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May Day markets & traditions

In Tampere, the May Day festivities and great atmosphere can traditionally be enjoyed at the May Day markets from April 30 to May 1. At the market, you can pick up everything from festive treats and decorations to balloons. The exact locations of the markets will be updated in the article once confirmed.

Traditional part of May Day in Tampere is Teekkarikaste, where engineering students from Tampere University are dipped in the Tammerkoski rapids on the 1st of May. It’s a cherished tradition in Tampere’s May Day festivities, and you can witness the cheerful event shortly after noon. 

A sure sign of May Day is also the opening of the Särkänniemi amusement park. Get your hands sticky with cotton candy and enjoy the launch of the amusement park season!

May Day brunches

Many restaurants in Tampere offer delicious brunches on May Day! Make sure to reserve your table in advance.

Tampere Hall’s May Day brunch will be served on the 3rd floor on May 1 from 12 to 15.

How about enjoying a May Day buffet in the stunning setting of Finlayson Palace? Make a reservation for this traditional experience.

A delicious May Day brunch is also available at Saunaravintola Kuuma on May 1 between 12-20. If the weather permits, you can enjoy brunch on the terrace.

Delicious brunch will be served at restaurant Puisto on May 1 between 9-15.

May Day buffet menu will be set up at Lapland Hotels Arena’s Saivo Kitchen & Bar of Moments on May 1 from 12 to 16.

A festive May Day lunch will be served in the stunning setting of Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer on May 1st, with three seatings at 11.30, 14 and 16.30. Additionally, a generous buffet will be served at Tammerin kellari.

Grill it! Paja, located in Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, will serve its May Day brunch in atmospheric old locomotive halls on May 1 from 12-15.

Amarillo’s May Day brunch offers Tex-Mex-inspired treats, fresh grilling, and a relaxed vibe with two seatings on May 1 at 12 and 14.30.

Last but not least… there is no May Day without the legendary Pyynikki doughnuts! You can get them at the Pyynikki Observation Tower Café or their café at Tampere Market Hall. Make sure you get them by making a reservation in advance.

May Day sauna sessions

Sauna is always a good idea in the world’s sauna capital! Celebrate May Day with a sauna experience at Sauna restaurant Kuuma and relax on the cozy outdoor terrace. If you dare, you can even take a dip in the cool Ratina bay! You can also enjoy steamy moments at the Kaukajärvi and Kaupinoja saunas.

At Rajaportti Sauna, the oldest public sauna in Finland still in use, there will be a mixed sauna session and a quiz starting at 19 on May Day Eve.

Read more about Tampere’s saunas in our article and discover public saunas in the Tampere region here.

Music & other things to do

At Tavara-asema, vappu is celebrated with sold-out shows by Isac Elliot on April 30, followed by a party starting at 23 with DJs Sami and Riku. On May 1, enjoy the traditional vappu matinee by Martti Servo & Napander, with two sets at 14 and 16.

Enjoy musical classics from Broadway’s golden era at the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra‘s May Day concert.

G Livelab also hosts a vibrant May Day program! On May Day Eve, on April 30, the legendary Groovy Eyes take the stage, along with a Soul Power DJ set on the terrace. On May 1, Pelle Miljoona & Pispala Punks will entertain the crowd.

The traditional May Day event for children will take place at Tallipiha Stable Yards on May 1 from 10 to 16, featuring a Wheel of Fortune, horse carriage rides, a bouncy castle and poni riding.

At the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, you can sing along with classic workers’ songs and enjoy homemade mead. The event features the now-traditional workers’ karaoke, and for the little ones, May Day crafts. The museum shop also sells vintage May Day badges from past decades.

G Livelab also hosts a vibrant May Day program! On May Day Eve, on April 30, the legendary Groovy Eyes take the stage, along with a Soul Power DJ set on the terrace. On May 1, Pelle Miljoona & Pispala Punks will entertain the crowd.

At Shen Garden, a May Day Disco will get everyone dancing to the greatest disco hits – reserve your spot in advance!

Find more events in our City of Tampere’s event calendar! 

Stay the night, or even longer if you wish

If you don’t feel like going home just yet and want to enjoy Tampere some more, no worries. Tampere has plenty of options to choose from, from hotels to hostels and airBnB’s.

For example, you can enjoy your night in the cutest Lillan Hotel & Kök or admire the spectacular views from Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, reaching up to 88 metres! Original Sokos Hotel Ilves in the heart of Tampere is a great option as well!

Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City is the perfect place for a May Day staycation. The hotel is centrally located and all the most important destinations in central Tampere are within walking distance. The hotel also has a direct inside hallway to Tampere Hall and the world’s only Moomin Museum.

You must also experience the great atmosphere at Lapland Hotels Arena, located next to one of the most lively event venues in Tampere!

If you are looking for a more peaceful surrounding not too far from the city center or wish to to stay in a modern apartment instead of a traditional hotel room, Unity Tampere is a great choice for you! Unity offers all the perks of a hotel with relaxed living next to Pyhäjärvi Lake and the natural area in Pyynikki.

Find more tips for over night stay in Tampere from our articles Accomodation with a twist and The whole family has fun in these hotels.

 

Please note that Visit Tampere is not responsible for changes. Always check the latest information from venues’ own channels.