The Helsinki Poetry Connection once again invites you and your friends to join us in a unique, lyrical outdoor summertime experience!

HPC Goes Puisto is an open mic club, organized since 2011, where spoken word meets Helsinki’s public parks. The only instalment of the event this year will be held on Saturday, 13 August, 2022 from 6 pm — ~9 pm in Matti Helenius Park, behind the Kallio library.

The evening and the microphone will both be warmed up by the voices of spectacular writer-performers Hanna Rentola, Ansa Kurola, Aaro Peltonen, and Tuula Maria Rauma.

After this initial taste it’s time for the most important portion of the festivities, namely the open mic! All audience members are welcome to perform their own verbal artistry in the grassy environs for 5 minutes apiece, for the edification of the humans, birds, bees, and other spirits in attendance. All languages and forms of expression are welcome!

This year Goes Puisto will feature its first ever pre-show event, as the Runosvengi collective will organize a poetry showcase of their own that very same afternoon, in café Taikalamppu next door (Torkkelinkatu 21) starting at 3 pm! Reading their original work are Leena Sainio, Riika Helle-Kotka, and Ursula Anttila-Halinen from Runosvengi, along with Jussi Kiova, Meri-Sofia Lakos, Kasper Salonen, and special guests. You are welcome to join in both events or just either one! (Please note that the open mic takes place in the park, not the café).

HPCGP will be MC’d by the club’s founder, park poet Kasper Salonen together with stage veteran Jussi Kiova. A heartfelt welcome to you all, as we embark on this poetic highlight of the summer!

Note on weather: if it appears to be a wet day, the club will remain inside the wonderful Taikalamppu café for the duration of the evening (or the rain).

No form of discrimination or harassment is tolerated in the Helsinki Poetry Connection’s events. We are gathering together with peace, creativity, and compassion. Please familiarize yourself with our safer space guidelines on our website.