Finland’s sweetest summer!
Lappeenranta’s summer campaign – Finland’s sweetest summer – includes the sweetest events in the city as well as special summer deals by local businesses.
The campaign aims to give tourists and local residents an information package about the events of summer 2025 as well as seasonal offers especially for families with children. The campaign is marketed through multiple channels, especially in the surrounding areas.
Summer deals from nearly 60 businesses– collect a Lappeenranta-themed souvenir with a sticker pass
This year, 58 different Lappeenranta-based businesses and operators will be offering the sweetest summer deals. The participating companies include 31 restaurant operators. Sweet deals, surprises and activities will be on offer – especially for families with children. Children can also enjoy free summertime adventures: for example, children under 14 can cruise for free on M/S Camilla, and those under 15 can go kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Saimaa for free accompanied with a paying parent, or practice their circus skills at Siiri’s Circus School offered by Sokos Hotel Lappee.
Ding Ma, Director of Economic Development at City of Lappeenranta, says he is pleased with the attention the campaign has received among local businesses.
“Compared to last year, companies from all over the area, such as Lauritsala, Rauha and Joutseno, have joined the campaign. I am delighted that the campaign has been so well received by local entrepreneurs. This has been an excellent way to develop cooperation between the city and local businesses.”
‘Finland’s sweetest summer’ sticker passes will be available at each participating business as of 1 June, and all of the businesses will also be handing out stickers. Once your pass is full, take it to the Sandcastle or IsoKristiina Tourist Info and collect a Lappeenranta-themed magnet as a summertime souvenir. The campaign will run from 1 June to 31 August 2025.
Free admission to Fortress museums in July
Lappeenranta Museums are participating in the Finland’s sweetest summer campaign by offering free admission to all Fortress museums in July 2025.
The South Karelia Museum is featuring the Full Volume! – the decades of youth and DJ culture in South Karelia exhibition and Lappeenranta Art Museum is showcasing the Still Life and Landscape – the von Boehm artist family exhibition.
The Cavalry Museum, located in the oldest building in Lappeenranta built in 1772 near the Main Gate, is hosting a permanent exhibition From Hakkapeliittas to Red Riding Trousers.
Sweetest events in Lappeenranta
The sweetest summer would not be perfect without a variety of events: the shores of Lake Saimaa and the surrounding areas will be buzzing with activity throughout the summer. Visit the Lappeenranta event guide to explore all the events on offer.
Summer gets off to a spectacular start on the first weekend of June, when the Fortress area is taken over by a free of charge horse racing event for families, the Sandcastle opens its doors with a haunted house theme, and for the second time, Rakuunamäki hosts the Lepra Beer Fest.
The event season culminates with the Lappeenranta Festival starting on 24 July, bringing festival vibes to Lappeenranta for weeks to come. Riikka Hjelt, Event Production Coordinator at the City of Lappeenranta, dares to promise that the Lappeenranta Festival programme includes something for everyone — maybe even several events to choose from.
“The strength of the Lappeenranta Festival lies in its variety and extended schedule: with such a wide range of events spread out over time, there is every opportunity to enjoy many different events! We have something for visitors of all ages: from various musical genres, films, stand-up comedy, community-oriented and informative programme to sports.”
Free summer concerts throughout the season, major international sporting events such as the Saimaa Cycle Tour, market days, free Saturday dances and many other events complete the city’s summertime programme.
Discover more: Finland's sweetest summer - VisitLappeenranta