World Village Festival is Finland’s leading event for global action for the whole family, an admission free cultural festival and a trade fair for sustainable development. World Village Festival will be held May 16–17, 2026, at Bio Rex and in the Lasipalatsi and Mauno Koivisto squares.
World Village raises global challenges and solutions, increases people’s understanding and provides concrete ways to take action to create change. World Village brings people together, because only together we can change the world. Festival’s core values are diversity, inspiration, equality, responsibility and communality.
World Village Festival has been organized since 1995 and gathers thousands of people yearly. The main organizer is Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, which is an umbrella organization for approximately 250 development organizations. Read more about the festival’s history.
Year 2026 themed on Freedom
The festival program and content are built around a contemporary theme each year, and next year’s theme is Freedom. We live in a time when human rights and freedoms are being curtailed all over the world. Freedom is the ability to make choices and act independently as individuals and societies, to express oneself and participate in society. Freedom thrives in civil society, free media, science, art, and culture.
New location in Lasipalatsi District
World Village Festival will be held May 16–17, 2026, at Bio Rex and in the Lasipalatsi, Narinkka and Mauno Koivisto squares. Address is Mannerheimintie 22–24, 00100 Helsinki. Check out the map for more information.
Safer space for everyone
The festival and all of its digital channels are safe spaces, and any inappropriate behaviour or harassment is forbidden. Inappropriate comments are not allowed and will be removed from all social media channels. World Village Festival will provide access to the services of a Harassment Contact Person in case of any incidents of harassment. Read more.
Forbidden items
All such objects and substances described as prohibited by law. In addition to this:
- Tools, knives, hammers, pliers, etc., without accreditation
- Poles over a meter long, telescopic rods, etc.
- Umbrellas
- Compressed air horns and other mechanical/electrical noise-producing devices
- Laser pointers and radio transmitters etc. electrical equipment
- Flares, smoke, fireworks, etc
- Racist or degrading texts or images
- Disposable grills and fire-making equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the festival have an admission fee?
No. Entrance to the festival area is free.
Does the festival have an age limit?
Most of the festival’s programme is open to everyone regardless of age.
Where should I enquire about lost property?
Lost property can be inquired from the festival sites and the info. After the festival on Monday, lost property is delivered to Lost & Found office.
Is the festival accessible?
The entire festival area is barrier-free and open to all.
Does the festival account for its carbon footprint?
Yes. Read more about the festival’s environmental work and carbon footprint on the Environment page.
Is it ok to do face-to-face promotion or distribute flyers?
Face-to-face promotion or handing out flyers in the festival area is only permitted by separate agreement.
Who organises the festival?
The festival is hosted by Fingo ry, an umbrella organisation for 250 CSOs and an expert organisation in the field of development. Fingo is funded through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation appropriations.
The World Village Festival is an excellent opportunity to get to know Fingo and its member organisations. The festival’s exhibitors include hundreds of NGOs as well as educational institutions, museums, public authorities and companies.
For a more sustainable and just world
World Village Festival is a sustainable development event open for all. Festival is organized by Fingo, so that life would be better – for everyone.
