Local Activities

In honour of Friendship Day, Luckan will host a friendship crafts and mingle session, free for all! During the session we will each make our own tufted rug in a workshop led by Motley Project and tufting teacher Valentina Lachner. Join us to craft something for a friend, craft with the theme of friendship, or even craft new friendships! The Motley Project is a new association dedicated to offering English-language creative workshops and building a welcoming, inclusive community for all ages. Our sessions are always taught by professional creatives and they are open to everyone, especially to people who are new to Finland. **Please note that registration through the link below is required to participate - Meetup registration is not enough!** Spaces are limited, so sign up in good time, and please let us know asap if you can no longer make it. **SIGN UP HERE:** **[https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/1A84B5D4A7FE9138](https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/1A84B5D4A7FE9138?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEweVp1TEZkZFRvQlp5Rlh4T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR48gc57ImueRyAfxytfMostGkQTeJcK8N3llGv18UlygvpGpbDJ29mCGXcu7w_aem_Vv0MyoXs-TpPF_a-9eyFuQ)** ***The event is now fully booked, but if you wish to join the waiting list drop us an email to [integration@luckan.fi](mailto:integration@luckan.fi). We will contact you if a slot frees up!*** The event is free of charge, and you will get to take home what you make. The event is in English. Photo: Valentina Lachner

Welcome to a nice and invigorating **winter trip to the Central Park**! On this trip, we will have fun traveling from lodge to lodge, starting from the Maunula hiking lodge and ending at the Paloheinä hikind lodge. **The trip is open to everyone and free of charge.** **PLEASE NOTE! Advance registration is required for this event. You can register 1-2 people by filling out the form under the event on the Lapinlahden Lähde website: https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/tapahtumat/luontoretki-nature-trip-keskuspuisto/** If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration early by sending an email to kaupunkiluontokeskus@lapinlahdenlahde.fi. If the event is full, you can join the waiting list by sending an email to the Nature Center (Kaupunkiluontokeskus). **Meeting at 13:00 at Maunulan maja (hiking lodge), the address is Metsäläntie 9, 00620 Helsinki.** Instructor Ilona will already be at Maunulan maja at around 12:00 having lunch, so you are welcome to join her for lunch or coffee at your own expense. At 1:00 p.m., we will start walking from the lodge in a relaxed pace towards the north. Along the way, we will admire the winter nature and birds, pass by the Maunula Urn Cemetery, and marvel at the remains of the Maunnuneva and Pakilanmetsä fortifications (snow conditions permitting). We may also stop to warm up at the Pirkkola sports park. The route is approximately five kilometers long, and participants are free to join only part of the trip if they wish. The trip will end at approximately 3 p.m. at the Paloheinä hiking lodge and Palomaja café, where the nature center will offer participants coffee or tea. **The main purpose of the trip is to enjoy nature in friendly company.** We will walk at a relaxed pace without rushing. Central Park is not completely barrier-free, especially in winter, but we will take routes that are as easy to walk on as possible. Dress warmly and wear shoes suitable for winter walking. You can also bring sdudded shoes or walking sticks. The trip is weather-dependent in case of stormy weather, and in rainy weather we may take a shorter/faster route. If you wish, you can bring snacks and a sitting pad. The trip will be guided by City Nature Center instructor Ilona Rautiainen. Information about Central Park: [https://www.hel.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/outdoor-activities-parks-and-nature-destinations/outdoor-recreation-areas/central-park](https://www.hel.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/outdoor-activities-parks-and-nature-destinations/outdoor-recreation-areas/central-park) Maunula hiking lodge (in Finnish) with link to the cafe: [https://helsinginlatu.fi/tietoa-meista/maunulan-maja/](https://helsinginlatu.fi/tietoa-meista/maunulan-maja/) Paloheinä hiking lodge: [https://www.hel.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/outdoor-activities-parks-and-nature-destinations/outdoor-recreation-areas/paloheina-outdoor-recreation-area/paloheina-hiking-lodge](https://www.hel.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/outdoor-activities-parks-and-nature-destinations/outdoor-recreation-areas/paloheina-outdoor-recreation-area/paloheina-hiking-lodge) The event is organized in collaboration with MIITTI, Pro Lapinlahti Mental Health Association, Lapinlahden Lähde, and the City of Helsinki. The event has received funding from the City of Helsinki. For more information, visit the City Nature Center website: [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/lapinlahden-lahde-city-nature-centre/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/lapinlahden-lahde-city-nature-centre/)

All are welcome! We meet at Lapinlahti’s sauna, and the run begins promptly at 6:00 PM. **Please arrive early to get ready.** • There is a changing room, a few lockers, and a bathroom available. • We will run from the sauna to the Sibelius Monument and back — a total distance of 6–6.5 km. • The sauna house will be locked while we are out running. After the run, we will swim, hang out, and enjoy the sauna until 8:00 PM. * We kindly ask everyone to leave by 8:00 PM. * **To enable fair participation, if you are no longer able to join, please cancel 3 hours in advance so individuals on the waitlist may attend.** **Hosted by: Nia & Olli** Contact: Nia – +358 408223934 **HOW TO FIND US:** When arriving at the main gates of Lapinlahden Lähde, turn right and head towards the water. Lapinlahti's sauna is located halfway between the yellow main building and the red Venetsia building We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. **By participating, you agree to:** • Respect others – Be mindful of personal boundaries, privacy, and consent. • Listen actively – Give space for all voices and avoid dominating conversations. • Use inclusive language – Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary remarks. • Be considerate in the sauna – Some people may prefer quiet or need space. • Address issues kindly – If a problem arises, bring it up respectfully or with the hosts. Tervetuloa Run to Saunaan! Tapaamme Lapinlahden saunalla ja lähdemme juoksemaan noin kello 18.00. Tulethan ajoissa! • Käytössä on pukuhuone, lokeroita ja vessat. • Juoksemme saunalta Sibelius-monumentille ja takaisin. Kokonaismatka on noin 6-6,5 km. • Sauna on lukossa juoksun ajan. Juoksun jälkeen saunomme, uimme ja vietämme aikaa yhdessä kello 20.00 saakka. Kello 20.00 jälkeen meidän täytyy poistua. Tapahtuman järjestävät: Nia ja Olli Voit soittaa Nialle: +358 408223934 MITEN MEIDÄT LÖYTÄÄ: Kun saavut Lapinlahden Lähteen pääporteille, käänny oikealle kohti merta. Lapinlahden sauna on keltaisen päärakennuksen ja punaisen Venetsia-rakennuksen puolivälissä. Haluamme, että kaikilla on turvallinen olo. Run to Sauna -tapahtumissa noudatamme seuraavia periaatteita: • Kunnioitamme toistemme rajoja ja yksityisyyttä. • Annamme kaikille tilaa osallistua keskusteluun. • Puhumme kaikista ihmisistä ja ihmisryhmistä kunnioittavasti. • Olemme ystävällisiä toisillemme. • Ongelmatapauksissa voit kääntyä ohjaajien puoleen. **MIITTI’s Principles for safer space:** MIITTI wants to nourish a safe and pleasant environment for everyone, where everyone can feel safe as themselves. By joining as a volunteer, employee or participant of the event or activity, you agree to follow the guidelines below *Non-discrimination* I do not make assumptions about people based on their external characteristics or names. I treat all participants with respect, and I don’t use language or take actions that discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic. I respect pronouns and names. *Boundaries* I respect others' personal space and boundaries, both physical and mental. I acknowledge that I cannot know someone else's boundaries without asking first. I ask before touching. I listen to others and adapt my behavior if someone indicates that my behavior makes them feel uncomfortable. *Creating Safe Environment* Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment. If I witness harassment, I do my part to support those who experience inappropriate or offensive treatment. *Zero Tolerance for Harassment* Our space upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior or harassment at our events, please report it to the MIITTI or Lapinlahden Lähde staff. 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!

Opitaan suomea ja arabiaa sekä kohdataan kahvikupposen äärellä! Kielenvaihtokulmassa opit tandem-menetelmällä arabiaa sitä äidinkielenään puhuvalta ja itse opetat samalla suomea, molemmat opettavat toisilleen. Tule kielenvaihtokulmaan jakamaan osaamistasi! Location: Maunula talo Metsäpurontie 4 00630 Helsinki Tervetuloa mukaan silloin kun sinulle sopii! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: instagram.com/miitti1 Facebook: facebook.com/miitti1 Web: 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!

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

Zurihac shirts, or other Haskell events paraphernalia mark the spot! :D You're invited to Haskell Office Hours, a laid-back meetup where you can ask questions, get help setting up the Haskell toolchain, or just hang out with fellow Haskellers. This meetup is geared for newcomers, but experts are also welcome to show up and join in the knowledge-sharing. This meetup will occur every second week and RSVP is preferred. Meetup starts at 19:00 and runs until 20:00. For more coordination, join our [Newcomers Matrix room!](https://matrix.to/#/!wnXpJkwWACgSBBzwDh:matrix.org?via=chreekat.net&via=matrix.org&via=rauhala.info) Happy Haskelling!

Helmikuun [Wonna](https://wonna.fi)-meetupissa 🌺 Design System Product Owner [Laura Karhu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakarhu/) ja DS Developer [Laura Sirola](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasirola/) kertovat, miten panostus design systemiin saadaan tuottamaan arvoa, sekä yleisesti että Traficomin design systemin tapauksessa. Tiivistä asiaa laajalla skaalalla business casen laskennasta aina käytännön vinkkeihin käyttöönottoa tukevan devaajakokemuksen tarjoamisesta. 🌺 Lead Developer [Valtteri Laakso](https://www.linkedin.com/in/valtterilaakso/) ja PO [Hilkka Huotar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilkkahuotari/)i jakavat kokemuksia siitä, millainen vaikutus vahvalla design systemillä on, kun softakehitystiimi tehostaa devausta generatiivisen tekoälyn avulla. Tuttuun tyyliin keskustelu on vapaata ja tarjolla on pizzaa ja virvokkeita. Tervetuloa kuulemaan ja jakamaan kokemuksia ja oppeja siitä, kuinka tehdään hyvää softaa arvontuottoa jatkuvasti parantaen, kestävästä tahdista tinkimättä!

A creative exploration, using a mix of artistic materials to express emotions freely- perfect for everyone craving a slower Sunday. IMPORTANT: Registration is necessary and done through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-sunday-for-wellbeing-words-for-wellbeing-tickets-1982610293759?aff=oddtdtcreator Words carry breath, memory and healing. In this workshop, we begin with playful games that soften the edges, open the circle and invite for connection. From there, we follow the thread of writing- gentle prompts guiding us to listen inward and let words surface without judgement. In the second part, words take shape beyond language. We explore a rich variety of artistic materials- paper, color, texture, collage and mark making- allowing writing to transform into visual expression. Inspired by art-therapy practices, this process invites intuition, imagination and embodied creativity. No experience needed, only curiosity, openness, and the desire to explore **What to expect:** * Expression of creativity and experimentation freely in a safe and supportive environment * Relaxing and restorative moments and have some fun * Reflect in a creative way on wellbeing * Make new friends and build social connections This workshop is part of **Creative Sunday for Wellbeing**\- a mini series of creative workshops designed to gently reconnect with play\, expression\, and curiosity\. Through simple exercises, creative prompts inspired by theater games, and the use of a wide range of artistic materials, participants are invited to explore creativity in an open and supportive space. **This is not art therapy and not an art class-** there is no pressure to perform, produce, or "be good" at anything. Instead, the focus is on experimentation, imagination, and personal exploration. While the sessions are not therapeutic, they might offer moments of reflection, renewed energy, and a fresh perspective on wellbeing through creative practices. The topics of the workshops are the following: 25.1.2026 The Art of Slowing Down 1.2.2026 Finding your Flow 8.2.2026 Nature as Nurture **15.2.2026 Words for Wellbeing** 22.2.2026 Colors, Emotions and Creative Visioning WHEN & WHERE: 15th of February at 15.30-17.30 Valo tila, Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki (How to find us: When entering through the café to the gallery hallway, turn left and head up the stairs. Valo tila is through the first door on the right hand side.) Meet Giulia Lepori Giulia Lepori is an Italian sociologist whose work lives in the intersection of mental health, art, and creative exploration. During her university years in Turin, she co-founded an artistic laboratory that became a living space for experimentation, dialogue, and collective creation. Over seven years, she worked across multiple artistic languages, curating workshops, exhibitions, courses, and public events. Her path led her to one-year art therapy training grounded in psychodynamic approach, deepening her interest in creativity as a tool for care, expression, and transformation. Giulia has facilitated creative workshops with adults, adolescents, children, and people with disabilities, shaping spaces where art becomes a shared process rather than a finished product. In 2024, she brought her practice to Helsinki, organizing her first creative workshop in collaboration with MIELI Without Borders during Mental Health Art Week. The workshop is a collaboration between @mieliwithoutborders and @miitti1

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 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

Got a Museum Card burning a hole in your pocket? Take it out for a walk and join us for a casual museum tour, followed by a cup of coffee in a nearby restaurant or hangout in a nearby park. See below for more details. [More details about the Museum Card](https://museot.fi/museumcard) We'll be touring the new photo exhibitions temporarily on display. If you haven't seen the permanent exhibitions yet, you're encouraged to tour them as well! [https://www.helsinki.fi/en/luomus/exhibitions](https://www.helsinki.fi/en/luomus/exhibitions) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If it's your first time meeting the group, try to be there five minutes before departure to get to know us! Afterwards let's gather somewhere nearby to discuss the experience we had. More details will be posted as we arrive at the venue.

Good friends day❤️ Feel alone and no plans? This Saturday is here right about in its usual schedule! So what's better than weekend 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 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 will head into nightclub later. Hope to see you there! 🤗

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week - **Loneliness**. After 19:30, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games \- go out for dinner ✅ 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!

Low-Key Data Meetups with Helsinki Data Week are back for 2026! Our first meetup of the year takes place in Kaisla a day after the [CDOIQ Nordic Symposium 2026](https://www.aaltoee.fi/en/programs/cdoiq-nordic-symposium) \- consider this our unofficial fringe afterparty for this wonderful conference\, of which Helsinki Data Week is proud to be a Community Partner\! We will open the event with a little discussion on the themes of the CDOIQ event and our learnings there. After that, it's free mingling and refreshments from the bar as usual! Join us in Kaisla at 17:00 on Thursday, Feb 12!

Here’s an opportunity to learn Swedish over a good cup of coffee or tea ☕😋🇦🇹 for free! The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. In addition, we offer free (yes, free) coffee, tea, and biscuits to participants! På svenska, men på olika sätt Att prata med folk på café kan vara både nöje och utmaning. Hos oss serverar vi kaffe med mycket glädje och inspiration. Tillsammans lyssnar, pratar, läser, berättar eller skriver vi nyfiket och glatt oavsett om du har den finlandssvenska kulturen redan i blodet eller vill bekanta dig med den. Vi erbjuder deltagarna gratis kaffe eller te med lite tilltugg. When? ⏰ Usually Thursdays at 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese café: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Välkommen! **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](https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events)**

**[Registration Link: CLICK HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mommy-me-kick-toddlers-to-junior-k-brambleton-community-park-ashburn-tickets-1982714876569?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)** Parent and child soccer class with two age groups: Toddlers–Twos and Ages 3–5. All equipment provided, just bring running shoes & smiles! Mommy & Me Kick is an outdoor parent-and-child soccer program designed to introduce young players to movement, confidence, and fun with the ball. Sessions take place in the open grass area, clearly marked with a Play N’ Kick sign. The all-inclusive fee covers the full 6-week class and includes a standard Play N’ Kick jersey for each child. All soccer equipment is provided, just bring running shoes and smiles. ### Class Options **Class 1** Mommy & Me Kick – Toddlers through Twos Time: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM **Class 2** Mommy & Me Kick – Preschool through Junior K Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM *Both classes are held at the same location, just at different times.* ### Tickets One ticket is required per parent-child pair. For additional children, please purchase a **Plus One ticket for that specific class**. ### Details **Location:** 22388 Belmont Ridge Rd, Ashburn, VA 20148 **Schedule:** Every Tuesday starting March 24, for 6 weeks **Make-Up:** One rescheduled session will be provided in case of weather **Questions:** 540-692-9123 [info@playnkick.com](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mommy-me-kick-toddlers-to-junior-k-brambleton-community-park-ashburn-tickets-1982714876569?aff=ebdsoporgprofile) Playnkick.com

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

The Roadducks, having been around since 1976, are a legendary classic/southern variety rock band whose music brings you to life and goes down like Tennessee whiskey.... They are a MUST SEE band!!! We hope you’ll join us!!!L

Let the Sunshine in, and join board game enthusiast James, CCAN volunteer, for an evening of board games featuring Solar Power, and other renewable energy, as their primary theme. We'll be meeting at Curio Cavern, a long time Friendly Local Gamestore in Springfield, and they have plenty of snacks on hand if you're a snacker. We'll also have information about Solar policies and legislation going on in Virginia for those who are curious. I've set the attendee limit to 10 because I'm not sure how much table space there will be, and the board games can only support so many players. If you want to stop by, feel free, but RSVP's will get priority to play the games.