North Karelia Pride 2026
We have collected English speaking friendy pride-events to this page! If you need more information, please contact: anna@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi
Monday 18.5.
Workshop: Reflections
Welcome to North Karelia Seta’s self-reflective creative writing workshop exploring the themes of self-reflection and self-image. The workshop consists of different writing exercises and follow-up discussions that dive into how we view ourselves and what makes us who we are despite and because of our imperfections. More info.
Joensuun main library (Koskikatu 25)
Non-Binary Meetup
A support group and activity session for all non-binary, gender fluid, gender queer and agender people, with coffee, tea, and snacks. Organized by North Karelia Seta volunteers.
Torikatu 9 A, second floor
Tuesday 19.5.
Pride art workshop
Craft flags and signs for the Pride parade. Open to everyone, with no special skills required. Organized by North Karelia Seta volunteers.
Torikatu 9 A, second floor
Wednesday 20.5.
Pride café
Welcome to enjoy safe space café with pay-what-you-want fee! Organized by North Karelia Seta volunteers.
Torikatu 9 A, second floor
Pride movie: Arctic Circle of Lust
“I consider myself completely heterosexual, until I found myself in a situation that I don’t even understand myself.”
A northern potato farming couple learns the rules of a new relationship and how to live with different sexual orientations and needs that test the limits of love.
More about the movies (in Finnish and English)
Kino Sihis (Koskikatu 8)
Art evening
Joensuu city orchestra musicians perform at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free coffee and art exhibition.
Art center Ahjo (Kirkkokatu 23)
Thursday 21.5.
Pride movie: Pillion
Colin, a timid gay man, is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic and impossibly handsome biker, takes him on as his submissive in a crazy and erotic BDSM-focused relationship.
More about the movies (in Finnish and English)
Kino Sihis (Koskikatu 8)
Pride movie: Lesbian space princess
Lesbian Space Princess is a daring queer sci‑fi musical comedy written and directed by Emma
Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese. This candy‑coloured, hand‑drawn, politically sharp film offers fast‑paced humor, catchy musical numbers, and a dash of kinky comedy. It celebrates queer identity, friendship, and finding one’s own voice. More info about movie (in Finnish and English)
Kino Sihis (Koskikatu 8)
Friday 22.5.
Poly & Curious Meetup
Open meeting for polyamorous or curious people. Bring an open mind and, if you like, some snacks. In case of rain we’ll move to the nearby Tuulaaki restaurant or the theatre restaurant.
Rantakatu 2, on the lawn
Dungeons & Dragons game night
Welcome to watch, test and play D&D with North Karelia Seta! Our evening is run by volunteers, we play in Finnish and English. Newcomers and experiences players welcome.
Torikatu 9 A, second floor
Pride movies: Pillion
Colin, a timid gay man, is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic and impossibly handsome biker, takes him on as his submissive in a crazy and erotic BDSM-focused relationship.
More about the movies (in Finnish and English)
Kino Sihis (Koskikatu 8)
Pride movies: Lesbian Space Princess
Lesbian Space Princess is a daring queer sci‑fi musical comedy written and directed by Emma
Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese. This candy‑coloured, hand‑drawn, politically sharp film offers fast‑paced humor, catchy musical numbers, and a dash of kinky comedy. It celebrates queer identity, friendship, and finding one’s own voice. More info about movie (in Finnish and English)
Kino Sihis (Koskikatu 8)
LGBTQIA+ karaoke night
LGBTQIA+ karaoke organized by local queer student organization Qirjava. In the rainbow karaoke we offer a low treshold and safer space atmosphere for all voices.
Bar & nightclub Las Palmas (Itäranta 1)
Saturday 23.5.
Pride Parade
Join the Pride Parade through Joensuu’s city center to celebrate diversity and equality. The parade ends at Ilosaari park.
Starts at Suvantosilta from center town side
Puistojuhla
Picnic in Ilosaari park. Family café, glitter and sales stands.
Ilosaari
Pride party
Get ready for a larger-than-life performance experience with Out of Sync! This internationally acclaimed drag king boy band will charm, excite, and empower audiences in Joensuu for the very first time. Also featuring the ever-lovely burlesque performers Miss Velvet Melt and Rosetta Sweet.
Tickets: 8 e cloakroom not included. Tickets are now on sale at kide.app!
Restaurant Kerubi (Siltakatu 1)
Sunday 24.5.
Rainbow mass
The Rainbow Mass is a communion service intended for people belonging to sexual and gender minorities and their loved ones. You are warmly welcome to join! The liturgist is UEF campus chaplain Oona Leiviskä.
For more information: Oona Leiviskä (+358 50 590 6527, oona.leiviska(a)evl.fi)
Joensuu Lutheran Church (Papinkatu 1 b)