Night of the Arts in the spirit of Carnival in August

The Night of the Arts will be celebrated in Vaasa on Thursday 10 August 2023, again with music, dance, activities, beautiful costumes, delicious food, and much more! Among those involved in the Night of the Arts are local bands, groups participating in the carnival procession, and various actors.

– This year’s Night of the Arts will feature a delightfully large number of performers – a huge increase from last year. With around 170 different performers and programmes spread across the city, there is sure to be something for everyone, says Jenni Niemi, Cultural Director.

Besides the extensive programme, Niemi wants to highlight the new Night of the Arts venues. For example, music performances will also be available this year on the Ritz stage and on the new Rock Werstas stage on Myllykatu, created in cooperation with Volume ry.

Wasa Graffitilandia’s new premises will host a painting workshop for children and young people in cooperation with the City of Vaasa Cultural Services.

The Carnival Caravan of Joy tours the city for the public to see

This year’s Night of the Arts will once again feature a carnival procession with 9 different groups. After winning last year’s public vote, LeidiSisters will lead this year’s procession, which the winning team named the Caravan of Joy.

The carnival procession will start at 19.00 (7 pm) from Vaasa Town Hall and will proceed from Senaatinkatu along the Hovioikeudenpuistikko promenade, ending at the Market Square.

Other programmes

Alongside the performances, the Night of the Arts will feature a wide range of activities and workshops. You can try out different hobbies and arts, like Persian painting, flower arranging and meditation. At Culture House Fanny, audiences can both follow and join in dance performances to try out different dances, such as open-air dance styles.

The Vaasa City Art Gallery, Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art, Tikanoja Art Museum, and the Museum of Ostrobothnia will have open doors from 15.00 to 21.00.

The Night of the Arts will also include the opening of the former Opistotalo (located next to Maasilta), which is being harnessed for cultural activities. Activities will take place in the auditorium and on the third floor of the Opistotalo, where you get the chance to take a look at the studios that will be available for rent in the autumn.

The Night of the Arts will also reveal what the city will do to promote happiness for all Vaasa residents over the next year. Come and see what you can do about it! The event will take place on the stage of Market Square from 17–17.15 (5 pm to 5.15 pm) and in the city’s pop-up tent from 16–20.