The Loving Mikkeli Fair will take place at the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo) on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
After 5:00 p.m., access to the exhibition area requires a concert ticket. The fair will remain open until 7:30 p.m.
Exhibitors include the City of Mikkeli, Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd, Visit Mikkeli, the Muisti Centre of War and Peace, educational institutions from the region, and stands showcasing local food delicacies.
The aim is to create a “Mikkeli bubble” in Helsinki for one day, giving visitors a comprehensive opportunity to discover what Mikkeli has to offer as a destination for tourists, students, summer cottage owners, and those considering relocating.
Fair themes include:
-Housing and leisure residence opportunities in Mikkeli
-Tourist attractions in Mikkeli
-Mikkeli’s museums
-Mikkeli – the Capital of Clean Water
-Data center investments and comprehensive security in Mikkeli
-International services in Mikkeli
The fair will feature exhibition stands and short presentations. Experts will be available at the stands to answer visitors’ questions. There will also be competitions and other fun activities. Visitors can meet Astuva Amazon and try their luck at the water wheel, where attractive prizes can be won.
At the fair, you can also send a traditional Mikkeli postcard to a friend. Just remember to bring the recipient’s address with you—we will mail the card on your behalf.
Astuva Amazon
The Astuva Amazon character was inspired by the mysterious and ancient Astuvansalmi rock paintings in Ristiina, estimated to be 4,500–6,000 years old, as well as by Lake Saimaa. The paintings are the most extensive prehistoric rock art site in the Nordic countries. The character has been developed by Ristiina-based artist Anne Mäkeläinen since the mid-1990s. A particularly important source of inspiration has been the rare depiction of a female figure holding a bow found among the rock paintings. Through her art brand, Anne Mäkeläinen has participated in numerous cultural events and projects.
The Amazon character has been featured in a wide range of artistic works, including sculptures, reliefs, an illustrated poetry work, interdisciplinary performances, dance videos, an animation, jewelry, a site-specific artwork, and a documentary film. At the International Machu Picchu Film Festival in Peru, Anne’s Amazon documentary was awarded Best Film by a Female Director in 2025. The film was directed by Päivi Kapiainen-Heiskanen.
Presentations at the Fair
The presentations will be held in a separate meeting room adjacent to the exhibition area. Visitors may register in advance or simply walk in. However, advance registration is recommended if you wish to interview the speaker after the presentation. Media interviews are also possible, and media representatives are encouraged to register using the links provided below.
12:00 p.m. Building Plots and Housing Opportunities in Mikkeli – Topiantti Äikäs, Land Use Director (Registration link, in Finnish)
1:00 p.m. The Cleanest Water in the World – In Mikkeli – Juha Kauppinen, Project Manager (Registration link, in Finnish)
2:00 p.m. Tourism and Leisure Living in Mikkeli – Hanna Airas, Project Manager/Sustainable Tourism, and Tuula Pihkala, Project Manager/Leisure Living (Registration link, in Finnish)
3:00 p.m. Mayor’s Current Affairs Briefing Topics include Mikkeli’s cultural offerings, comprehensive security, and data center investments – Janne Kinnunen, Mayor of the city of Mikkeli (Registration link, in Finnish)
4:00 p.m. International Mikkeli – Riikka Hälikkä, Head of International Affairs (Registration link, in English)
5:00 p.m. Mayor’s Current Affairs Briefing – Janne Kinnunen, Mayor of the city of Mikkeli (Registration link, in Finnish) Please note: Due to scheduling constraints, interviews will unfortunately not be possible after this presentation.
The event is jointly organized by the City of Mikkeli and the Mikkeli Music Festival. The fair day will culminate in a concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The orchestra will be conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, with internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Montero performing as the soloist. The mini fair will remain open until the start of the concert and during the intermission, allowing concertgoers to explore and discover everything that Mikkeli has to offer.