Janakkala 160 years
In 2026 we will celebrate 160-year-old Janakkala. We will mark the anniversary year with the theme Vitality through cooperation and the hashtag #Janakkala160v.
The anniversary week will be celebrated October 5-11, 2026 and the birthday especially on October 10, 2026, but the anniversary year will be visible and audible throughout the year.
Become a contributor to the anniversary year
Would you organize an action or event to celebrate the anniversary year? It could be, for example, a lecture, a community project or a concert. Anything to which you can invite other residents to join. Where possible, and taking earlier bookings into account, we offer venues free of charge for anniversary events. (Seuratalo, the main library’s lobby and classroom, the Yellow House, the municipal hall’s council hall)
You can register a planned event or submit an idea via the form (in Finnish).
Sign up as a market vendor for the birthday celebration at Tervakosken Seuratalo on Saturday, October 10. Vendor spaces are free of charge. Vendors and exhibitors must be present at least from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Sign up using the registration form (in Finnish).
Glimpses into Janakkala’s history — photo series
During the year the photo series Glimpses into Janakkala’s history will be carried out in collaboration with Janakkala Society. Once a month we will publish an old photo together with its context on the municipality’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).
Ida Aalberg left Leppäkoski with a remarkable legacy in the performing arts — and from time to time, the village has certainly lived up to it. As early as the late 19th century, a drama group was formed alongside the Leppäkoski Workers’ Association, which had been founded around that time and was led by Ida’s father, Antti Ahlberg. The association’s activities became more established once it acquired a building of its own, although over the decades there were also periods when theater activities came to a halt.
Amateur theater was particularly active in the 1950s. One example is the play Kunnioittaen, directed by Weckström. The story centered on former pupils returning to visit their old school, where the current pupils then took on the role of teachers.
Seated at the desks from left are Ossi Vuorio, Reino Saha, Esko Pesonen and Aini Lampinen. Just behind Aini, a small tuft of Nestori Aaltonen’s hair can be seen. Aarne Ylitalo is standing by the wall, with Kalevi Leppänen in front of the group.
Photo: Foto Hevonoja / Janakkala Society Archives
Upcoming events for the anniversary year
September 19: I’m Not Celebrating, The Grump – puppet theater
I certainly took offense when they decided to throw a party.
Puppet Theater Marjuttu presents: I’m Not Celebrating, The Grump. Recommended for ages 60+ (younger audiences are welcome too). Performances on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Tervakoski Library. Based on Tuomas Kyrö’s bestseller novel. Performance rights: Nordic Drama Corner. Directed by Marjukka Toivola.
For children, Puppet Theater Marjuttu presents the paper theater performance Our Family Isn’t Your Family, for ages 4 and up. Duration approximately 20 minutes. Performances at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Coffee and sweet buns for the first 200 visitors! The library will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the event day. Free admission.
Well then, I suppose we’ll celebrate.
October 4: Celebratory Mass for the Week of the Elderly and for informal caregivers
October 5-11: Birthday week
Janakkala’s 160th anniversary will be celebrated especially during the birthday week, which culminates in birthday festivities on Saturday, October 10 at Seuratalo in Tervakoski (Seuranaukio 3). During the week a varied program will be arranged for Janakkala residents of all ages, from babies to grandparents! The program in full can be found here.
October 11: Celebration mass
Janakkala municipality’s 160th anniversary celebration mass. After the service there will be church coffee at Tarinmaa parish hall. The service will be held at the Church of St. Lawrence at 10 AM.
October 25: Vintage fashion show
Lions Club Janakkala/Idat organizes a vintage fashion show at the Janakkala main library, in which fashion from the last 100 years is on stage. The proceeds from the ticket sales and raffle goes directly to charity in Janakkala. There’s also a cafe during the event.
November: an art exhibition by the Janakkala Age Art Association
Janakkala Age Art Association (Janakkalan Ikätaideyhdistys ry) organizes an art exhibition in the main lobby of Janakkala’s main library starting Nov 2. The exhibition features paintings, photographs and handicrafts whose themes come from the local municipality.
Past events
September 5: A delicious journey into Janakkala’s history
Hop on board and enjoy a delicious day in autumnal Janakkala guided by Jarmo Tuominen. Read more and join!
The day begins with a leisurely country breakfast at Hakolan Marjatila, where we will also get to visit the farm. From there we head to Someronlähde, whose secrets will be revealed by singing nature guide Kaisa Jetsu. In the peace of the forest you can recharge as you wish – by walking the nature trail or pausing at the spring. A tasty lunch will be enjoyed at the historic Turenki Station, where we will hear a fascinating overview of Finland’s railway history. The trip culminates at Harviala Manor, where we will explore the manor milieu and its past. At the end of the day we will enjoy afternoon coffee at Harviala Manor’s atmospheric Cafe Konttori.
July 25-26 at 10:00–15:00: Tanttala and Tarinmaa village flea market event
Tarinmaa and Tanttala villages will organize a flea market event on July 25–26, both days 10:00–15:00.
Sellers can participate by coming to the shared sales point at Tanttala School or the Yellow House. Both sales locations will operate a café for the entire event.
July 19 at 13:00–15:00: Writer’s Café at the Yellow House
The Writer’s Café is an open, free event organized by Kirjoittajayhdistys Janaki ry, a writers’ association founded in Janakkala. Kirjoittajayhdistys Janaki ry. Welcome to everyone interested in writing!
June 6 at 15:00–17:00: Heart safety event
SFC Hämeenhelmi organizes an open and free heart safety event for all on Saturday June 6 at 3–5 PM at SFC Hämeenhelmi, Leppäkoskentie 788, Leppäkoski (Janakkala). An open heart safety event where laypersons are instructed in practical CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The event is linked to the AED recently acquired by SFC Hämeenhelmi, which is available for everyone’s use around the clock. The event is part of broader efforts to develop heart safety in the area.
At our event participants will get to locate and practise using the AED and practice resuscitation in a safe and guided environment. The instruction will be provided by sector experts and trained lay instructors. The event is free and aimed at everyone interested, and its goal is to increase local safety and encourage people to act in an emergency. At the same time we strengthen community spirit and readiness to help others.
April 20 at 7 PM: Edith Piaf concert
Theatre Club Tribuna organizes an open and free concert for all on Monday April 20 at 7:00 PM at Janakkala’s main library in Turenki, Ida lobby. In the concert the wonderful-voiced Anniina Polakovski (formerly Tapioharju) interprets the Parisian chanteuse Edith Piaf’s most beloved songs.
The concert lasts approx. 2 hours and includes an intermission. Café Kirjaston kulma will be open during the intermission. Welcome!
Coffee service begins at 14:00. The heart safety event runs from 15:00–17:00.
April 19 at 1 PM: Stories from Tarinmaa
The Tarinmaa District Village Association (Tarinmaan seudun kyläyhdistys ry) organizes the discussion ‘Stories from Tarinmaa’ at Tarinmaa VPK hall (Hakoistentie 279) on Sunday April 19, 2026 from 1–4 PM.
Guests will include people who lived in the villages in the 1950s–70s but have since moved away. Also present will be people who have lived their whole lives in Tarinmaa to tell stories and experiences. During the afternoon the stories about the houses and life in the village will come alive. Everyone who has ever lived in the villages, who currently lives there, or who is interested in the village’s stories is welcome!
The village association will arrange coffee and pastries for a small fee. The stories are completely free. Welcome!