Lahti Pride
12.-18.5.2025
Please note most events will be held in Finnish.
Monday 12.5.2025
18-19.30
Lahti City Theatre, studio stage
Kirkkokatu 14
Hannu Medina is the founder of the internationally award-winning “We Speak Gay” community and a pioneer of queer tourism in Finland. Since 2018, Hannu has been training companies in queer inclusive communication.
Hannu also talks about the business potential of the rainbow community and rainbow people as consumers. The topic of the lecture is to consider how Lahti’s attractiveness and vitality can be increased through rainbow-friendliness. Hannu makes his listeners aware of hidden prejudices as well as tolerance blindness and the equality bubble. Both phenomena make it difficult to be aware of and understand the homophobia and transphobia hidden in societies and people’s attitudes. Hannu talks about these difficult topics very personally and compassionately, without guilt-tripping. There is a maximum of 75 participants. Registration here.
Accessibility
There are some wheelchair spaces in the theatre, please let us know when registering if you need one. The entrances are accessible. Next to the main entrance there are automatic doors. Both toilets on the first floor have one accessible toilet. In addition to these, there is an accessible toilet on the first floor that is shared by everyone. The lift is located on the first floor near the theatre’s ticket office. Dimensions of the lift: doorway 89 cm / depth 133 cm / width 98 cm.
17.00-20.00
Kulttuuripaja Huippu,
Vuorikatu 35 B, 5th floor
Lahti Culture Workshop Huippu, Vapaaehtoisuus Hallussa and YTY – Yhdessä tekemisen yhteisö are running art workshops related to the theme of Pride Week. The workshops will provide an opportunity for creative thinking and exploration of the week’s theme, “all the colours of culture”. The creative methods used in the workshops provide a safe and expressive way to address equality, equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Accessibility
The facilities are not fully accessible: there is a step at the entrance and other thresholds in the premises. The Cultural Workshop is located on the 5th floor and is accessible by lift. The toilets are not accessible. However, people using assistive devices (such as a wheelchair) successfully visit the premises.
Toilet facilities
The facility has gender-neutral toilets.
18.00-19.30
Kino Iiris,
Saimaankatu 12
TruthStory: 3 gender diverse people, 3 voices, 3 stories
What happens when people of different genders have the opportunity to speak up and choose which story to tell? Find out when the TruthStory project lands in Lahti. The programme includes a video presentation followed by a discussion with the authors.
These audiovisual works give voice and agency to the subjects of the work. Instead of being viewed and narrated from the outside, the works are created from within. These powerful stories create a representation of gender diversity and act as peer works for those who reflect on their gender.
For the TruthStory group, gender diversity is relevant either as an identity and truth in their own lives or in the lives of their loved ones, and as a human rights issue in general. All the group’s activities are based on volunteerism, equality and the promotion of well-being. In addition to empowering participants, the project aims to help others who are reflecting on their gender identity through representation, to normalise gender diversity and to unite people by reducing polarisation.
The TruthStory project took place in spring 2023 and premiered on the small stage of the Peacock Theatre. The performance was very moving and well received. The experience has been meaningful for both the participants and the facilitators. The performance will now be staged in Lahti. We will hear from the project’s creators and see powerful stories made by gender-diverse people. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the event.
TruthStory working group: Amos, Aro, Tristan, Heli Suoninen, Minttu Ågren
Tuesday 13.5.2025
10.30-11.00
Lahti main library, story room
Kirkkokatu 31
During Lahti Pride week, the library’s storytime celebrates everyone’s right to be themselves! Storytelling is recommended for children over 3 years old.
Groups are asked to register in advance at the Lahti Main Library’s Children and Youth Services or by calling tel. 044 018 7106.
Accessibility
The main library is accessible in terms of entrances and facilities. Library staff will assist customers with disabilities in using the services and library facilities. The Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor is accessible by lift. The library has two floors. The lift is located on the first floor of the library, in the library lobby, on the side facing Laaksokatu. Accessible toilets are located on the first floor of the library.
The toilets on the second floor of the library are gender-neutral.
17.00-22.00
Pinna Skate, Vipukulma Skate Park,
Vipusenkatu 25
PINNA X PRIDE skate session is a free, low-threshold skate session open to everyone at the Vipukulma Skatepark. There will be skateboarding trials and instruction, guided content for all levels, free skateboarding, and relaxed socialising. No previous experience or equipment of your own is needed, as everything you need (board, guards, helmet) is available at the hall.
The initial part of the event is aimed at the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest, regardless of skill level. The rest of the event is for all levels and ages, with content to keep the more experienced skaters happy.
Accessibility
There is a threshold at the entrance and the toilets are on the upper floor with only stairs. Gender-neutral toilet facilities.
17.30-19.30
Lahti main library, multi-function room (2nd floor)
Kirkkokatu 31
Welcome to calm down and stop for a moment to yourself! In this writing workshop, you will look at your own life from different angles through creative writing exercises. Through small writing exercises, you will be able to delve deeper into yourself in a gentle way. The resulting texts are not judged and do not need to be read out loud to others. No special writing skills are required, and pen and paper are all you need.
Accessibility
The main library is accessible in terms of entrances and facilities. Library staff will assist disabled patrons in using the services and library facilities. The Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor is accessible by lift. The library has two floors. The lift is located on the first floor of the library, in the library lobby, on the side facing Laaksokatu. Accessible toilets are located on the first floor of the library.
The toilets on the second floor of the library are gender-neutral.
20.00-22.00
Ant Brew,
Mallaskatu 1
Want to meet new like-minded people? Looking for company for the parade or other Pride week activities? Are you new in town? Come and get to know and spend time with new potential friends! Two leaders of the Lahti Pride team will be present. The programme will include get-to-know-you games, question cards, games, chatting and getting to know each other. Participants will also be able to influence the programme.
Accessibility
The entrance to Ant Brew is barrier-free, except for two small thresholds. There is an accessible disabled toilet in the Ant Brew corridor.
Wednesday 14.5.2025
17.00-19.00
Ant Brew,
Mallaskatu 1
MIO workshop: drawing a nude model. Come practice your drawing skills and learn how to draw a live model
in the PRIDE spirit. Pre-register via MIO. Participation fee €5, which covers supplies.
Accessibility
The space is accessible from the main entrance of Malski, Päijänteenkatu during Malva’s opening hours. The entrance to Ant Brew is barrier-free, except for two small thresholds. There is an accessible disabled toilet in the hallway of Ant Brew.
18.00-19.30
Lahti main library, Päijät-Häme room (2nd floor)
Kirkkokatu 31
How has gender diversity been addressed in literature? Welcome to chat and hear book tips! You can also tip others about your favourites.
Accessibility
The main library is accessible in terms of entrances and facilities. Library staff are available to assist disabled patrons in using the services and library facilities. The Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor is accessible by lift. The library has two floors. The lift is located on the first floor of the library, in the library lobby, on the side facing Laaksokatu. Accessible toilets are located on the first floor of the library.
The toilets on the second floor of the library are gender-neutral.
18.00-20.00
Theatrum Olga,
Ahvenistonkatu 2
Have you ever wondered what drag has been like in Finland over the decades? Drag artist Mealworm opens the closet door to the diverse and colourful history of drag as art, focusing on the stages of Finnish drag culture from the 1970s to the present day.
Join us and dive into the drag rabbit hole! After the lecture there will be time for questions and discussion.
Mealworm is a neo-romantic and mysterious drag creature, who touches on themes such as debauchery, sexlessness, horror and all things dark and brooding. Their performances are always accompanied by humour, whether it’s a subtle touch or a good handful. On stage, they might associate 1980s synth-pop with everyday things like peeling a carrot. Or something else entirely.
Mealworm has been organising their own Abysmal club since 2019, first at Suvilahti Oranssi in Helsinki, then at subculture centre Louko, Alimus and Espoo Museum Leikki, among others. They have also directed and mentored new drag newcomers in their own Dragia kansalle course.
Accessibility
There are thresholds in front of the doors, and you enter the space downhill. There are stairs to the stage, but wheelchairs are accessible everywhere else in the space. The corridor space is narrow and the gender-neutral toilet is spacious but not accessible.
18.00-20.00
Saima 6,
Saimaankatu 6
Let’s prepare together for the Pride parade in the form of a sign workshop organised by Lahden Seta and Lahti City Youth Services.
Come along and make your own sign, sheet or invent your own shout for the parade. There will also be other creative activities to celebrate diversity (including pins). The Lahti City Youth Council is also involved!
Accessibility
The space is fully accessible. There are gender-neutral toilets. There are three toilets in the lobby, one of which is for disabled people.
22.00-04.00
ALE klubi,
Vesijärvenkatu 22
K18. Come to PRIDE themed after party organised by students from the Institute of Design, where you can enjoy a game of erotic bingo.
DJ: Huijari is Finnish/Estonian/Ukrainian Queer DJ based in Helsinki. Being queer means
understanding genres are fluid as well, so are his sets. Be ready to be blown away.
Admission 2,5 € + service charge.
Accessibility
The space is not accessible. There are stairs. There is a disabled toilet.
Thursday 15.5.2025
15.00-18.00
Malva, workshop space Kumma
Päijänteenkatu 9
Welcome to the good mood crochet workshop, where you can crochet yourself a little rainbow-themed mascot using either the instructions or your own creativity! Your guide to the world of crochet will be Tinja, who runs the @villivirkkaus-crafts account on social media. All the necessary materials and tools are available on the spot, so all you need is an open mind and an eagerness to crochet! Crocheters of all levels are welcome to this workshop. Recommended age +12 yrs. The workshop can accommodate about 10 people, first come first serve.
At the same time you will have the opportunity to come and make jewellery under the guidance of Seta Lahti volunteers Pia and Heidi, no recommended age limit.
Accessibility
The entrance and the space are accessible. The building has a toilet for disabled people and a lift.
17.00-18.00
Malva,
Päijänteenkatu 9
Malva celebrates Lahti Pride week with an audiovisual presentation. Together with DJ Metsähörhö and DJ Rojuchino, the Noin Seitsemän collective will create a performance open to all at the entrance of Malva on Päijänteenkatu.
The ~7 collective will create a video installation and live visuals on the panels of Malva’s exterior wall. DJs Metsähörhö and Rojuchino will create the soundscape for the performance. The performance can best be seen and experienced from the opposite side of Päijänteenkatu or from Kirkkopuisto.
The performance by the collective Noin Seitsemän is a queer performance consisting of a video installation and a VJ video. The inspiration for the performance was one of Finland’s most important queer classics, Pirkko Saisio’s Punainen erokirja. The powerful visual imagery of the book served as a starting point to address the themes of searching for identity through personal interpretations. The shared source material and the collective’s way of working simultaneously bring layers and numerous shades to the performance, which are interwoven on screen into a single whole.
~7 (Noin Seitsemän, About Seven) is a visual collective that joined forces ~3 years ago. Working together, the collective’s creative know-how merges into a seamless swarm that drives the collective’s aesthetic and mood from side to side, creating curiosities and imaginative surprises. ~7 conjures up a multi-artistic playground wherever they go.
DJ Metsähörhö – The mystical creature of the forest
Deep in the forest, where moss covers the paths and the starry sky whispers rhythms, the music of DJ Metsähörhö is born. No formulaic stuckness, but a wild journey to the origins of electronic music. Every DJ Metsähörhö set is an experience: an invitation from the forest that draws the listener deep into a soundscape where styles blend together like mist in the wee hours of the morning. This is not just music – this is a journey, a mystical ritual at the heart of sound and movement.Whether you’re in a dark forest festival, in the flickering of neon lights or diving deep through headphones, DJ Woodland Sparrow brings something unpredictable, magical and ever-changing.
DJ Rojuchino‘s rhythmic ear and broad musical palate produce brainwave-bending sets that transcend genre, space and time. With a backbone that combines old-school techno, body-rolling psytrance, upbeat neuro and everything else possible on this side and that side of the border, the end result is not to be missed.
Accessibility
Outdoor event, at the entrance of Malva. For the public, the best place to watch the performance is from the opposite side of Päijänteenkatu or from Kirkkopuisto in Väinö Hovila Park Street. The disabled toilet is located on the 1st floor of the Malski building.
18.00-
Ant Brew,
Mallaskatu 1
Come and present your own poetry or spoken art. Sign up on the spot.
Hosted by Minttu Istermaa. Singer Adette will also perform.
Organisers: Lahden Runomaraton ry and Lahti Pride.
Accessibility
The venue is accessible from the main entrance of Malski, Päijänteenkatu, during Malva’s opening hours. Ant Brew’s entrance is barrier-free, except for two small thresholds. There is an accessible disabled toilet in the hallway of Ant Brew.
19.00-21.00
Teerenpeli,
Vapaudenkatu 20
Lahti Pride’s traditional erotic bingo on Thursday 15.5. at Teerenpeli. This year’s bingo will be hosted by the living legend of Finnish magic, Taikuri Luttinen! K18.
Accessibility
From the Vapaudenkatu side (next to the car school door) there is a ramp to enter the restaurant. If necessary, staff will assist with opening the gate and crossing the small threshold. There are stairs inside, but there is also a ramp to get to the downstairs part of the restaurant. There is also a disabled toilet at the rear of the lower part of the restaurant. There are no gender neutral toilets.
Friday 16.5.2025
12.00-18.00
The Clinic,
Vesijärvenkatu 36
The Clinic walk-in tattoo day. Small tattoos will be made from ready-made models by one tattooist, on a first come, first served basis, as many as can be done during the day. No intoxicated clients accepted. Adults only.
Accessibility
Two stairs from the street, no ramps. Interior accessible. No invasion.
16.00-17:30
Mänty Records (Malski),
Päijänteenkatu 9 A 9
A creative yoga class with intuition, self-expression through the body combined with traditional yoga movements.
Suitable for all levels, come and have fun! In this class, the visual arts will be unleashed and we will create a collective work of art!
Pay what you can – bookings saara@mantyrecords.fi or 040 144 7925. Full price bookings online www.varaaheti.fi/mantyrecords.
Accessibility and toilet information
Almost barrier-free access, with only three wide steps to enter the studio. Adjacent disabled toilet, lift access in the building.
There are gender-neutral toilets downstairs at Malski, and individual gender-neutral toilets next to the studio.
18.00-20.00
Mänty Records (Malski),
Päijänteenkatu 9 A 9
Come and make your own song under the guidance of a professional musician! You don’t need any previous experience in music.
The studio is equipped with a guitar, keyboards, ukulele and rhythm instruments.
Pay what you can – bookings at saara@mantyrecords.fi or 040 144 7925.
www.varaaheti.fi/mantyrecords.
Accessibility and toilet information
Nearly barrier-free access, with only three wide steps to enter the studio. Adjacent disabled toilet, lift access in the building.
There are gender-neutral toilets downstairs at Malski’s, and individual gender-neutral toilets next to the studio.
19.00-02.00
Ant Brew,
Mallaskatu 1
Ant Brew celebrates gallery opening by local artists, showcasing fresh and evocative works. The evening will be crowned with live performances by Elsi Sloan, Itcevät and Erae. Art and music meet in a relaxed and open atmosphere for a unique evening of art and music. Voluntary payment to Lahden Seta. K18.
Event starts at 19:00
ERAE: 22:00
Itcevät: 23:00
Elsi Sloan: 24:00
Erae is a non-binary producer, rapper and graphic designer. Erae is artistically multi-talented and takes care of their own productions, lyrics and visuals. Their music is based on soundscapes from hip hop and electronic music, from which they build multi-leveled ensembles that tell stories even without lyrics. In their production, Erae deals with social problems and opens up about their own experiences and perceptions of the world around them.
Itcevät, a phenomenon in queer circles, is a pop indie-rock band inspired by the alt-rock and Finnish rock of the early 2000s. Runo Talvensalo, who calls themselves Finland’s first trans rock star, leads the band, whose upbeat live performances don’t leave the audience cold. The guitar-driven band’s music plays seamlessly between soft soundscapes and raw, energetic riffs. Itcevät is Runo Talvensalo, Veeti Kajastie, Unelma Kouva and Kalle Holmström.
Elsi Sloan is a young queer musician and actor, whose creates tender and fragile, yet poignant artpop. Elsi’s lyrics, sung loudly and powerfully, recount experiences of identity building, the discovery of subjective and universal truths of love, and the crises that have coloured their journey. Elsi will be joined on stage by drummer Vilho Louhivuori and bass artist Saara Mänttäri.
Accessibility and toilet information
The venue is accessible from Malski’s main entrance, Päijänteenkatu, during Malva’s opening hours. Ant Brew’s entrance is barrier-free, except for two small thresholds. There is an accessible disabled toilet in Ant Brew’s corridor.
Saturday 17.5.2025
10.00-11.30
Möysän Musaklubi,
Hämeenkatu 16
Come and prepare with us for the parade. Let’s make beautiful signs together and get into the spirit of the parade!
Welcome to the drum workshop! You will get to dance, play or make music, possibly also dance in the Pride parade. Earplugs, instruments and music books are available on site. No previous experience is necessary. The drum workshop is run by Rhythms of Resistance.
Rhythms of Resistance (RoR) is a network of activist drum groups whose members share anti-hierarchical, anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist, anti-sexist and anti-racist principles. The network fights for social and ecological justice.
Accessibility
There is a low threshold, barrier-free entrance to the Rock Bar via the courtyard on special request. The toilets are accessible.
12.00-13.00
City hall – Theatre
This year, the traditional Lahti Pride parade will run from the City Hall Park to the theatre. See more information (in Finnish): https://lahtipride.fi/?page_id=3652
Accessibility
Along the route there are sandy paths in the park, hills, various pavements and kerbs.
13.00-14.30
Lahti City Theatre,
Kirkkokatu 14
The Lahti Pride daytime event is free of charge and for all ages and will take place on Saturday 17 May directly after the parade at the Lahti City Theatre. Performers include Carita Pani, Metavera, Jayethe and Emmy June.
See more information here (in Finnish): https://lahtipride.fi/?page_id=4194
14.45-15.15
Lahti City Theatre,
Kirkkokatu 14
Lahti City Theatre director Lauri Maijala and Mikko Roiha, the director of Niskavuorien Heta, are present for a ameet and greet in the theatre’s upper lobby.
16.00
Lahti City Theatre,
Kirkkokatu 14
The last, special Pride show of the season.
Set in Häme, Hella Wuolijoki’s classic play spans half a century of Finnish history. Niskavuori’s Heta is a theatre of full emotion, a melodrama about the lack of confession and the need to show it, feelings we left unaddressed. The play also contains queer-thematic! Duration 2h 20 min, including intermission. English subtitles available!
Tickets for the special performance for 20 € with code PRIDE25 from the theatre, the theatre’s online shop or Lippu.fi.
21.00-02.00
Mössö,
Hämeenkatu 18
Hear the call of the dance floor! At the Pride party you can enjoy dance and drag performances in addition to the hit songs, as Lahti’s pride and joy to the world, dancer Jayethe and drag artist Coraline, take to the stage. The music will be provided by DJ Megan Fox Mulder. K18.
Showtime at 21.30.
Read more (in Finnish): https://lahtipride.fi/?page_id=4296
Tickets 8 € / Lahden Seta members 6 €. Coat rack service fee for jackets and larger bags 4 €.
Accessibility
Accessible entrance on request at the back of the building. Disabled toilet available.
Sunday 18.5.2025
10.30-12.30
TBA,
Kaarikatu 26
The family café Setripuu of the Kiintymysvanhemmuusperheet ry is organising a pop-up family café open to everyone in cooperation with the Rainbow Families of Lahden Seta ry and the LAB University of Applied Sciences’ students.
Coffee and juice are available free of charge, and you can grill your own snacks!
Voluntary activity points for children to go around with their own adult and the whole Family Park’s wonderful milieu invites you to an adventure. The event will feature a performance by the living legend of Finnish magic, the wonderful Magician Luttinen!
Volunteers from Cedar Tree and Rainbow Families Café, as well as a lactation counsellor & baby and mothers zone therapist will be available during the event. Join us for a nice day together!
Accessibility and toilet facilities
The event will take place outdoors, the terrain in the Family Park is varied. There is a dirt road from the parking lot to the barbecue shelter. The canopy is raised slightly off the ground. Accessible toilets are not available. Two steps to the toilet.
18.00 ja 20.00
Vaahterasali,
Aleksanterinkatu 26
Double Feature:
Orlando (1992) at 18
Y tu mamá también (2001) at 20
Tickets 8 €
18.00-20.00
Marian kammari,
Vapaudenkatu 6
Rainbow Masses are Lutheran services for members of sexual and gender minorities and their loved ones, which can be attended by anyone. The purpose of the Mass is to provide a place to gather, to meet other people in the same life situation and peer group.
Pastor Anna-Mari Kopo will give the sermon at the mass. Kimmo Puunenä will be the chanter, Hannu Lehdeskoki will also play music. The Holy Communion of the Lord will be distributed. If you wish to pray for something in the intercession, you can tell Anna-Mari or Mauno 041 314 9519 / mauno.vj.nivala@gmail.com in advance or before the mass.
Accessible (no interpretation) and safe, non-discriminatory space. During the evening there will be coffee and other refreshments served, food restrictions taken into account. Come all – in a group, as a couple or as a single person!
Accessibility
There is a barrier-free entrance, automatic doors, accessible toilets, no stairs or lifts.
All week
18.00-19.00
Malva,
Päijänteenkatu 9
The harvest of Seta Lahti’s “You won’t scare me into hiding” exhibition in special screenings at the main entrance of Malva daily from 18-19.
R11 Salonki,
Rautatienkatu 11
Check out what special Olga has planned for the shop window!
Galleria Uusi Kipinä,
Kymintie 1
Lahti Seta’s “You won’t scare me into hiding” art exhibition Tue-Fri 12-18, Sat-Sun 12-16.