Festival parade

What: One of the city’s happiest and most tuneful parades, right through the city center.
When: Saturday 13 June 2026, approximately 2.00–3.00 pm. Follow announcements in the media.
Where: Old Church, Mannerheimintie, Citizens’ Square
Who: Thousands of visiting and local choir singers and instrumentalists, and thousands of supporters along the route.
How: Bring a camping chair, sit down along the parade route, and greet the joyful procession. Then continue your afternoon with the grand main concert in front of Oodi.

Description

Unmissable. One part of the Song and Music Festival you do not want to miss is the festive procession, or Song Festival Parade, where thousands of participants with banners, flags, pennants, singing choirs, and lively marching bands parade and arrive at the festival site in front of Oodi.

The parade starts from Old Church Park and continues along Bulevardi to Mannerheimintie, then onward to Citizens’ Square, where the highlight of the Song and Music Festival awaits, the Main Concert on the large stage in front of Oodi.

Following along

The best way to experience the parade is to stand anywhere along the route and cheer for the choirs and orchestras as they pass by with their banners and pennants. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy as audience members. You might even spot friends singing in the choirs.

Announcements over loudspeakers about the choirs and orchestras will take place at two locations, near Swedish Theatre and at Citizens’ Square, where the parade arrives and the choirs and orchestras enter in front of Oodi.

Loud and lively

Participating orchestras will play both while marching in the parade and while stationed along the route, for example near the Mannerheim Statue. Experience classic formations such as Närpes Skolmusikkår, Jeppo Ungdomsorkester, and Malax Hornseptett, among many others.

Questions about the parade can be directed to [email protected]