May Day celebrations in Tampere!

May Day markets & traditions

For traditional May Day festivities you should head to Hämeenpuisto. Get your delicacies, decorations and balloons there from April 30th to May 1st. Additionally, you can usually also find May Day activities at Laukontori and Tammelantori. More detailed information such as locations and opening hours will be updated closer to the event.

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. This spring, students will be dipped in Ratina instead of the usual location, Koskipuisto.

A sure sign of May Day is also the opening of the Särkänniemi amusement park. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Särkänniemi’s grand opening on May 1, 1975. The youth-favorite artist Hugo will kick off the amusement park’s jubilee year on May 1. Get your hands sticky with cotton candy and enjoy the launch of the amusement park season!

Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere

Brunch and May Day go together like strawberries and milk 

Many restaurants in Tampere offer delicious brunches on May Day! Most of the restaurants accept bookings, as brunches are very popular on weekends and holidays.

Tampere Hall’s May Day brunch will be served on the second floor on May 1 from 12 to 15. It is recommended to book and pay in advance through the online store.

Tuulensuu Palace also serves May Day brunch on May 1 at 11 and 14. The historical setting is complemented by 70s and 80s classics, setting just the right festive mood.

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 at 12, 14.30, and 17. 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 brunch will be set up at Lapland Hotels Arena’s Saivo Kitchen & Bar of Moments on May 1 from 12 to 16.

The lovely Lillan Hotel & Kök will be serving a May Day brunch on May 1st. The brunch is available in four different seatings, starting at 10.45, with the last seating at 13. Makes sure to book your spot in advance on Lillan’s webpage.

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, 14 and 16. Check out the menu and secure your spot by booking a table. In addition, Bistro Tammer will host a May Day brunch on May 1st with seatings at 11 and 13.30.

This year, Restaurant Periscope’s May Day brunch will be held in two seatings on May 1st at 12 and 14.30.

On May Day, Restaurant Tampella will offer a special May Day menu alongside their à la carte dishes. The terrace will also come alive with a DJ set from 13 to 16 –cheers to spring!

In Sastamala, Tyrvään pappila will also host a May Day brunch on May 1.

The May Day brunch at Vaihmalan Hovi in Lempäälä will be served starting at 11 on May 1st.

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 Rauhaniemi, Kaukajärvi, and Kaupinoja saunas.

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

May Day’s music & other things to do

Tavara-asema will host an all-night May Day party from April 30 to May 1, from 22 to 5, with DJs Antti H & Sami keeping the music going.

Experience the festive atmosphere with baritone Waltteri Torikka and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating its 95th anniversary this year! The May Day concert will feature audience-selected favorites conducted by Maria Itkonen.

Laterna’s May Day Eve celebration includes two sets of Raaste followed by a May Day disco.

May Day at G Livelab is packed with fantastic events! The celebrations include lively jazz by Timo Lassy and Jukka Eskola on May Day Eve, April 30th, a sing-along of traditional workers’ songs on May Day, May 1st, and a joint concert night on Friday, May 2nd, featuring Emilia Sisco and Sonja Selene. G Livelab’s sunny terrace in Kirjastonpuisto will be serving hungry and thirsty May Day guests throughout the festivities!

The traditional Tallipiha Stable Yards’ Children’s May Day event takes place on May 1 from 10 to 16, featuring a lucky wheel, horse-drawn carriage rides, a bouncy castle, and pony rides.

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.

Find more events in our event calendar!

Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere

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! After an exciting hockey game or concert at the Nokia Arena you can ride the elevator upstairs to enjoy the night at Laawu Rooftop Terrace & Sauna.

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 Hotels in the city center, 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.