Puddle - Programme open for all

1 October | The Puddle opening ceremony | 17.00–20.00 | Culture and Library Services | Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

Circus Simon presents the captivating We are the champions circus theatre show at the opening. The humour-filled show is themed around achievements and includes football juggling and mouth stick balancing. The audience-engaging show will entertain the whole family!  

There will also be dancing, hobby horses, Bugsy workshop and much more fun for the whole family! See the entire program of the opening here. 

 

1 October | Story hour | 17.00–19.00 | Vaasan Setlementti Kyläkeskus, Vanhan Vaasan katu 8 | Age recommendation for children with families: 0–12 years | Free admission 

Welcome to Settlement’s evening family café; a story hour will be held during the evening. The maximum number of participants is 20. 

 

1 October | Autumn impressions | 19.00–20.00 | Kuula-opisto | Toivo Kuula Hall, Laivakatu 16 | Age recommendation for children: 7 years and up | Free admission  

Student concert with performances by students of the Kuula-opisto.  

 

2 October | Story hour (in Finnish) | 10.15–10.45 | Culture and Library Services | Main Library, Illusia Room in the Children’s Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

Fairy tales, nursery rhymes and songs for families and early childhood education and care groups. Age recommendation for children: 2–6 years. Early childhood education groups are kindly requested to register in advance at: kirjasto.lapset-ja-nuoret@vaasa.fi. The maximum capacity is 30. Wednesdays of even weeks throughout October, on 16 October and 30 October 

 

2 October | Rehearsals of the Don Juan concert | 10.00–14.00 | Vaasa City Orchestra | City Hall, Senaatinkatu 1 | Free admission 

At the rehearsals, the audience will see how Tomas Djupsjöbacka, the orchestra’s principal conductor, leads the orchestra. Soprano Helena Juntunen will also be present to perform Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915. 

The audience can enter the rehearsals on the hour at 10, 11, 12 and 13. There is room for 120 people at a time, and the recommended age for children is 5 years and up. The event is open to the public and free of charge.  

Pre-registration for kindergarten and school groups at vaasacityorchestra@vaasa.fi by 19 September 2024. 

 

2 October | Nursery rhymes | 9.30–11.30 | Settlement Vestis, Isokyläntie 20 | For children under 1 year | Free admission 

Nursery rhymes together with the parents at the Swedish-language Babycafé. 

 

2 October | Story gym | 9.30–10.30 | Youth Centre Ristikka, Jyrsijänkatu 2 65370 Vaasa | Age recommendation for children: 0–6 years | Free admission 

Welcome to the ‘Vauhtituokio’ story time exercise or ‘story gym’ organised by the Settlement. Vauhtituokio is a fun group exercise session for parents and children. The program includes an fun obstacle course and story time combined with exercise. There is room for 20 children. 

 

3 October | Lorukylpy – Rhyme Bath | 10.15–10.45 | Main Library, Children and Young Adults’ Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

On Thursdays of even-numbered weeks throughout October, nursery rhymes and songs for families with babies. Places for 20 people.  

Coming up 17 October and 31 October. Age recommendation for children: under 1 year 

 

3 October and 5 October | Huvioikeus theatrical performance and workshop | 3 October at 18.00, 5 October workshop 12.00, performance 13.00 | Vaasan City Theatre, Pitkäkatu 53 | tickets 10€ 

Special offer to celebrate the Puddle weeks! Thursday, 3 October and Saturday, 5 October 

All tickets for Huvioikeus performances only 10€! This children’s theatre production is perfect for anyone looking for joy, love and a bit of clownery in their life. Huvioikeus is an ode to joy, connection and intergenerational bonding in challenging times.

Please note! On Saturday, 5 October at 12, there will also be a free theatre workshop for children before the performance. In the workshop, children get to dive into the world of theatre through play and creativity. The event is suitable for all children who want to have fun and discover something new about the world of theatre.

The whole family is welcome to join in! 

The workshop is free of charge. Thursday 3 October and Saturday 5 October  

All tickets for Huvioikeus performances are 10€ (normal price 13/18€). 

Tickets are available at https://www.netticket.fi/ or by phone at 06 3253961. Register for the workshop at the ticket office at the theatre. 

 

4 October | Poetry workshop | 13.00–14.00 | Huudi meeting point, In the former Huutoniemi school library Mannerheimintie, Vaasa | For primary school-aged children | Free admission 

 

5 October | Art Splash: Lamppukärpänen (‘Lamp fly’) | 10.00–14.00 | Main Library, Draama Room, Kirjastonkatu 13 | For families with children | Free admission 

The Finnish-language performance starts at 10.15 and the Swedish-language performance starts at 13.00. For families with children, about 100 people at a time. 

Studio Puddle in the Matilda Room of the library is hosting a Bugsy workshop, and the director will be present between performances. The Studio Puddle board game is also available to play. 

 

5 October | Physical activity for families | 16.00-17.30 | City of Vaasa Sport Services | Sport Hall, Ammattikoulunkatu 6 | For 2–18-year-olds | Free admission 

On Saturday afternoons in October, the sports hall and its equipment will be available to families for independent use for 1.5 hours. A sports instructor will be present to offer assistance. More information: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

 

6 October | Näppärit concert | 14.30 | Kuula-opisto | Övningsskola high school’s gymnasium, Kirkkopuistikko 11-13 | Free admission 

The final concert of the Näppärit course with performances by students of the Kuula-opisto. The parent association of the Kuula school organizes a coffee service after the concert.

 

6 October | Family skating | 16.00–17.00 | City of Vaasa Sport Services| Vaasan Sähkö Arena, Areena 3, Rinnakkaistie 1 | Age recommendation for children: 3–18 | Free admission 

On Sunday afternoons throughout October, the Vaasan Sähkö Arena is open to families for skating for one hour. More information on family skating: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/  

8 October | Music and Movement | 9.30–11.30 | Setlementti Vestis, Isokyläntie 20 | Age recommendation for children: 1–5 years | Free admission 

At the family café, families can participate in a ‘music and movement’ session. 

8 October | Art evening | 17.00–19.00 | Settlement Vestis, Isokyläntie 20 | For families with children | Free admission 

An art evening is organised in the evening family café. More information on the content will be available closer to the evening. 

 

9 October | Story hour in Swedish | 10.15–10.45 | Main Library, Children and Young Adults’ Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission  

Stories, songs and rhymes for families and early childhood education groups on Wednesdays during odd weeks during October, next session is on 23 October. For children aged 2–6 years. Early childhood education and care groups are kindly requested to notify in advance of their arrival at: kirjasto.lapset-ja-nuoret@vaasa.fi. The maximum number of participants is 30. 

 

9 October | Let’s talk about child-rearing! | 10.00–14.00 | Main Library, Draama Room, Kirjastonkatu 13 | For families with children | Free admission 

We welcome you to talk about child-rearing! An open discussion evening for parents and anyone interested in child-rearing. What is good parenting? What challenges are families facing in the 2020s? How do we raise children to be independent and reflective adults? The audience is encouraged to participate in the discussion, with the aim of generating fruitful reflection and sharing practical experiences and examples. After an introduction to the theme, Jarno Paalasmaa and other education experts will talk about the topic. 

During the discussion, watercolour painting and storytelling workshops will be organised for children in the Matilda Room of the Main Library.  

The parents’ evening is organised in by the Rudolf Steiner School in Vaasa, the City of Vaasa Welfare Services and Vaasa City Cultural Services, and it is open to the public. 

 

10 October | ‘Nature’s secret works of art’ science workshop for primary school aged children and families | 16.30–18.30 | LUMA Centre Ostrobothnia | Venny Room, Main Library 2nd floor, Kirjastonkatu 13 

What secrets can be found in the structures of nature? In this science workshop, you can explore the beauty of nature through microscopes and to discover the fascinating world of mathematical fractals. You also get to unleash your creativity and test what kind of secret structures you can come up with. The event is open to the public, and you can explore the different activity points at your own pace. It takes approximately 25 to 40 minutes to visit all the activity points. The science workshops are suitable for primary school children and even younger scientists when accompanied by an adult. Let’s get excited and discover science! Age recommendation: 5–13 years. 

 

11 October | ‘Eastern Spirituality’ visual arts workshop | 15.00–16.00 | Vaasa City Museums | Vaasa City Museums Hovioikeudenpuistikko 4 | Young people under 18 have free admission; Museum Card, Kaikukortti card, 12/7€ 

Explore the exhibition and make your own mandala in the workshop. Age recommendation for children: 10–12 years young people under 18 have free admission; Museum Card, Kaikukortti card, 12/7€. Pre-registration by 8 October at: liisa.palomaki@vaasa.fi. Places for 15 children. 

 

11 October | Master class concert | 19.00–20.00 | Kuula-opisto | Toivo Kuula Hall, Laivakatu 16 | Age recommendation for children: 7 and up | Free admission  

Performances by Kuula-opisto’s master class students.  

 

12 October | Art Splash: Lecture on sea monsters | 12.00–13.00 | Main Library, Draama Hall, Kirjastonkatu 13 | For families with children | Free admission 

Author Otto Latva tells us all about sea monsters and mermaids. The lecture is in Finnish. 

The sea monster workshop in Studio Puddle in the Matilda Room at the library is open before and after the lecture, at 11–11.45 and 13.15–14. An instructor will be present. 

 

12 October | Children’s reading session and crafts with cardboard | 11.00–13.30 | Cooperative 3E, Opistokatu 1, 2nd floor, Funkkis | Children 6 years and up | Free admission 

A relaxed children’s reading session followed by a creative handicraft activity involving cardboard for the whole family. We will provide the necessary materials. No registration needed, places for 10 children. 

Have you ever felt nervous about new experiences?  

At first, all new things can make as scared and insecure, but gradually the fear starts to ebb and curiosity grows.  

I Will Swim Next Time is an encouraging and beautiful story about easing fears and supporting dreams.  

All small children and their parents are invited to enjoy this story together. We will be reading the book in English, and the story is followed by some fun and creative activities.  

I Will Swim Next Time is written by Emily Joof, who is a Nigerian born Swedish writer and publisher at Mbife Books. 

Emily has published several books, mainly in English and in Swedish. In her children’s books Emily handles inclusion and diversity from an afro diasporan perspective. She is also a mother of two young children who has inspired her writing. 

12 October | Reading with babies | 14.00–14.20 | Cooperative 3E, Opistokatu 1, Funkkis 2nd floor | Free admission 

Come and enjoy a facilitated reading session with your baby or toddler. Together we will read and explore Nordic children’s books, which are written for the youngest in the family. 

Each parent will read and tell stories using their own language. 

The event is part the Puddle, the Culture Weeks for Children, and Lifting Minority Stories project funded by the Nordic Culture Point. 

 

12 October | Physical activity for families | 16.00-17.30 | City of Vaasa Sport Services | Sport Hall, Ammattikoulunkatu 6 | For 2–18-year-olds | Free admission 

On Saturday afternoons in October, the sports hall and its equipment will be available to families for independent use for 1.5 hours. A sports instructor will be present to offer assistance. More information: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/  (in Finnish). 

 

12 Oct | TaiKon’s open circus workshop | 2:30–4 pm | Kasarminalue liikuntasali, Artellinkuja 4 | Fritt inträde

TaiKon arranges an open circus workshop in Vaasa, on Saturday October 12 at 14.30–16.00.

Come and experience juggling, balancing, hula hoops and air acrobatics. You can take part in either one of the workshops or both.

The workshop is free of charge and open for all to attend. It is held at Kasarminalue liikuntasali, address Artellinkuja 4. No age limit (children under school age are recommended to participate with a guardian).
No advance notification is needed. Comfortable clothes are preferred.

Your teacher is circus artist and educator Sara Airola. Sara is teacher at Cirkus school Kuu in Karleby.
TaiKon’s open workshop in circus is financed by Svenska Kulturfonden’s Skapa project. Next similar workshop on Saturday November 2. 2024 at 14.30–16.00.

 

13 October | Family skating | 16.00–17.00 | City of Vaasa Sport Services| Vaasan Sähkö Arena, Areena 3, Rinnakkaistie 1 | Age recommendation for children: 3–18 years | Free admission 

On Sunday afternoons throughout October, the Vaasan Sähkö Arena is open to families for skating for one hour. More information on family skating: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

15 October | Language immersion concert with Robin Rekku & Jekkuorkesteri and Sotta & Pytty | 18.00 | Ritz, Kirkkopuistikko 22 A Vaasa | 12€ (free admission for children under 2 years) 

Robin Rekku & Jekkuorkesteri and Sotta & Pytty guarantee a fun children’s concert in Swedish and Finnish – come and join the fun!

Our language immersion concert aims to challenge children to express themselves through music and song in their second native language, and to introduce new concepts in a fun way. Children learn naturally through active approaches that promote creativity and participation – in this case, through music. The concert is intended for both Swedish-speaking and Finnish-speaking children.

Both orchestras switch between the two languages in both song and speech, and they also have special pedagogical songs that further support language immersion. In addition, background videos are shown, some of which include lyrics so the audience can sing along. The concert lasts about an hour.

Robin Rekku & Jekkuorkesteri was founded in 2012 and have since released 8 albums in Swedish and two in Finnish. They have also won two Emma awards for best children’s music in Finland. Sotta & Pytty are legends of children’s music who, and during their over 30 years in the business they have accomplished a lot and won a vast number of prizes.

Netticket.fi & Studio Tickets: 12 € (free admission for children under 2 years)
 

16 October | Story hour (in Finnish) | 10.15–10.45 | Culture and Library Services | Main Library, Illusia Room in the Children’s Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

Fairy tales, nursery rhymes and songs for families and early childhood education and care groups. Age recommendation for children: 2–6 years Early childhood education groups are kindly requested to register in advance at: kirjasto.lapset-ja-nuoret@vaasa.fi. The maximum capacity is 30. Wednesdays of even weeks throughout October, Coming up 30 October. 

 

17 October | Lorukylpy – Rhyme Bath | 10.15–10.45 | Main Library, Children and Young Adults’ Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

On Thursdays of even-numbered weeks throughout October, nursery rhymes and songs for families with babies. Places for 20.  

Coming up 31 October Age recommendation for children: under 1 year 

 

18 October | Fairy tale day | 17.00-18.30 | Cooperative3E, City of Vaasa Culture Services | Draama Room at the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Kids with families | Free admission 

Join us to celebrate the Day of Fairy Tales! We will be reading seven wonderful and exciting children’s books or stories in seven different languages ─ thanks to help provided by our volunteers who will come to read for children in their mother tongue.  

Even if you cannot understand all of these languages, come to feel the rhythm and magic of spoken storytelling.  

Spanish: Jorge Lara will read La auténtica historia de los tres cerditos by Jon Scieszka

Cebuano: Alrich Varian will read Ang Palasyo Sa Serena by Nida Räisänen

Urdu: Khoula Liaqat will read The Silly Chicken by Idries Shah

English: Ivonne Carlos will read Halima, superhero princess by Emily Joof

Vietnamese: Yen Thanh will read Chuyện ở rừng Vi Vu by Trương Huỳnh Như Trân

Finnish: Minna Rinta-Valkama will read Kettu ja hiljaisuus by Reetta Niemelä and Eri Shimatsuka

Swedish: Jessica Peltoniemi will read Vara snäll by Pat Zietlow Miller & Hien Ekeroth

The Programme is organized in cooperation with Vaasa City Culture Services, and is part of Puddle, the Culture Weeks for Children as well as project Lifting Minority Writers, funded by the Nordic Culture Point. 

 

18–19 October | Sleepover and guided tour for plush toys at the Ostrobothnia Museum | 14.30–16.45, 10.00–17.00 | The Ostrobothnian Museum, Museokatu 3 

The museum’s mascot ermine invites cute soft toys to a sleepover at the museum from Friday 18 October at 14.30 to Saturday 19 October at 17.00 

You may not want to bring your favourite sleep buddy, but some other plush toy might want to spend the night at the museum. If you like, you can bring a bed or blanket for the plush toy for the sleepover. The museum staff will take detailed notes on the plush toys, so that they know how to look after your sleep buddy. The following week, photos of the sleepover can be viewed on the Vaasa Museums’ Facebook page. A plush toy ‘sleepover’ is a gentle way to prepare your child to deal with the feeling of separation, sleeping in their own room and preparing them for their own sleepovers. You can bring your plush toy to the museum on Friday, 18 October between 14.30 and 16.45 and pick it up on Saturday 19 October between 10.00 and 17.00. At the same time, you and your toy can join the museum’s mascot ermine’s plush toy tour of the exhibition ‘Forest of the Northern Wind’ on Friday 18 October at 16.00 in Finnish and at 15.30 in Swedish. The cost of the guided tour costs is the same as the museum’s entrance fee, which is 12/7€ with a Museum Card/Kaikukortti card; free of charge for children under 18. For families with children. 

 

19 October | Art Splash: Non-verbal concert | 10.00–14.00 |  Draama Hall in the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

PALAGO pedagogy for all, two performances in the Draama Hall at 11 and 13 

Guided workshop at 10-10.45 and 12-12.45 at the artificial puddle outside the library. 

Non-verbal performances are also accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or motor skill challenges. The pedagogy applied is based on non-verbal songs and stories, which makes the activity accessible to everyone, regardless of their mother tongue. The stories are based on the defence of nature, equality between genders and all people, and the enjoyment of the richness of culture. We strongly believe in an engine of change, centring on the importance of childhood and respect for every child. The performances take into account the child’s individual personality, as well as their environment and its circumstances. The performances are best suited to families with children aged 3–10 years. 

 

19 October | Physical activity for families | 16.00-17.30 | City of Vaasa Sport Services | Sport Hall, Ammattikoulunkatu 6 | For 2–18 year olds | Free admission 

On Saturday afternoons in October, the sports hall and its equipment will be available to families for independent use for 1.5 hours. A sports instructor will be present to offer assistance. More information: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

 

20 October | Family skating | 16.00–17.00 | City of Vaasa Sport Services| Vaasan Sähkö Arena, Areena 3, Rinnakkaistie 1 | Age recommendation for children: 3–18 years | Free admission 

On Sunday afternoons throughout October, the Vaasan Sähkö Arena is open to families for skating for one hour. More information on family skating: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

22 October | Autumn event | 15.00–19.00 | The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) Ostrobothnia, MLL Vaasa local association, Finnish Red Cross (FRC), Finnish chapter in Vaasa | MLL local association in Vaasa, Perhetalo Myötätuuli, Sepänkyläntie | For children aged 0–12 years and their families | Free admission 

Autumn event for families. The programme includes the FRC teddy bear hospital, read story hour by MLL ‘reading grannies’, a musical hour, face painting for children, games, free play, colouring, as well as juice and coffee. 

 

22 October | Autumn is here | 19.00–20.00 | Kuula-opisto | Toivo Kuula Hall, Laivakatu 16 | Age recommendation for children: 5 and up | Free admission 

Student concert with performances by students of the Kuula-opisto. 

 

23 October | Story hour in Swedish | 10.15–10.45 | Main Library, Children and Young Adults’ Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission  

Stories, songs and rhymes for families and early childhood education groups on Wednesdays during odd weeks during October. For children aged 2–6 years. Early childhood education and care groups are kindly requested to notify in advance of their arrival at: kirjasto.lapset-ja-nuoret@vaasa.fi. The maximum number of participants is 30. 

 

25 -27 October | VII ‘Pikku Aasi’ International Puppet Theatre Festival | 9.00-18.00 | Nukketeatteriyhdistys Pikku Aasi | Draama Room at the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Age recommendation: 3 years and up | 10/12 €
 

Welcome to the 7th ‘Pikku Aasi’ International Puppet Theatre Festival!

The PIKKU AASI International Puppet Theatre Festival runs for 3 days, in week 43 in October (Fri–Sun, 25–27 October 2024). The performers include four puppet theatre groups in addition to Pikku Aasin Nukketeatteri from Vaasa. The festival is organised by Pikku Aasin Nukketetteri together with the Vaasa Cultural Centre.

Venue:
Main Library, Draama Room, Kirjastonkatu 13, Vaasa

Tickets 10€ (Netticket.fi)
At the door: 12€ 

Age recommendation: 3 years and up.

PROGRAMME: www.pikkuaasi.org/international-puppet-theatre-festival/  (in Finnish and Swedish)

INFO:
E-mail: pikkuaasi@pikkuaasi.org
tel. +358456746422 (Cosimo Galiano – Art Director) 

 

26 October | ‘Aave’ – Ghost family Saturday | 12.00–14.00 | TaiKon, Kasarmi 11, Itäinen Kasarmintori 7–9 | Age recommendation for children: 4 years and up | Free admission 

For the whole family  

 

26 October | Physical activity for families | 16.00-17.30 | City of Vaasa Sport Services | Sport Hall, Ammattikoulunkatu 6 | For 2–18-year-olds | Free admission 

On Saturday afternoons in October, the sports hall and its equipment will be available to families for independent use for 1.5 hours. A sports instructor will be present to offer assistance. More information: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

 

27 October | Family skating | 16.00–17.00 | City of Vaasa Sport Services| Vaasan Sähkö Arena, Areena 3, Rinnakkaistie 1 | Age recommendation for children: 3–18 years | Free admission 

On Sunday afternoons throughout October, the Vaasan Sähkö Arena is open to families for skating for one hour. More information on family skating: https://www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/liikunta-ja-ulkoilu/lasten-nuorten-ja-perheiden-liikunta/perheiden-liikunta/ (in Finnish). 

30 October | Story hour (in Finnish) | 10.15–10.45 | Culture and Library Services | Main Library, Illusia Room in the Children’s Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

Fairy tales, nursery rhymes and songs for families and early childhood education and care groups. Age recommendation for children: 2–6 years. Early childhood education groups are kindly requested to register in advance at: kirjasto.lapset-ja-nuoret@vaasa.fi. The maximum capacity is 30. Wednesdays of even-numbered weeks throughout October. 

 

31 October | Lorukylpy – Rhyme Bath | 10.15–10.45 | Main Library, Children and Young Adults’ Section, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Free admission 

On Thursdays of even-numbered weeks throughout October, nursery rhymes and songs for families with babies. Places for 20.  

 

31 October | Phantom night | 17.00–20.00 | Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13 | Age recommendation for children: 3–18 years. | Free admission 

Phantom night is back! The whole-family event offers activities around the Main Library. The door to the Corridor of Horrors is opened only once a year…! Participants are invited to wear fancy costumes.