Opening Festival

The Tampere Festival of Light Opening Festival brings light to the darkness of October!

This year, the Tampere Festival of Light kicks off in spectacular style as Koskipuisto Park glows with light for ten consecutive evenings. The Opening Festival features the chamber opera Her Voice, the Flow of Equality art trail, The National Celebration of Gymnastics, and Dancing Waters.

The festival is free of charge and takes place from 23 October to 1 November 2026, daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Flow of Equality

Flow of Equality is an atmospheric walking route that invites everyone to enjoy light, art, and shared experiences.

Stretching from Koskipuisto Park to Kehräsaari, the free art trail is beautifully illuminated and features 11 unique installations and experiences along the route. All works have been created by local artists and explore themes of equality and universal suffrage in playful and thought-provoking ways. In addition to the artworks, Vuolteentori Square is home to the Equality Market, where organisations promoting equality and inclusion welcome visitors with activities, refreshments, and a strong sense of community.

Along the route, visitors can enjoy inspiring discoveries, community spirit, and election-themed coffee gatherings. Highlights include a sculpture submerged in water, park pathways named after notable women from Tampere, a message to men from a legendary Tampere rock musician, and a light-based voting installation celebrating universal suffrage.

One hundred and twenty years ago, Tampere played a significant role in the advancement of voting rights and equality. In honour of the anniversary of universal and equal suffrage, the 60th anniversary year of the Tampere Festival of Light is celebrated under the theme of equality.

Festival of Light Opening Ceremony

The Opening Festival begins on Friday, 23 October at 7 p.m. with the traditional opening ceremony in Koskipuisto Park. The highlight of the evening is the new chamber opera Her Voice. The performance focuses on Hilja Pärssinen, one of the 19 women elected to the Finnish Parliament following the historic 1907 elections.

The music has been composed by Minna Leinonen, while the libretto and stage direction are by Marika Vapaavuori. Internationally acclaimed soprano Tuuli Takala performs the role of Hilja Pärssinen, while Villa Murtagh, aged 13, sings the role of Toini, a young factory worker. Her Voice is a commissioned work created for the 80th anniversary year of Tampere Opera. Dancing Waters forms part of the performance.

For the outdoor production, the orchestral parts will be recorded by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Ruut Kiiski. Tampere Opera’s 50-member choir will perform live in Koskipuisto Park. The production also features 50 dancers from Balettikoulu Hannele Suomalainen, with choreography by Riikka Korpi.

Dancing Waters

As in previous years, Dancing Waters will illuminate the Tammerkoski rapids over ten evenings. Performances take place daily from 23 October to 1 November, every hour on the hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The story of Tampere comes to life through a series of performances whose music moves between different styles, moods, and eras.

National Celebration of Gymnastics

The Opening Festival culminates in the National Celebration of Gymnastics on 1 November 2026.

Produced by the Jumppatytöt Theatre Group, recipient of Finland’s State Award for Public Information, the event begins with a procession of gymnasts from Hämeenpuisto Park to Koskipuisto Park. There, participants will perform a collective field programme accompanied by Dancing Waters.

The celebration highlights the importance of women’s gymnastics as a force behind universal and equal suffrage and commemorates the four world championship titles won by Tampere-based Minetit, achievements that have received too little recognition over the years.

From 6 p.m. onwards, the Jumppatytöt Theatre Group will raise the festival atmosphere with shared gymnastics and participatory activities, joined by Dancing Waters. Everyone is welcome to take part in this unique public celebration.

For more information, visit the Jumppatytöt Instagram account.