Arts & Entertainment

East Helsinki should be an independent country. Where people stand for things. Empathy, compassion, gratitude and everything good and left. Where everyone would make a lot of sense, love and tell so many stories. This evening is about the story part. The stories of sandwiches, liberty, chai, fishing, relocation, resistance, and whatever. Come and listen to some of them with us, have a cup of tea or soup of the day. If you want to tell a story or perform then send us a request at saraab.helsinki@gmail.com We will also have some stories from the hat, so come-check the vibe and put your name in the hat if you feel like telling one. Red card to racists, queerphobes/islamophobes, climate change deniers. We also have a lifetime entry ban for Putin, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Björn Wahlroos and Donald Trump. If you are going through a lot, we are on your side. Meri-Rastila for life, because east is a tribe, a vibe. Free entry – Refreshments available for purchase at the store nearby Doors open / Hangout: 19:00 Program: 20:00 – 22:00 Hangout 22:00 – 23:00 P.s. Straight white middle-aged people can also join saraab.helsinki@gmail.com

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. After 19:30, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- go out for dinner \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Long week at work? The friday is here right about in its usual schedule! So what's better than Friday afterwork with some cool drinks, make new friends and meet old friends 😎 Join the crowd to tell your best comedic mishaps and gossips in a conversational fashion in Bar Loose (just next to Gate A21). The happy hour lasts until 20:00 (🍺beer / cider, 🍷wine 12cl 4.80€) and we have booked two tables for our group from the main room. We might head into restaurant, bar or nightclub later. We'll see. Hope to see you there! 🤗

Welcome to board game night in Otaniemi, Espoo. The event will take place in Taproom d20, a cozy pub specializing in local beers and board games. We will play one of the pub's huge selection of board games, or you can also bring your own board games if you feel like it. This event is open to everyone interested in board games. **Waitlist** I can reserve two tables, so attendance is limited to 12. If you end up on the waitlist feel free to join us, but I can't guarantee that there will be available seats or tables in the pub. **FAQ** What kind of board games do you play? -> Most of us are casual players, we tend to play different board games, but most of them are easy to pick up and have fun with, for example, Codenames, Avalon... **NOTE: To ensure we have enough space for everyone, please keep your RSVP updated** to make sure that all those interested have a chance to participate. No-showing group members **twice in a row** might be rejected from future events.

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of competitive game session is to enjoy badminton games by focusing on trying your best to win the games. * You don't need to be a very good player to join this session. Our level range from beginner to intermediate. We will put you to play with people with similar level. But if you are the first time to come and I don't know your level, then I will put you to play with less-experienced players to start. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) Please also read the instruction inside this link, so that you have an idea how it works. * Please bring feather shuttles to join the games. We only accept specific shuttles. Please read the following. **If you come without bringing feather shuttles with you, I may ask you to go home.** 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and the work I do to continue this group. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you is there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't show up. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【DETAILS of COMPETITIVE GAMES】 * This is the list of shuttles we accept: RSL Classic Tourney Li-Ning Super 1000 Victor Smash It 1 Victor Smash It 2 Yonex Aerosansa 30 Ling Mei Gold Ling Mei Black * Smash Center also sells feather shuttles (Ling Mei Gold and Black). You can purchase there at your arrival. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

**Find True Health, Happiness and Clarity in Life -*Special Qigong Workshop with Sylvie Jutras*** January 16-18, 2026 [REGISTER HERE!](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXFuPjZq1PWCV1Ao3oiVjuG_1CwHJlGTpG9xbUxoa_24VhiA/viewform) Sylvie is an advanced Ren Xue and Qigong teacher based in France. Her unique and profound teachings have touched many lives around the world. This workshop is for anyone who wishes to find effective methods for achieving good health and true happiness, and for living the full potential of life. • Learn and deepen simple yet highly efficient Qigong practice to increase your energy levels and stability • Explore and develop your powerful innate healing abilities • Experience a deep sense of well-being **Daily Schedule:** The program is subject to change, according to the Qifield and the needs of the participants: ***Friday, Jan 16:*** 5:00 - 8:30 PM - Yuan Qigong practice, Qi healing & discussion ***Saturday & Sunday Jan 17-18:*** 8:30 - 9:00 AM - Morning practice (optional) 9:15 AM - 6:30 PM - Lecture, practice, Qi healing & discussion *Including light lunch and tea break in the afternoon* **Registration, Fees & Venue:** 250€ Standard price 200€ Early bird price (UNTIL 30.12) 180€ Students, unwaged & Ren Xue Community Light lunch, snacks and tea included Payment to REN XUE Finland Ry Account: FI63 1544 3000 0365 12 (Nordea Bank) Reference nr: 8921 Venue: MUYO, Helsinki [REGISTER HERE!](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXFuPjZq1PWCV1Ao3oiVjuG_1CwHJlGTpG9xbUxoa_24VhiA/viewform) **For more information and questions, please write to:** info@renxuefinland.fi **About Ren Xue:** [Ren Xue International](https://www.renxueinternational.org/)

Embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation as you explore different artistic mediums. Immerse yourself in a sculpture painting workshop and discover a variety of techniques and styles. Led by experienced painting masters, our workshops provide expert guidance and insider tips to enhance your skills. We supply all the necessary materials, from paints and brushes to sculpting tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. At the end of each session, take home your unique masterpiece as a memento of your artistic journey! Reserve your spot today by pre-booking through the links below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tap into your artistic potential. Join us at GTC Cafe's painting workshops and let your creativity soar! You can also arrange this workshop for special events, birthdays, or any other occasion to enjoy with friends. Simply let us know your preferred date at least one week in advance. We can't wait to paint with you!

Embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation as you explore different artistic mediums. Immerse yourself in a sculpture painting workshop and discover a variety of techniques and styles. Led by experienced painting masters, our workshops provide expert guidance and insider tips to enhance your skills. We supply all the necessary materials, from paints and brushes to sculpting tools, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. At the end of each session, take home your unique masterpiece as a memento of your artistic journey! Reserve your spot today by pre-booking through the links below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tap into your artistic potential. Join us at GTC Cafe's painting workshops and let your creativity soar! You can also arrange this workshop for special events, birthdays, or any other occasion to enjoy with friends. Simply let us know your preferred date at least one week in advance. We can't wait to paint with you!

Hello sporty population! Let's gather around and play some badminton together with people from around the world! IMPORTANT! Spots are limited, so make sure you reserver yours! If you are not registered on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave; this is to ensure fair access for everyone! If you do not cancel your spot, you will be **suspended from participating** for the next two sessions. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME! The next two weeks, we play at different times due to tournaments at Tallihalli! We will play in Talihalli Huopalahti from 12.00-13.30 Court numbers are 9-12; you can come directly to the courts or meet us at the entrance a bit before 12.00. Please keep in mind that if you go directly to the courts, **do not enter them before our time starts!** MIITTI welcomes everyone to its events regardless of background or gender. You don't have to have any skills at all to come and play with us, and if you do, please come and coach us! Age limit: 16+ Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can rent (racket) from the hall for 3€ each. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! For questions and more information, please contact Alaa 040 5656096 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

**🎨 Keramiikan Maalaustyöpaja – Vapauta Luovuutesi! 🏺** Liity mukaan **keskiviikkoisin klo 16** ja **lauantaisin klo 13** rentouttavaan ja hauskaan **keramiikan maalaustyöpajaan**! 🌟 **Miten se toimii?** * Valitse suosikkisi **kymmenistä keramiikkatuotteista**, kuten mukeista, vaaseista, hahmoista ja muista. * Suunnittele ja **maalaa oma taideteoksesi** valitsemillasi väreillä. * Ota upeasti maalaamasi keramiikkatyö mukaasi kotiin muistoksi! Tarjoamme **kaikki tarvittavat materiaalit**, mukaan lukien keramiikan, maalit, siveltimet ja muut tarvikkeet. Työpaja sopii erinomaisesti **perheille, ystäville ja yksin osallistuville**. Ikäraja **6 vuotta ja vanhemmat**. 📍 **Missä?** GTC Café 🎟 **Paikkoja rajoitetusti – varaa paikkasi nyt!** Tule mukaan luomaan jotakin kaunista! 🎨✨ **-** **🎨 Pottery Painting Workshop – Unleash Your Creativity! 🏺** Join us every **Wednesday at 4 PM** and **Saturday at 1 PM** for a fun and relaxing **Pottery Painting Workshop**! 🌟 **How It Works:** * Choose from **dozens of pottery pieces**, including mugs, vases, figurines, and more. * Pick your favorite design and **paint it however you like** using our wide selection of colors. * Take your beautifully hand-painted pottery home with you as a unique keepsake! We provide **all materials**, including pottery, paints, brushes, and everything you need to bring your creativity to life. This workshop is **perfect for families, friends, and solo participants** looking for a creative and enjoyable experience. Suitable for **ages 6 and up**. 📍 **Where?** GTC Café 🎟 **Limited spots available – book your session now!** Come and create something beautiful! 🎨✨ Book Now

Breakfast is more than just food — it’s a feeling. On January 18, at Cafe Afra, Helsinki, we’re getting together to enjoy an Iranian breakfast and share a piece of Iranian culture — not just with Iranians, but with the Finnish community too. Bean stew and omelette, fresh Iranian bread, bread with cheese, tomato and cucumber, cream and jam, and Iranian tea that takes you straight back to peaceful mornings in Darakeh and Darband. With Saadi poetry, traditional Persian music, and a warm, cozy gathering in the middle of the Helsinki winter. 🔔 Reservation only Limited spots — under 15 people 🎟 Special offer: The first 5 people who register through me get 25% off 💰 Price: €24.50

**Welcome to Sketchy Collective!** A relaxed and social drawing group for anyone who enjoys sketching — or just wants to give it a try. \*\*\* We meet **every Sunday at 15:00** in **Oodi Library**. \*\*\* **HOW TO FIND US** We meet on the **top floor of Oodi Library**, on the stairs **opposite** the children’s area. It's a good idea to **keep your sketchbook visible** so others can easily recognize that you're there for the sketching meetup. And if you’re a regular participant, making it clear that you're part of the sketching group can be very helpful for newcomers! The main organizer is currently not in Helsinki. The meetings have been continuing without organizer's attendance, but please be considerate and make it easy for new participants to join — for example, once the group gathers, **please stay at the designated spot in the library described above.** \*\*\* **HOW IT WORKS** At each meetup, attendees take turns being the model for a quick **10-minute sketch session**. One person poses, everyone else sketches, then we rotate. \*\*\* **WHAT TO BRING** Pencils and paper (or any sketching tools you like). No fees, no pressure. The only thing we ask is that everyone takes a turn posing for the group. You can sit however you feel comfortable — the 10 minutes go by quickly! Draw as much as you like, skip a round if you’re tired or just want to chat, and leave whenever it suits you. The event continues as long as there’s interest. \*\*\* **STAYING CONNECTED** Due to issues with spam and advertising, the group has decided that **only people who have attended at least one meetup will be accepted into the WhatsApp group**. To be added, please ask other participants at the meetup — a few members have permission to approve new people, and at least one of them will likely be present. \*\*\* **SOCIAL MEDIA** If you’d like to share your drawings from the meetup, you can send them via message on Facebook or Instagram, or use the Instagram collab function. We warmly encourage everyone to share their work and take part in building our international sketching gallery — together with artists from all the cities where Sketchy Collective meetups are organized. \*\*\* **SUPPORT** Meetups are always free, but if you’d like to chip in for the cost of the Meetup.com subscription and future events in Helsinki (plein airs, exhibitions, etc.), you can use: https://buymeacoffee.com/sketchy.collective

Let’s get together and fellowship at this open mic night! It’s a chill event and a great place to meet new people. Feel free to share your talent or even a testimony if you’re moved to 🤗. After the event ends, we’ll head over to the Wegmans in Reston for games on the second floor.

Let’s hang out and journal together, trade stationary and stickers, and have a good time! Please note, we do not have a reservationtion, so we will do our best to find some good spots when we get there. The address is:

**NEW ADDITIONAL LOCATION – Join us in Virginia for the Arts of Life: A meditative, creative journey with local artist Nancy Burbridge.** Join us every third Friday of the month in Virginia from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and self-discovery. In this interactive session, you will learn how to draw, paint, and explore the beauty within, cultivating the best version of yourself in a serene and supportive environment. Come experience the magic of art and meditation as tools for self-expression and inner growth. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! We can't wait to see you there! Fri., Jan. 16th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/JNzf4](https://shorturl.at/JNzf4)

Hello group! Let's start the new year with an awesome event full of music, dances and food from all over the world. We don't need to leave the country to enjoy other cultures's traditions. I hope you can join me at this new adventure, I can't wait to meet you all and have a great time! Address: 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding, VA 20152

✨ One FREE Drink with Each Ticket ✨ $40 per painter [Grab your Tickets Here](https://www.dandiandidesigns.com/upcoming-events) Location: Great Mane Brewery Time: 6:30pm This artwork is designed for individuals to paint on a single canvas. However, you're welcome to make it a collaboration project with a partner. Each person can paint half of the image on their own canvas, which will come together to form one uniform piece. Grab a Free Drink and let your creativity flow onto the canvas. We will start with a blank canvas, but no previous experience is needed. I will walk you through different shading and texture techniques to create your own work of art, as well as provide you with stencils for the doves. Take advantage of this opportunity to unwind, socialize, and create something beautiful! 🎨 Personalization Option: I’m more than happy to create custom stencils in place of the doves. In the past, guests have chosen cats, dogs, gnomes, and even Bigfoot! Simply message me on Facebook, Instagram, or via email. I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure you have time to order your drink and settle in. The painting session will last approximately 2 hours. ⚠️ Important Notes: • Tickets are sold per painter. If painting as a couple, each person must purchase a ticket. • Tickets are non-refundable. • If you plan to collaborate on one image across two canvases, please contact me in advance via Facebook, Instagram, or email at DandiAndiDesigns24@gmail.com so I can arrange seating accordingly. Come unwind, socialize, and create something beautiful. Let's paint new memories together!

**Daniel Neihoff** is an *emerging singer/songwriter from Paducah, KY*. He has been described as “one of the best storytelling songwriters in Nashville.” Daniel grew up in a family of songwriters, with both his father and grandmother crafting melodies and lyrics. He wrote his first song at 8 years old, surrounded by a family fit for country songs – the old kind about struggle and lonesomeness, mistakes among enduring love. The melodies and legends were all around him in his family, and it all seeped in. His accolades are impressive: he won the Kerrville New Folk Competition in 2019, was a 3-time finalist of Songwriter Serenade, placed 3rd in the Woody Guthrie songwriter contest, and won the Rocky Mountain Songwriters Contest in 2023. Neihoff has also been featured on PBS and received praise from Lori Walsh, host of In The Moment on SDPB, who said, “Daniel Neihoff, you are just what we need.” **Eryn Michel**’s songwriting walks the tightrope between real-life mess and wild imaginings—like her life, you’ll never be quite sure whether she’s singing truth, fiction, or a generous splash of both, drawn from a résumé that almost sounds made up: convoy gunner in Iraq, staffer in the Obama White House, phlebotomist, janitor, wedding planner, voice actor, and private security for a king’s granddaughter. Her songs have earned her the 2024 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Grand Prize and a two American Songwriter lyric contest wins. **Reserve your seat by paying Scott Moore at [Moore Music in the House](https://www.mooremusic.org/). Suggested in-person contribution is $30.00. All proceeds go to the artists.**