When is the Karhupuisto Film Festival held?
The Karhupuisto Film Festival will be held from September 7 to 13, 2026. Exact screening and event times can be found in the festival program.
Where is the festival held?
The festival venues are located around Karhupuisto, including: Alō hall on Pengerkatu, Teatteri Sirkus Suosalo tent in Alli Tryggin puisto (in front of Kallio High School), Kallio Church, Kallio Library, Bar Tÿpo at Tekstin Talo, and Suvilahti DIY skate park. Please check the exact location and address for each screening in the program. Read more about our venues here.
Are all events in Karhupuisto?
No, Karhupuisto is the heart of the festival, but events are organized at several different venues around Karhupuisto.
Where can I find the full program?
The up-to-date program can be found on our website. Program highlights and possible changes are also published on the festival's Instagram and Facebook pages.
Are the events indoors or outdoors?
Paid screenings are held indoors; in Alō-hall on Pengerkatu, in the Teatteri Sirkus Suosalo tent located in Alli Tryggin puisto, and in Kallio Church. Please note that when arriving at the tent, queuing takes place outdoors.
Some free short film screenings are held at Bar Tÿpo, at Tekstin Talo on Lintulahdenkatu (entrance from the Kompleksi courtyard). Outdoor screenings at Karhupuisto and Suvilahti DIY are free, and subject to weather conditions. Read more about our venues here.
Do I need a ticket for the festival?
Some of the program is paid and some is free. Tickets for paid programs can be purchased here.
Where can I buy tickets?
Ticket sales links can be found in the festival program and on the film presentation pages.
Can tickets be bought at the door?
If a screening is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door. However, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Do I need to register for free events?
There is no need to register for free programs.
How are seats allocated for free screenings?
Admission to free screenings is on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early.
Do I need to bring my own chair for free outdoor screenings?
Bringing your own camping chair, blanket, or other sitting mat is recommended. There are not enough seats for everyone on site. Please remember to take all your belongings with you when you leave – let's keep the places tidy. :)
How late do outdoor events cause noise?
Outdoor screenings held in Karhupuisto have been granted a noise permit by the City of Helsinki until 11:30 PM, and the Suvilahti screening until 11:45 PM. We monitor the sound level during the event, as it is important to us that the event does not cause excessive disturbance to our neighbors. In addition, before the start of each screening, we instruct all festival-goers to leave calmly and with consideration for others.
How early should I arrive?
Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the film. We recommend arriving well in advance so you can calmly enjoy the festival atmosphere, explore the festival kiosk, and secure the best possible seat in the hall.
Can I enter a screening late?
We do not guarantee entry after the screening has started, as late arrival can disturb the cinematic experience of other festival guests. The festival will not compensate for unused tickets due to late arrival. Please arrive on time.
Are there age limits at the festival?
Age limits for films are announced with each screening. Official age limits are binding even with an accompanying guardian. A person up to 3 years younger than the announced age limit may attend with a responsible adult. However, this does not apply to potential K18 (adults only) screenings. Festival clubs are K18.
In what languages are the films screened?
The spoken language and subtitle languages of the film are indicated in the program for each film. Please check the language information before purchasing a ticket.
Are the venues accessible?
All festival venues are accessible, with the exception of Suvilahti DIY. The Alō cinema hall is accessible, but it also contains non-accessible areas. More detailed arrival and accessibility information can be found in connection with the venues on our website.
Can I bring my own snacks to the festival?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks to the festival. Please dispose of your trash properly outside the event area. The festival area has the Karhupuisto's own kiosk.
Can I bring my pet to the festival?
Pets are welcome at outdoor screenings, but they cannot be brought indoors or into the tent. Please keep your dog on a leash and ensure it does not disturb other festival-goers. Please take care of your pet's food and water yourself.
What happens to an outdoor screening if it rains?
Any potential weather reservations will be announced for each event. Changes and cancellations will be communicated on the festival's website and social media channels.
How should I prepare for an outdoor screening?
Dress according to the weather and bring warm clothes, a blanket, or rain gear if necessary. Even if the day is warm, evenings can be cool. Also remember to stay hydrated. A kiosk serves the festival area. There are not enough ready-made seats for everyone, so it's advisable to bring your own camping chair, for example. Please take all items you brought with you when you leave.
Is photography allowed during screenings?
Filming or recording the movie is not allowed. Photography is allowed at other festival events, provided it does not cause disturbance and the privacy of other festival-goers is respected.
Is the festival being filmed?
Videos and photos are being taken at the festival for communication and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to appear in a photo, please inform the photographer directly.
How should I get to the festival?
We recommend arriving on foot, by bike, or by public transport. Addresses of the venues and detailed arrival instructions can be found in the program.
Is there parking at the venues?
The festival does not have its own parking area. Parking options in the surrounding areas vary, so arriving by public transport is recommended.
Where can I find information about program changes?
Up-to-date information will be published on the festival's website, Instagram, and Facebook. Please check the event information again before heading to the venue. Those who have already purchased tickets will receive information about changes via email to the address provided during the purchase.
Whom can I ask for more information?
You can contact the festival by email or send a message on Instagram. During events, you can also get help from the festival staff.
