After a fairly mild, even a little wet summer, the days are getting cooler, and autumn is creeping up. We’re in the in-between space, not fully one thing or the other yet. But in that liminal space, magic can happen.

The things worth your time this week

For a story to share with friends, go for the plot. Kiasma are back with their Friday dates. Turn up, get a green badge from the lobby, and if you’re feeling shy or don’t know how to break the ice, they’ve even got that covered. Conversation starter cards mean you won’t be stuck talking about the weather.

If you prefer to spend your time with pencils rather than people, that’s ok; hang out at the cafe from 17h and pretend you are in 19th-century left-bank Paris. Materials will be provided. Or collaborate on something bigger and make art with others in the seminar room on the first floor.

Kiasma, Mannerheiminaukio 2, 17-20, €23

Get on a boat, jump over to Vallisaari, and spend an evening on the dance floor by the sea. Catch the ferry from Kauppatori (tickets cost €9.80 for a round trip), enjoy the sea air, and get ready to take in the evening. The bar stays open late if you happen to have your own boat and dont need to catch the last ferry back at 23.30. Or make a whole night of it and stay in one of the accommodations available on the island - tents, cabins or igloos.

Why this exists, who knows, but the organisers seem pretty enthusiastic, so we’re in. Fingerboarding aficionados gather together to show off their mad skills on Saturday at Hermanni Skatepark. This is exactly what it sounds like - skateboarding for the fingers. At least you’ll be entertained!

. Hermanni Skatepark, 13-18, FREE

East Pasila needs more love! Deep dive into urban planning and architecture that has stood the test of time with a Finnish flavour of Brutalism. Saturday 15th walking tour will kick off at 13 and will take in the design of the area. Tickets cost €15 for an hour and 15 min walk, getting those steps in at the same time, win-win.

Rauhanasema, Veturitori 3, Helsinki 13-14.15

A hidden gem flea market this Sunday 9th August will be deep in the wilds of Vantaa, right in the Ikea parking lot. If you have things to sell or want to make a bit of extra cash, pull up and take a spot. Places go free to Ikea family members, or register ahead of time. Bring your treasures that are looking to find a new home or come hunt down something new.

Ikea Vantaa, Porttisuontie 18, 01200 Vantaa, 9-14, FREE

Check out Nukkuvat Linnut, playing in Tavastia on Saturday 15th. Indie pop, art pop with a heart. Two female singer/songwriters make up Nukkuvat Linnut - Sleeping Birds. From forests to old houses and candlelit nights, all the ingredients that go into the spirit of the music. Forget therapy, you just need a good gig.

Tavastia, 20.00 tickets €13

Lippakiska book fair starts on Friday, but really picks up on Saturday and Sunday. Starting with a poetry breakfast on Saturday at 10, throughout the day, there will be writing walks, kids’ comic workshops, fairytale yoga and a pop-up library. Sunday will have reading circles and a book flea market. There will be waffles and other snacks available on hand if all of the prose starts to work your appetite.

Arabianaukia, Intiankatu 1, 10-evening, FREE

The Lazy Fox in Kallio has got your Sunday morning covered. Blueberry pie French toast, Creme brulee French toast, cinnamon roll pancakes, a full English, say no more! And the vegan options have us running there.