Leisure time is important for the Finnish people. Leisure activities promote well-being, help you meet new people and build social networks. They also provide opportunities to practise the language, develop new skills, and in some cases can lead to studies or employment.

Local newspapers, social media, and municipal websites provide information about events and activities in the region. You can also check the Ostrobothnia Events Calendar for upcoming events throughout the Ostrobothnia region.

At our Service Point for Newcomers you can also get information about leisure activities, hobbies, and courses available in the Jakobstad region.

Adult education centres
The possibilities to study in Finland are many. The Adult Education Centre arranges courses to a favorable price. You can take courses in language, cooking, handicraft, music, exercise etc.

• PEDERSÖRE
• JAKOBSTAD
• KRONOBY
• LARSMO
• NYKARLEBY

Libraries
The Finnish people read a lot and therefore Finland has many libraries. You can lend books from the library for free. The libraries have books and magazines in different languages. The library card is free, and you can get one at the library.

Cinema, museum and theatres
On your leisure time you can visit a museum or go to the theater or cinema. The movies are always showed in their original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles, not dubbed.

Organizations
Many organizations, arrange activities for people from different cultures. A lot of newcomers have also founded their own associations.

• the Finnish Red Cross
• 4H
• Folkhälsan

Read more about leisure time activities at:

• Jakobstad
• Nykarleby
• Pedersöre
• Larsmo 
• Kronoby

Event calendar
Are you a stay-at-home mom or dad in the Jakobstad region? Would you like to meet others and practise your local language skills? We have put together a calender with activities for you. The event calendar is available for the following municipalities: Jakobstad, Nykarleby, Kronoby, Larsmo, and Pedersöre. By clicking on the headings, you will be directed to the organizer’s website.

Other social networks

• Jakobstads vänmammor r.f. (for mothers with children, in all municipalities in the Jakobstad region)
• Social Wednesday (event to connect with companies and associations a few times per year. For more information, contact the Service Point for Newcomers, 044 7851 686)
• Language cafés: Nykarleby Refugee Friends (every other Thursday evening), Tehuset and the language café at the Parish Centre in Jakobstad (every Monday evening), as well as the language cafés organized by Arbis and Työvis (see their websites for more information). You can also contact Integrationsporten for further information.