The most elephantastic picnic of the summer…
Summer in Helsinki would be nothing without the annual Elephantasy – Funky Family Picnic welcoming families and people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy rhythm music, live and diverse urban culture, circus and world food again on Saturday the 12th of July, 2025. Free entry, no age limit! The event is part of the Alppipuiston kesä summer event series.

ELEPHANTASY – FUNKY FAMILY PICNIC 2025
Sat July 12th, 2025 @ Alppipuisto, Helsinki (street address: Viipurinkatu–Tivolitie)
14-22 hs with Children’s area open between 14-19 hs
Free entry, no age limit! Fully accessible.
LIVE:
Elephant Stage:
Vodou Fusion (at 20:30 hs)
Michael Bleu (at 18:30 hs)
Bromans (at 16:45 hs)
Julye Blom (at 15:00 hs)
Gorilla Stage:
Kalabaliikki (at 19:30 hs)
DPB in Dub feat. Pirata Boing (at 17:45 hs)
Hoki & Tipe (at 16:00 hs)
Improv group Ilopilleriosasto (show at 14:30 hs)
SoulCirco SirkusSielu (show at 20:20 hs, workshops at 15 & 16:45 hs)
Hosted by Bunuel
OTHER STUFF TO ENJOY:
Kids’ Area & Circus Action
Improvisation theater workshop
Park Bazaar
World Street Food
Park Bar
All rights reserved. Programme subject to changes.

Vodou Fusion
Showtime: 20:30 hs / Elephant Stage

Elephantasy has is well-known for its colorful programme, where ears are turned to all corners of the planet and the wonderful world of music. This year, the highlight of the evening arrives from the direction of Africa to Alppipuisto in the form of Vodou Fusion. The musicians in the band, led by Beninese-born Gildas Houessou, have backgrounds in Finland, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Cuba. And to top it all, Vodou Fusion is a true international collaboration for the well-being of our dancing feet!
The band spices up traditional West African voodoo rhythms with modern elements, adding a touch of afrobeat, a pinch of funk, a few buds of reggae and a handful of afropop to the juicy stew. As a result, the band serves up a truly tasty pot of rhythmic food that you just can’t help but dance to, and where could it be more lovely than on the green grass of Elephantasy’s main stage and in the company of wonderful people!
The band, renowned for their energetic and engaging live shows, is working on their debut album, but it seems we’ll still have to wait for that. Until then, the only way to discover this charming and diverse rhythm orchestra is to come and witness them on stage, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by!

Lineup:
Gildas Houessou (Benin) – vocals | Keita Iba (Senegal) – drums | Papa Diakhate (Senegal) – bass | Jacob Kabre (Burkina Faso) – keyboards | Alex Kivikoski – flute, keys | Macoumba Ndiaye (Senegal) – percussions | Noora Nurmi – vocals | Riche Bamba (Ivory Coast) – vocals | Yoandy Jimeno (Cuba) – vocals | Susanna Salama – alto saxophone | Samuel Leminen – lead guitar
Michael Bleu
Showtime: 18:30 hs / Elephant Stage

This year, Elephantasy is delighted and honored to have Michael Bleu and his band coloring the beautiful summer evening! His show, dripping with psychedelia and glowing in technicolor colors as well as combining Finnsoul, funk, pop and indie, may well remain in the memories in the idyllic Alppipuisto, if not permanently, at least for a long time.
The artist, formerly known as Afromikko, has made a staggeringly productive career after his hit “Oi Oi” released in 2016. After performing under that name in 2019 at Elephantasy, he came up with his current artist name and released his first solo album Michael Bleu Presents Uusi Analogia the same year. In the following years, his second and third albums Michael Bleu Presents American Graffiti and Auringonlaskun ratstastajat were released. Additionally, he also managed to produce the Kesäyön romanssi album, which pays homage to the Finnish schlager of the 1960’s, in 2022.
The latest album, released last September, only took everything even further. The album also received a whole lotta love in the Funky Awards organized last winter. The artist’s creative frenzy seems unquenchable, and last February, the lovely EP release Varjomaat, a piano-accompanied mood, also saw the sunlight.
Michael Bleu is also known as a producer, whose latest masterpiece is Ina Forsman’s excellent After Dark Hour, released in March. In addition, his list of achievements includes three books, television appearances, songs on the soundtrack of the film Lapua 1976… so there’s of different kind of stuff to talk about! On Saturday 12th of July, a live gig on the main stage of Elephantasy will also finally be added to the list. Join in for the unique experience!
Bromans
Showtime: 16:45 hs / Elephant Stage
Bromans is a fresh piano & drums duo from Helsinki with a relationship somewhere between friendship and brotherhood. Although they have often already been witnessed live with other musicians and guest soloists at their gigs, the journey has really only just begun.
Bromans play their own songs as well as the most danceable hits of the last few decades – but they do it in their own personal and gentle way, where the deep roots of acid jazz, the glitter of future funk and the soft heart of soul meet in fascinating way.
Santeri “Sandelicious” Panula, also nominated as the Funkiest Dude in the City 2024, glides his fingers over the keyboards like a summer breeze on the waves of Hietalahti. Mikko Neimo, who also laid the beats in Maria Gasolina, keeps the rhythm alive on drums – combining a 70s beach holiday, 90s VHS aesthetics and eternal loyalty to groove. Neimo does not necessarily talk too much, but he lets the snare drum do the talking.
Together they are Bromans – a friendship that resonates. Or as SoulllJay recently described them: “The reality expanded version of Hansson & Karlsson in the space age.”

Julye Blom
Showtime: 15:00 hs / Elephant Stage

The main stage audience of Elephantasy will also be blessed and inspired by Julye Blom this year! Actually it is not the first time the talented soul singer has been at our Alppipuisto party. Julye Blom took over the second stage at Elephantasy in 2022 and already put on a great show back then. She grew up listening to roots music, such as soul, blues and rock’n’roll, and in her songs she brings all of this to the present day in the spirit of Motown and vintage pop. In early November, she released her debut album Painting It Blue, and now we have the real pleasure of inviting her back giving the big stage and the entire park for her to take care of.
As a singer-songwriter, Julye Blom has carried her personal style further and further so convincingly and decisively that this show will definitely touch your soul. More and more people have noticed this, which is why she was the big audience favorite in the Newcomer of the Year category at last winter’s Funky Awards. After Saturday 12th of July, Julye’s fan base will definitely be even bigger, and after hearing the concert, everyone will surely know and understand why.
Kalabaliikki
Showtime: 19:30 hs / Gorilla Stage

The ethno-fusion band Kalabaliikki, who released their debut album Leijonan kääntöpiiri in late May, plays fictional, retro-futuristic world music. According to our funky ambassador in Catalonia, Funky Ville, when listening to the album, the first thing that came to his mind was Knight Rider hanging out with the Janissaries of the elite forces of the Ottoman Empire at a street food stall, while a Cretan lute and a luscious synabasso are passing by and striding on their way to bathe in the hammam. And he said it seemed completely normal and natural.
Your experience of Kalabaliikki’s music will be probably something completely different, and that is certainly just as true. The band aims to awaken a feeling of nostalgia in the listener for things that have never existed.
The band is new, but the musicians have a strong background in many different projects. Greek laouto and Turkish baglama saz are played by ethnic and experimental music specialist Petri Lahtinen, and (synth)bassist Matti Pekonen and percussionist Janne “Aukka” Auvinen have been influential in bands such as Maria Gasolina and The Hypnomen. Santeri Kinnunen is the drummer of the bunch.
The band recently gave a fresh proof of their imaginative musical adventures at their record release gig. Our wild guess is that the wonderful audience and environment at Elephantasy will inspire them to take their flight even higher!
DPB In Dub
Showtime: 17:45 hs / Gorilla Stage
Uruguayan-born Rodrigo Pereda is already an essential long-term player in the Finnish reggae scene with his Pirata Boing Band and as a solo artist. The artist and radio host, who actively tours around the world, has also lived in Brazil, Spain and Sweden until residing in Finland and basically collaborates wherever he goes. Musically, his reggae-based productions combine genres such as ska, cumbia, dub, candombe, folk and hip hop with an appreciation to the roots but also without a hesitation to include a more modern approach in the songs.
Currently, Pirata Boing is actively focusing on his dub project DPB In Dub, boasting deep bass and soothing echoes as will be heard at this year’s Elephantasy. Four years ago, Pirata Boing Band performed a truly sparkling show on the event’s smaller stage and melted the hearts of so many people in the audience. Something similar is likely to happen this time too, when DPB In Dub takes control and nurtures the speakers to glow with that temper and gentle reggae spirit.

Hoki & Tipe
Showtime: 16:00 hs / Gorilla Stage
Elephantasy’s smaller stage by the pond on the northern edge of the park is again a place for the more intimate encounters and dancing, slightly away from the crowd on the grassy field of the main stage. The rap duo Hoki & Tipe, founded in 2020 and hailing nowadays from Järvenpää, will bring their cheerful and inventive beats this year right there.
You will surely have fun watching them live and listening to their lyrics while enjoying the catchy beats produced by the legendary Kim “Kasio” Rantala as well as the beauty of their lyricism. Hoki & Tipe are an invigorating and fresh power shot for the most wonderful urban culture day of the summer guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face and a happy mind, ready to continue this year’s park party!

Funky Amigos dj’t with special guests



Between the live shows of the main stage, the almighty Funky Amigos DJ’s and their special guests will entertain you with the funkiest and grooviest tracks around! So audible enjoyment guaranteed for the whole day.
Behind the decks in the main stage area:
14:00-15:00 hs – DJ Lord Fatty
16:00-16:45 hs – DJ Dijcka
17:45-18:30 hs – DJ SoulllJay
19:30-20:20 hs – DJ Lilli Rose feat. Magic Sam
Kids’ area & Circus action

The Kids’ Area of Elephantasy is the place to be for the smallest stompers offering activities and other interests! The programme, field games and all the fun will easily keep the youngest ones busy all the way until 7 pm. Because of the area dedicated solely to children (accompanied by an adult), Elephantasy has been favored by families for years! The plays and instructing are mainly in Finnish, but may be adapted in English when possible.
Timetable
Nonstop programme between 14 and 19 hs
- Guided plays
- Hobby crafts and drawing
- Toys free to be used (inside the area)
SoulCirco’s circus workshops (duration 1 hour): 15 & 16:45 hs


SoulCirco SirkusSielu
SoulCirco SirkusSielu offers memorable and delightful experiences, magic and atmosphere in the Elephantasy children’s area. Circus artists bring an aerial acrobatics stand and other circus equipment and with their help children of all ages can safely practice various circus tricks. Join in!
SoulCirco offers creative exercise for all ages, a low-threshold circus performance point
and the opportunity to experience and learn aerial acrobatics, beautiful Flow art and expressive skills. 🙂
Workshops (1 hour) in the kids’ area:
15:00 hs
16:45 hs
Performance (10 mins) on main stage: 20:20 hs
Improvisation theater workshop

Improv group Ilopilleriosasto arrives in Elephantasy this year to perform surprising improvised theatre scenes. Come along and throw in your lines, emotions and scenes for inspiration – they will make theatre out of them!
The theatre improvisation workshop will include fun and easy warm-up games. At the end, those who wish will have the opportunity to try improvising scenes. Also suitable for beginners.
The workshop will be at 4 pm, on the other side of the pond next to the children’s area.
Ilopilleriosasto will also perform on the Gorilla Stage at 2:30 pm!

Park bazaar

The lovely park bazaar of Elephantasy includes local vendors offering you lovely wardrobe and handcraft to browse through. Perfect memories to buy home!
The list of the vendors will be published on the festival week.
Search, explore, admire, try, collect, buy and stay! Welcome to the Park Bazaar of Elephantasy!

World Street Food

The food stalls of Elephantasy will serve you street food delicacies from different parts of the world, so you do not necessarily need to bring anything for the picnic at all! Except yourself.
Food & other treats
Food:
• Awa Senegal (Instagram)
• Gauchori - Argentinian BBQ (Instagram)
• Pizza Italiana
• Rikiyaki (Instagram)
• WTfries (Instagram)
Other treats:
• Ape Gelato (Instagram)
• Pau Brazil (Instagram)
Enjoy!


Check the After Movie clip from last year’s Elephantasy:
Info

Arrival
Alppipuisto is located in Alppila district of Helsinki, next to the Linnanmäki amusement park, which is easily accessible from all directions and only 1,5 kilometers walk away from Pasila. We recommend arriving by walking, bike or public transportation with “Alppipuisto” defined as the destination. There are no parking lots available close to the park and the use of service vehicles is permitted only if scheduled in advance.

Keeping Alppipuisto tidy and beautiful, together!
Let’s keep the park clean together, so we would truly appreciate if you won’t leave any crap behind but take them to the bins in order to help us clean up the area after the event. Thank you so much! =) You can ask for plastic bags for your garbage at our Info desk. When each one of us does their part, it’s a very small effort personally but so valuable in the bigger picture!
Please do not fill the trash bins in the area excessively, if you stay longer in the event or in the park! The birds will otherwise spread the dirt all over during the night. Let’s make sure all together that the lovely Alppipuisto park will stay as the most idyllic park of Helsinki and we can organize events in the future there!
Children
Kids are always warmly welcomed at Elephantasy, where they and their parents will have an area of their own to enjoy with different activities! Please keep a close look after your children in the multitude in order to prevent getting lost. There are some dangerous areas in the park for wandering small kids. These include the pond (which is not a playground) and the cliffs above. In a critical situation, please contact the staff which you can always find at the Info tent.

What to bring along?
You are allowed to bring your own picnic food and drinks, but it is also possible to buy world food treats from the vendors in the area.
Remember to drink enough water in the heat of the sun! We recommend you to bring at least a blanket and a water bottle, which can be filled in the area at the hydrant located behind the main stage by the pond, where you can also wash your hands.

Safer space guidelines for Elephantasy
❗️We aim to provide a safer space for everyone participating in the event. The harassment contact person can be recognized by their pink vests and reached at the number to be announced prior to the event.👷♀️❗️
These guidelines are created to ensure that Elephantasy – Funky Family Picnic is as safe as possible for all participants.
If you experience harassment or other inappropriate behavior at the event, please contact the Elephantasy Safer Space person at the number to be announced later or other staff members.
Respect others’ personal physical and psychological space. You cannot know another person’s boundaries without asking. So, ask before, for example, touching someone.
Listen and change your behavior if someone tells you that your actions make them uncomfortable.
Respect everyone, do not make assumptions. Do not assume anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socioeconomic background, abilities, or health. Respect pronouns and names.
Be aware of your own privileges.
No body shaming. Do not comment on someone else’s body. Also, refrain from commenting on others’ food portions and eating.
Respect others’ opinions, beliefs, experiences, and differing viewpoints. Do not mock, ridicule, belittle, exclude, or embarrass anyone with your words, behavior, or actions.
Take responsibility for your own actions and behavior. Be aware that your actions affect others, regardless of your good intentions.
Give space. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the discussion.
Do not dominate others’ opinions and give the floor to others. Also, respect others’ privacy and handle sensitive topics with respect.
Intervene in harassment even if you witness it and ask the harassed person if they want help or support. Do not remain a bystander.
Let’s take care of each other and have a great day at Alppipuisto on July 12th!
Contact info
Festival producer: Sami Mannerheimo (Magic Sam) | sami [ät] funkyamigos.fi | tel. +358 50 4400 209
Kids’ area producer: Outi Urpilainen (O.T. Almighty) | outi.urpilainen [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 44 0333480
Food vendors: Deeqa Aho | deeqa.aho [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 45 6300 711
Park bazaar: Lilli Philip (Lilli Rose) | lilli.philip [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 50 5715 125
Main Stage manager: Santeri Panula (Sandelicious) | santeri.panula [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 40 098 6566
Gorilla Stage manager: Matias Riihinen | matias.riihinen [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 44 988 3544
Infopiste: Juha Saarinen | juha [ät] flms.fi | p. +358 40 555 3763
English & Finnish texts: Joonas Kervinen (SoulllJay) & Ville Hollanti (Funky Ville)
Marketing & social media: Deeqa Aho | deeqa.aho [ät] gmail.com | tel. +358 45 6300 711
Graphical design (’25): Tuukka Kangas
Elephantasy – Funky Family Picnic 2025 has been made possible with the funding from the City of Helsinki for the Alppipuiston kesä summer event series.
