Children’s Opera Festival
The festival brings the joy and magic of opera especially to children through high-quality, immersive performances for the whole family.
Information
Sat–Sun 2–3 May 2026, 11:00–16:00
Children’s Opera Festival
Tampere Hall
The first-ever Children’s Opera Festival will take place on the weekend of 2–3 May 2026 at Tampere Hall. The festival brings the joy and magic of opera especially to children aged approximately 5–12 through high-quality, immersive performances for the whole family.
The programme includes plenty of free events, such as the interactive The Magic of Opera! exhibition and workshops, as well as affordably priced children’s opera performances. The Children’s Opera Festival is supported by the Tampere-based Majaoja Foundation.
“Supporting children’s culture is close to our hearts. The Children’s Opera Festival brings the magical world of opera to new generations, nurtures children’s interest in musical theatre, and offers families high-quality and accessible arts education. We are delighted to help make experiences like this possible,” says Ritva Tiainen, representative of the Board of the Majaoja Foundation.
The festival programme features the mini-operas Cinderella and The Barber of Seville, directed and written by Juhani Koivisto, with set design by Anna Kontek. Performed in Finnish, these works retell classic stories in a fun and engaging way, interpreted by professional singers and musicians.
An interactive The Magic of Opera! exhibition will be set up in the foyer areas of Tampere Hall for young audiences. The exhibition showcases costume treasures and props from Tampere Opera’s extensive wardrobe collection. In addition, guided workshops will be held in the foyer spaces, where children can explore the world of opera by creating accessories and props related to the performances.
The detailed festival programme and schedule will be published at a later date.
Programme subject to change.
Production: Tampere Opera
Did you know that you can pre-order refreshments for before the performance or during the interval?
Explore this season’s refreshments here:
Tampere Hall Pastry: Baked organic apple tart (L, G) – €8.00
Chocolate-Apricot Pastry (L, G) – €9.00
Lemon Tartlet (L) – €8.00
Apple Cake with Vanilla Whip (Ve) – €8.00
Salted Caramel & Nut Brownie with Marinated Raspberries (Ve, G) – €8.00
Salted Caramel Macarons, 2 pcs – €5.50
Dietary codes:
L = Lactose-free, Ve = Vegan, G = Gluten-free
Sweet and Savoury Combo: Lightly seared gravlax with a passionfruit mousse pastry (L) – €8.00
Prawn Sandwich (L, G) – €14.00
Tomato-Pesto Pastry (L, G) – €8.00
Goat Cheese Bagel (L) – €8.00
Air-Dried Ham Bagel (L) – €8.00
Carrot and Herb Tartlet (Ve, G) – €8.00
Dietary codes:
L = Lactose-free, VL = Low-lactose, Ve = Vegan, G = Gluten-free
MENU €22
(€26 when ordered on the spot)
Salmon pie and smoked sour cream L, G
Finnish flatbread, smoked reindeer and rooftop garden microgreens L
Vegetable pie and smoky oat fraîche Veg, G
Finnish flatbread, smoked tofu and rooftop garden microgreens Veg, G
***
Chocolate mud cake, marinated organic berries and rooftop honey L, G
Macaron pastry and organic edible flowers L, G
Seasonal apricot pastry Veg, G
***
Organic coffee and organic tea
Dietary codes:
L = Lactose-free, VL = Low-lactose, Ve = Vegan, G = Gluten-free
Enjoy a buffet-style selection featuring, among other delights, locally produced cheeses, cold cuts, and mouth-watering marinated treats. Special dietary requirements are accommodated based on advance notice at the time of booking. A pre-booked seat at the antipasto table served before the performance €22.90. The table is set 1.5 hours before the performance begins on the 3rd floor of Tampere Hall. There is a bar in the space where drinks can be ordered on the spot. Check whether the menu is available for the performance and come enjoy!
Secure your preferred refreshments by purchasing them in advance. Refreshments can be pre-ordered online no later than 6 p.m. on the day before the event. You can place your order via the “order refreshments” link for your chosen event.
Ask for a group offer
If your party includes 10 or more people
you can ask for a group offer:
ryhmamyynti@tampere-talo.fi
tel. 03 243 4501 (Mon to Fri from 10 am to 4 pm)
Complement your experience by staying under the same roof
The Courtyard Tampere City hotel, attached to Tampere Hall, offers the perfect experience. When you book accommodation for your visit through us, you get partner rates. Welcome to enjoy yourself!
Photo: Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere
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Children’s Opera Festival
The festival brings the joy and magic of opera especially to children through high-quality, immersive performances for the whole family.
Children’s Opera Festival
The festival brings the joy and magic of opera especially to children through high-quality, immersive performances for the whole family.