Summer’s end welcomes the darker evenings after the bright summer.

In the Porvoo River Carnival program, there are interesting events, a market atmosphere, music, outdoor movies, and a water and light installation on the river of Porvoo.

Wooden kiosks are placed in Alexis park and Street Food spots on Taidetehtaan rantakatu, near the Art Factory. You can buy snacks and enjoy an outdoor picnic on the grass wathing films and listening to live music throughout the day.

This year, the Porvoo River Carnival will take place both in Alexis park and on the grassy area along Taideetehtaan rantakatu. The program includes music, communal singing, films, and an impressive water and light installation on the river of Porvoo. The joyful and music-filled program of the event is suitable for the whole family.

The Porvoo River Carnival is organized by Visit Porvoo, the Foundation for Art Factory, Cultural Services at the City of Porvoo, and the Music Institute of Porvoo.

The Foundation for Art Factory contributes to increasing awareness of the Art Factory area, offering a versatile music experience for the entire family,” says the foundation’s representative, Marika Kettunen.

This year, a stage for concerts will be built on the grassy area along Taidetehtaan rantakatu, and a large outdoor film screening, with a screen of up to 40 m², will be enjoyed throughout the day. The outdoor film screenings are based on residents’ preferences, as they were one of the winners in the participatory budget vote.

Cultural producer Thomas Weissman collaborates with a cycling pianist, and the plan is to perform music while the pianist rides. The cycling pianist will perform for 5×30 minutes during the day.

The River Carnival offers the opportunity to enjoy Alexisparken and the city center all day.

Visit Porvoo coordinates and markets the overall event and produces an impressive water, light, and sound show on the River of Porvoo, creating a playful experience with water, light, and sound on the waning summer evening.

Program on the grassy area along Taidetehtaan rantakatu, the street is closed to car traffic. The grassy area features numerous picnic tables and benches. Bring your own refreshments or purchase treats from the area’s street food vendors and enjoy the entire day.

12:00–14:00: Children’s film: “Coco” dubbed to Swedish

The film follows the story of 12-year-old Mexican boy Miguel, who loves music more than anyone else in his family. Unexpectedly, he finds himself in the realm of the deceased through his family’s magical guitar power, where no living person has been.

14:00–14:45: Children’s concert: Flip Flop

15:00–16:30: Film: “Sing 2” dubbed to Finnish

“Sing 2” features dozens of well-known rock and pop hits, captivating performances, and Illumination’s characteristic humor and heart. It’s the ultimate feel-good film of the year.

16:30–17:30: Sing-along with Tom Nyman & Opeband
We’ll sing familiar songs in both Finnish and Swedish.

17:30–19:30: Film: “The Greatest Showman” (English)

“The Greatest Showman” is a historical musical drama film from 2017, directed by Michael Gracey. The lead roles are played by Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya.

19:30–20:45: Concert: Porvoo Big Band & special guest

20.45–21.30: Film: “My Sea” / Minun mereni/ Mitt Hav (45 minutes)
Ari Heinilä’s poetic film revolves around the dialogue between the sea and humans, where the sea takes center stage, and humans play supporting roles. The film takes us on an adventure both underwater, to the depths, and through the labyrinth of the archipelago, with the wind as our companion and the waves carrying us alongside various sea creatures. The sea’s users also encounter its darker side—an ill-treated friend. The film beautifully showcases the determination that many, including well-known sea enthusiasts, have demonstrated for this project. Actor and musician Irina Björklund, Martti Suosalo, and Taneli Mäkelä have all contributed their voices to the sea—pro bono. Finland’s top hitmakers, Timo Kiiskinen and Timo Hietala, have created the title track “Minun mereni” (“My Sea”), where Irina Björklund and the Wärttinä girls are the soloists.

21.30–22.30: Concert with B.O.J.

Program in Alexis park, by the river of Porvoo:

12:00–23:00: River Market in Alexpark, sales stands open all day.
14:00–17:00: Hot Club of Porvoo:  Kuutti Kylätasku trumpet, Sasha Charkin trombone, Ari Heinonen banjo,  Patrik Latvala sousaphone, 2 x 30 min
18:00–21.00: Antti Varjola (vocals) & Johannes Niskanen (accordion) perform in 3 sets of 30 minutes each.
12:00–17:00: Cycling pianist Aarno Paakkari plays and cycles in Aleksis Park for 5 sets of 30 minutes each.
12:00–16:00: The cheerful library bus “Felix” is on-site.

21:00–23:00: Impressive water, light, and sound show performed by Mixa.

Balloons will be distributed during the event.