The things worth your time this week

On Friday 18th, if you’ve ever wondered what the house of a president looks like, now’s your chance to explore for yourself. The doors of Mäntyniemi, the official residence of the Finnish president, will be open for 4 hours only. Step in and see where the president eats breakfast, receives guests, and takes walks in the gardens. See a piece of Finnish architectural design history from the inside and talk to some of the artists whose work decorates the home. No registration needed, but places are limited on a first-come, first-served basis, so be on time.

Mäntyniementie 4, Helsinki, 12-16, FREE

On Saturday 19th, another, no less magical place will be open to see, hear, and watch where countless Finnish entertainment hours have gone down. Yle will be open for one day only. There will be a tour of the prop room, and if you’re a fan of UMK/ Eurovision, there might be a few familiar sights. For the kids, Pikku Kakkonen props will bring a smile. The sports and news house will also be open; there will be games, previews of shows, and you won’t go hungry because food stalls are bringing the treats.

Uutiskatu 5, 00240 Helsinki, 10-16, FREE

Comics, books, art, creativity await on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the comics fest. Friday, the kids take over, with speakers and authors, workshops for drawing, creating stories, mask making, and a treasure hunt. Saturday and Sunday will be space for manga, webcomics, zines, and a whole lot of workshops. There will be books, comics, and all kinds of cool merch on sale too, so you won’t walk away empty-handed.

Turunlinnantie 1, 00900 Helsinki, Friday 9.30-18, Sat 10.30-19, Sun 10.30-18, FREE admission

An autumn evening after dark awaits on Saturday 19th at Korkeasaari. Welcome in; there will be feedings to watch throughout the night, from red pandas to vultures, leopards, lions, tigers, and camels. Different stations along your way will have face painting, bracelet making, win prizes at conservation bingo or on the wheel of fortune. A DJ will be on board at the restaurant, and the evening will close out with a spectacular fire show. All proceeds go towards Pallas cat conservation.

Korkeasaari, Mischan ja Maschan aukio 1, 00570, 16-23, €29/ €20 children

Got some cuttings that need a new home or want to pick up something new to plant and take care of? Bring something, take something is the only rule on plant dates. You can bring cuttings, whole plants, seeds, or bulbs. Clean and healthy, please! And if something catches your eye, you can take it with you. Only those who bring can take; remember- the basis of any healthy relationship! Saturday 11-14 will be a plant expert ready to give advice, tips, and tricks on how to keep your plant babies happy and healthy.

Pasila Library, Kellosilta 9, until Saturday 19th klo 16, FREE

Horror week at Linnanmäki returns with more screams, frights and shrieks in store to ease us into the depths of autumn. Horror rides, some only for the bravest, zombies roaming the park, chill in the cemetery or the insane asylum bar. Even the candy store has descended into darkness. Up for visiting the underworld or the carnival of horror? Or enter into a nightmare you won’t forget.

Linnanmäki, Tivolikuja 1, 00510, Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th, 16-00, Tickets €53

When you know only the girlies will appreciate this one. Meeting up for coffee and maybe a giant blueberry filled with white chocolate? Or how about a giant peanut filled with caramel and praline. We don’t know how Cafe Berry works their Willy Wonka magic but my god, they do it so good. All in a super elegant, beautiful space.

Cafe Berry, Annankatu 27

They’ve got foodie treats with food vendors, vegetables on sale, a kids’ corner, waffles, workshops, and pickled everything. Chill vibes and party until the full moon on Saturday at Hobo Hotel. Get your autumn harvest on and then grab a cocktail if you feel like it.

Hobo Hotel, Kluuvikatu 4, 12-16, FREE entry

Finland’s largest and best film festival is back, celebrating love and those who don’t take the easy path. The ones who rebel, the ones who do things their own way. The Love and Anarchy film festival. Showing films that would not be shown in Finnish cinemas, you’ll have a chance to catch some gems from Finnish and international filmmakers. Kicking off on Friday and running until 3rd October, plenty of time to find your new favourite film or one that hangs around in your mind long after the credits roll.

Across several cinemas, please see the timetable for more info. Tickets €14 or you can buy serial cards for multiple films