markers can be picked up at Pikku-Pakkis – all you need to bring is yourself! There will also be a bouncy castle for children, weather permitting.

On summer Fridays from 4 PM to 7 PM, the traditional Männäinen themed market features not only market stalls but also a Pop-Up café and live music. On Friday, August 30th, the theme is Energy Market, and the music will be provided by Vakkarit.

Welcome to the Lokalahti Martat Harvest Market on Saturday, August 31st, from 10 AM to 1 PM next to Lokalahti Church. For sale are harvest products, garden produce, processed goods made from them, baked goods, handicrafts, flea market items, and more. You can come and sell your own products without a stall fee or prior registration. The Martat will have a café at the event. In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled.

On the last Saturday of August, the traditional end-of-summer celebration takes place in Uusikaupunki. The event starts on August 31st during the day at the Venetian Market, and the evening festivities continue around the Kaupunginlahti area, at Pakkahuone, and in the restaurants.

Around 10 PM, a spectacular fireworks display with environmentally friendly fireworks will light up the darkening evening sky over Kaupunginlahti. The Venetian fireworks are provided by Bar M'Uki, Bistro Bay, Captain's Makasiini, Karilla Oy/Pakkahuone, restaurant Luode, restaurant Wiku, Lounaisrannikon Osuuspankki, and Visit Uusikaupunki. See the full program.
 

An exceptional evening cruise to the Isokari lighthouse island, the Night of Ancient Fires cruise, will take place on Saturday, August 31st, at 4 PM. During the evening, there will be a program, and on the return trip, we will have the opportunity to admire the ancient fires.
 

The Splendor of a Bourgeois Home and the Golden Age of Maritime Trade

The former bourgeois home of the tobacco manufacturer, Wahlberg's Museum House, showcases the splendor of a bourgeois home of the past on the ground floor and the golden age of maritime trade on the upper floor. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 PM to 3 PM. Group visits are available by appointment.

Wahlberg's Museum House offers plenty of activities for young visitors as well. In the summer, the outbuilding features a popular children's play area, and in the yard, children can try walking on stilts or navigating a hobby horse obstacle course. Indoors, they can explore the museum like a detective, color pictures, such as electric locomotives, or play with toy trains.

The interior of Luotonen's cobbler workshop, which operated on Ketunkallio until the early 1980s, has been relocated to the museum's outbuilding and is on display whenever the museum is open.

In the three large exhibition halls of the Automobile Museum, the daydreams of both young and old car enthusiasts come true. The Minimaailma exhibition by the Raunistula Dollhouse Club entertains the whole family. The Automobile Museum is open daily until the end of August from 10 AM to 6 PM, and from September onwards, it is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Group visits are available by appointment.
 

For Exhibition Lovers

The thematic exhibition "Tulisuitsuinen Hepo tulee - The 100-Year-Old Uusikaupunki Herring Railway" at the Wahlberg Museum House in Uusikaupunki delves into the design and construction of the Turku-Uusikaupunki railway, which is celebrating its centenary. The exhibition explores the trains and locomotives, as well as the railway's impact on daily life, other forms of transportation, trade, and industry.

From August 19th to October 6th, the exhibition space at Pakkahuone guest harbor café features Susanna Pihlaja's exhibition "Tässä kohtaa." The exhibition introduces visitors to mythical characters and dream worlds. Pakkahuone café is open every day from 8 AM to 8 PM.
 
 
Runonkulma Gallery is an art gallery and lending service located in the wooden house district of the city center. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, events, courses, lectures, and private functions. It also houses Pikkukylän Puoti, a shop selling Finnish handmade crafts, design, and art products. Runonkulma Gallery is open on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM to 3 PM.

From August 28th to September 28th, the September group exhibition "MARE" will feature stunning maritime art, including oil paintings, art prints, and mixed media works. The artists featured are Hiltu Sallinen, Heli Sammalisto, Valto Vaalikivi, and Katja Syrjä. 

Gallery-Art Lending Library Horizon offers delightful art experiences! The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 12 PM to 3 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. It features works by local Uusikaupunki artists as well as visiting artists. In addition to viewing art in the gallery, you can also borrow artworks from the art lending library at an affordable monthly rate to enjoy at home.

Tupsula - The Land of Thousands of Pom-Poms Tupsula showcases unique works made from pom-poms, including new animal figures. The playful pom-pom creations have even spread to the exterior walls of the exhibition space. Tupsula is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 PM to 5 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Joy of exercise

In the Uusikaupunki swimming hall, you can swim in August from Monday to Friday. In addition to the pool area, under the same roof, you'll find a café, a gym, a judo hall, and a fun water slide for the more adventurous.

What could be more wonderful than practicing yoga in the pristine outdoors, with fresh air by the sea, on a lightly covered yoga patio? Welcome to Sisula’s cottage yoga sessions at Eräistenkari in Lokalahti on Fridays at 7 PM. Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather, and bring your own yoga mat, a blanket for the final relaxation, and warm clothing. In case of rain, the yoga session will be held in the barn.

Sunday public skating sessions are starting again at the Uusikaupunki Ice Hall. Public skating is available every Sunday from 10 AM to 11 AM, but games may alter the schedule.
You can check the ice times here: https://www.jaakotkat.fi/jaavuorot/. 

Everyone is welcome to join the community mountain biking rides held on Sundays at 6 PM. These rides are accessible to beginners and first-timers are warmly encouraged to join. The routes are adjusted according to the participants' skill levels.

Padel Uusikaupunki offers excellent facilities for playing the highly popular sport of padel right in the city center. Two competition-level, LED-lit courts are located on the shore of Kaupunginlahti in Crusell Park, close to all amenities. Individual court slots can be booked for an hour or longer, and regular players can reserve fixed slots for ongoing practice.
Right next to the padel courts, a new basketball court is available for everyone to use freely. It's a classic outdoor game that never fails to engage and excite.

Enjoy cheerful golf by the sea. Uusikaupunki has a full-sized 18-hole golf course is uniquely situated right by the seaside and almost in the city center.

Uusikaupunki Skate Park is a popular destination for skating enthusiasts, offering a variety of ramps, rails, and other features suitable for skaters of all skill levels. Located conveniently near the city center, it provides an excellent venue for both beginners and experienced skaters to practice their skills and enjoy the sport in a vibrant community setting. The park is a great place for outdoor activity, socializing, and honing skateboarding techniques. Skate Park is located by the end of Kaupunginlahti.

A piece of Finland's most beautiful archipelago is accessible on this route without needing a boat or worrying about ferry schedules, thanks to the road built through the islands. Drive the entire 50-kilometer route in one go or savor the archipelago atmosphere at a leisurely pace. The Velhovesi Ring Road takes you through the northern archipelago of Uusikaupunki, around the freshwater basin.

Every Tuesday during the summer, enjoy a refreshing swim at Metsälehto Sauna from 6 PM to 8 PM. The spacious sauna provides excellent steam, and you can comfortably plunge into the water from the pier or directly from the shore. Separate dressing rooms are available for both men and women. The swimming session has a fee.

At Haimio Free Sauna, you can enjoy summer swimming daily. The free sauna is open to everyone and is located next to a public beach. The first person to arrive is responsible for heating the sauna. The sauna is managed and maintained by Jokisivu Youth Association. There is a voluntary sauna fee.

ou can experience nature on the Pamprinniemi nature trail in Pyhämaa. In the city center, Hiunjärvi, known for its birdlife, offers nature trails and a lean-to shelter. For an accessible outdoor trail and bird-watching tower, you can hike from the sports field parking area to Kasarminlahti. There is also a lean-to shelter near the trail. Another great destination is the Oinassaaren lean-to shelter in Korsaari, located about 18 kilometers from Uusikaupunki towards Lepäinen. Pack some grillable treats in your backpack and head out!

Delightful Moments

In Uusikaupunki, the food is delicious and available in a variety of different styles in numerous restaurants and cafés. The restaurants support local production, so the plates always feature products from local producers. Occasionally, there is also entertainment at the restaurants.

At Pakkahuone's terrace After Work Friday on August 30th, you can hear Sanna Arell.
At Bar M'Uki on Saturday, August 31st, starting at 10 PM, a DJ will be playing music until the early morning hours, until 4 AM.
At Bistro Bay's BB Live on Saturday, August 31st, from 6 PM to 3:30 AM, UKIBIZA DJ ensemble will perform, and on the same day at 9 PM, RUMA LIVE will play Finnish reggae.

At Hotel Aquarius and Night Club Glow, which is open for the first time, there will be a full-house party on Saturday, August 31st, until 4 AM. Doors open at 8 PM, and at 11 PM, Roope Salminen & Koirat will take the stage.

At restaurant Captain's Makasiini, Kalle & Susse will entertain on Saturday, August 31st, from 7 PM to 10 PM, and Dinturist will perform from 10:30 PM to midnight. On the terrace of restaurant Luode, Covernautti will perform on Saturday, August 31st, at 10 PM.

At restaurant Wiku, King Drapes will play on Saturday, August 31st, at 11 PM, and at Santtioranta Camping's music Saturday on August 31st, Luca Sturniolo will perform. 

For movie enthusiasts, the program of Cinema Kuvala, one of Finland's oldest cinemas celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is available. You can explore the program and purchase tickets in advance on Kuvala's own website.