Major events color the summer at Central Square

The summer season at Central Square in downtown Tampere kicked off in early July. Throughout the summer, the area invites visitors to soak up the atmosphere of major events taking place in Tampere. The lineup is led off by Tammerfest, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in mid July. At the end of July, the Professional Disc Golf World Championships, held in Tampere and Nokia, will fill the square with excitement. In August, Central Square comes alive with the European Athletics U20 Championships, the 19. IVV Olympiads, Festivaali, and Apulanta. The summer finale transforms Central Square into the Wolf Lounge in the true spirit of the European Championship.

Tampere hosts several major international sports and cultural events this summer. To celebrate the bustling season, Central Square Summer offers a range of sideprogramming tied to these featured events.

Tammerfest spreads out onto Central Square in honor of its anniversary from Tuesday, July 15, continuing through Saturday, July 19. You can get in the festival spirit with playful activities, a Wheel of fortune, and a dance show. Complete your festival look with face painting and a flower crown – and capture your style at a photo booth.

The musical atmosphere kicks in on Thursday with troubadour Harri, followed by Teekkarikuoro on Friday. Samba rhythms will fill the square as a samba parade departs from Central Square. A karaoke bus entertains at the Tampere City Hall end of the square from Tuesday through Saturday, running from afternoon into late evening.

If your festival tickets are still on your to get list, those can be purchased at Central Square on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Putting, long jump, walking and basketball

The Professional Disc Golf World Championships arrive in Tampere and Nokia, marking the first time in history the event is held outside North America. The action will start at Central Square on Tuesday, July 29, when the men’s and women’s putting championships take place. From

Wednesday on, visitors can test their putting skills and catch the action live on the big screen. The tournament runs through Sunday, August 3.

European Athletics U20 Championships come to the square on Tuesday, August 5. The area will offer fun activities and top regional athletes as guests until Sunday, August 10. The Finnish Broadcasting company YLE will park its Yle 100 bus at Central Square on Friday, August 8.

The 19. IVV Olympiads set up their athlete village at Central Square on Tuesday, August 12. Around a thousand athletes from around the world are expected to come to Tampere to walk, bike, and swim. In addition to the competitors, legendary sports commentator Kaj Kunnas will be onsite acting as the host. The final athletes will stamp their competition pass at the square on Sunday, August 17.

Festivaali attendees can exchange their wristbands at Central Square. Festivaali booth is open from Tuesday to Thursday, August 19–21, in the afternoons. Immediately after Festivaali on Friday, August 22, Central Square will welcome Apulanta fans. You can get in the mood for the joint concert by Apulanta and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra by picking up your own seed, which the
band is distributing as part of the “Minusta kasvaa puu” (“I Will Grow Into a Tree”) project.

To cap off the summer, the square transforms into the Wolf lounge and is filled with basketball fever. From Tuesday, August 25 through Sunday, September 3, fans can cheer on “Susijengi” (Finland’s national basketball team), test their shooting accuracy, and take part in other fun activities.

The Central Square Summer remains open throughout the summer. It is free of charge and open to everyone, with no age restrictions. The restaurants on site will also operate during the events. The latest information on opening hours, event programming, and any changes can be found on the website and social media channels.

For more information:
Saara Saarteinen
Event Manager, City of Tampere
040 8016222

Text: Katri Varjos
Photo: Mikko Vares