Planning an event of your own? The Active Communities lecture series provides practical tips, skills and inspiration

During the autumn of 2026, a series of lectures and networking sessions will be organised to support event planning for small-scale organisers, DIY-minded groups, communities and individuals. The lectures are part of the Tampere Region Adult Education Centre's course programme, and participants can register through the Centre's website.

The City of Tampere has received requests for guidance specifically aimed at organisers of small events. While plenty of information and instructions are available, they are often designed for large-scale events, and non-professional organisers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the range of requirements and guidelines.

– Many event organisers are very responsible, and some projects may never get off the ground because people are afraid of making mistakes, says Regional Coordinator Noora Karumaa.

The lecture series is designed especially for new organisers of cultural events, sports events, community work projects and neighbourhood events. Participants will hear practical tips and experiences from event organisers and receive guidance on applying for grants and permits. Each lecture is an individual session, so you can attend one or several according to your interests. The sessions are free of charge.

Four modules

The first lecture, on 24 September, will focus on organising cultural, sports and neighbourhood events and will also provide an opportunity to network with fellow organisers. Questions will be answered by a neighbourhood festival organiser as well as representatives from the City of Tampere’s Culture and Sports Services.

On Thursday 1 October, the focus will be on projects that promote sustainable everyday living, such as urban gardening initiatives and environmental volunteering activities. This session will be delivered by the Urban Prosumers project, which aims to support resident-led activities within local communities.

– We need more grassroots ideas if we are to achieve our climate and biodiversity goals. Whether you are planning a clothes-swapping event, a community garden, a repair workshop, considering how to establish a tool-lending scheme in your housing association, or simply looking for inspiration, you are warmly welcome to join us and we will help you get started, says Elina Pulliainen, Project Manager of the Urban Prosumers project.

On Tuesday 20 October, local authorities with expertise in permits, venues and funding for small events will be available to answer questions. Topics will include event safety, land-use permits and city grants.

In December, an English-language lecture titled Active Communities: Inspiration, Permits, Funding and Venues for Small Events will provide a brief overview of permits, funding opportunities and how to find suitable venues for events, while also offering opportunities for networking. 

Active Communities Lecture Series 

The lectures take place in the Lecture Hall at Culture House Laikku, Keskustori 4, 33100 Tampere.

The lectures are free of charge, and you are welcome to attend one or several sessions.

Advance registration is requested for catering purposes. The registration form and further information about the lectures can be found on the Tampere Region Adult Education Centre’s website.

  • Active Communities 1: Cultural and Neighbourhood Events: Inspiration and Skills for Creating Events Your Own Way (in Finnish). Thursday 24 September, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm 
  • Active Communities 2: Promoting Sustainable Everyday Living: Inspiration for Community-Led Initiatives (in Finnish). Thursday 1 October, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. 
  • Active Communities 3: Permits, Funding and Venues for Small Events (in Finnish). Tuesday 20 October, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
  • Active Communities: Inspiration, Permits, Funding and Venues for Small Events (in English). Tuesday 1 December, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Further information

Noora Karumaa
Regional coordinator
Phone:
040 540 3346
Text: Noora Karumaa
Photos: Mikko Vares
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