Laikku and the Whole World 2026

Laikku and the Whole World Culture festival will be celebrated for the fourth time on Saturday 6 June at 14-18. The event highlights the cultural diversity of Tampere and will fill Laikunlava and Kirjastonpuisto with music, dance, food, art and fun activities. Let's enjoy a wonderful summer day together!

After the program at the Laikku stage, the event continues with an after club at G Livelab at 19 (doors at 18). 

Laikunlava outdoor stage performers 14-18:

Indaba - An energetic and captivating show by two multi-instrumentalists and a Finnish breakdance champion. The performance combines powerful singing, dance, solo in instrumentals, and playful rhythmic moments, inviting the audience to reflect on identity and multiculturalism. It draws from Tanzanian traditions, hip-hop culture, and the performers’ imagination, and features several languages, including Finnish, English, Swahili, and Sumbwa. Indaba means “gathering” in Zulu, a place where people come together to make decisions affecting themselves. 

67xNaked - An energetic jazz ensemble active since 2017, known for its performative approach and has toured in Finland, the Baltics, and the United Kingdom. The group is recognized for its improvisation-based, surprising performances where the energy of early jazz and blues merges with playfulness and freedom of expression. The repertoire includes jazz from the 1920s-40s, original compositions, performance art, and dance. The whole experience is built in the moment, without stylistic boundaries. 

Sounds of South America - takes it's audience on a journey into the heart of traditional music cultures from Spanish-speaking America. The band, made up of young top musicians in Latin music, has roots in Argentina, Chile, Cuba, and Finland. Their repertoire is a true musical buffet, overflowing with traditional classics and hits from countries such as Columbia, Peru, and the Caribbean islands. Welcome on a quick trip to South America!

Sankalana Dance Club. Experience traditional Sri Lankan Kandyan and Low Country dances of Sri Lanka. Drums, fire, and precise movements create a powerful performance. The combination of colors and rhythms highlights a long cultural heritage and its stories.

Throughout the event, music will be provided by DJ Dr. Smeđi Šećer, originally from Croatia, who brings elements of world music ranging from jazz, funk, soul, and disco to folk influences, along with a touch of old Yugoslavia.

In addition, a Mexican street performer Fernanda Molina, will be performing around the event area. She has extensive experience performing in her home country of Mexico, including clowning. Her performances are built on audience interaction and situational comedy.

The event is hosted by Suna Mikkola, who works passionately in the events and culture sector and has many years of experience in the field. She enjoys live music and theatre, occasionally performs in a duo, and is currently building a career as a professional host and entrepreneur.

At the food market, you can enjoy flavors from around the world, including Nepal, Iran, Turkey, Mexico, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and West Africa. In the event’s market area, visitors can explore interesting associations and craft artists.

Food vendors and market participants include Bloom, Shilpangon, Manse Nepal, Kultakori Afro Mart, Cameroonians in Tampere, Middle Eastern Women’s Association, Kushina Tampere, La Negrita, Tampere–Tartu Society, Finnish-Pakistani Cultural Association, Ukraina Talo, Hola Tampere, Marhaban Center, MLL Tampere branch, Yorubas in Pirkanmaa, Filipino Association in Tampere, Embassy of Tunisia, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Kauppahallin kotiruoka, City of Tampere Cultural Services, henna artist Pragati, face painting and craft artist Waseka Rahman, craft artist Gulten, as well as individual food vendors.

G Livelab afterparty at 19 (doors at 18): 

Emilia Sisco - Rising star in the soul music scene, captivating listeners worldwide with her distinctive voice and songwriting. Her powerful vocals and storytelling seamlessly blend elements of soul, jazz, and blues. Through her music, she conveys deep emotions that reflect the richness of the human experience

The afterparty will also feature the event’s DJ, Dr. Smeđi Šećer, as well as the host, Suna Mikkola.

The Children’s Culture Centre Rulla is open 10-18.

13-14 Multilingual theatre performance Gardeners: The performance depicts two gardeners trying to find a shared way to care for flowers, even though their views initially clash. It also explores what it feels like to live and communicate in an environment where unfamiliar languages are used, featuring Finnish alongside Italian, English, and languages brought in by the audience. Performers: Veera Degerholm and Ilaria Tucci. (Recommended age 5+, but suitable for all ages!)

The art workshop offers a Summer Mandala workshop using recycled materials. 

The exhibition Love it! and the interactive "Party Office" exhibition are open 10:00-18:00.

The Culture House Laikku is open 10-18. On display are exhibitions by Jussi Lauttu, Tuulia Iso-Tryykäri, and Pispalan Sottiisi – Folk Dance Across Five Decades. 

In case of very bad weather, the event will be arranged indoors in Culture House Laikku.

Free entry!

Tervetuloa * Welcome * Mabuhay * Välkommen * Teretulemast * Bi xêr hatî * Chào mừng * Bienvenido * Ласкаво просимо * स्वागत  *  Vitajte * Bem-vindo * Добро пожаловать * স্বাগত * Benvenuto * ようこそ * Willkommen * 欢迎 * Soo dhowow * Ayubowan * Dobrodošli * خوش آمدید * مرحباً بك

The event will follow Safer Space Guidelines.

The Culture House Laikku is largely accessible. Read more about Laikku's accessibility.

The event is organised by the City of Tampere Public Cultural Services.