Events

POKA organises a range of established and changing events each year. Follow @varmapoka and Kide.app and be there when it happens! #comeasyouare #kareliaforall

Upcoming events in autumn 2026

AUGUST

• International Students’ welcoming and grouping afternoon in lovely Männikköniemi, summer cottage of parish center. Sauna, swimming, nature and much more! Organizers: Karelia Integration Services, POKA and Cultural Diversity of Study Paths project

SEPTEMBER

• Student Blast on 3 September, 3–5 PM kicks off the new academic year in style at Joensuu Market Square! Live performance by Mikael Gabriel!
• The Opening Day on 3 September culminates starting at 5 PM with the FAMKY checkpoint event, guiding you and your team around downtown Joensuu through awesome team‑spirit‑boosting challenges – not forgetting the evening party!
• Wellbeing pop‑ups will be shining in campus lobbies during lunch breaks: 8 September in the main lobby of the Wärtsilä Campus, 9 September in the lobby of the E Building at Tikkarinne Campus
  Organizers: Karelia wellbeing operators and POKA
• Cricket and Finnish Baseball Try out on 9.9. at 4-6pm at Tapionkatu field. Come and play or try out! Organizers: POKA, Integration Services, WiNK project and Cultural Diversity of Study Paths project
• Discover Joensuu and Learn Finnish will continue in September and will include monthly activities around Joensuu or North Karelia area. Organizers: Simhe, POKA and Cultural Diversity of Study Paths project
• A new Karelia Friend season also starts in autumn! We match local Finns and international students to get to know each other and their cultures. Organizers: WiNK Project and POKA
• New event: Social Dining on 23 September, 6–8 PM brings Karelia UAS’ students, staff and alumni together at Wärtsilä campus restaurant Wire for a shared dinner with side activities. Organizers: Food and Co and POKA
• On 30 September, we once again celebrate a shared sports afternoon by SYKETTÄ.

OCTOBER

• New: At the beginning of October, we celebrate World Mental Health Day! Activities in campus lobbies at lunchtime on 6 and 8 October.
• New: Hobby Fair on 7 October, 11 AM–1 PM, in the Wärtsilä lobby. Come discover new hobbies and connections! Organizers: WiNK Project and POKA
• POKA turns 20! Celebrate with us at the anniversary gala on 17 October at Kimmel ❤️

NOVEMBER

• Apply to become an active decision‑maker in POKA! The Representative Council elections and Board applications open.
• The season concludes with pre‑Christmas celebrations…

Please note