Garnfest Porvoo
In June, the historic Empire district of Porvoo will once again be filled with yarn, joy, and community – it’s time for the second edition of Garnfest Porvoo!
The old gym hall of the former School for the Deaf and the courtyard of Säie Wool will transform into a lively meeting place for knitters and yarn lovers. Come explore a beautiful selection of Finnish indie dyers, spinning mills, yarn brands, and knitting accessories – and enjoy the warm atmosphere with like-minded people.
You’re welcome to sit and knit in the courtyard or in Säie Wool’s cozy “living room.” Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and spend a relaxed summer day surrounded by yarn and good company.
THIS YEAR’S VENDORS:
ILO Knitting Shop (Turku),
Knits by Cindy Ekman (Kokkola),
Lankastudio Suovilla (Toivakka),
Laurel Knits (Vantaa),
Linkulla Spinneri (Inkoo),
Nurja (Tampere),
Saimas Spinnery (Puumala),
Säie Wool (Porvoo),
Villisolmu (Porvoo),
Vuonue (Paimio)
Program Highlights
The Garnfest program also features a Meet & Greet with knitwear designer Meiju Kallio from 12–1 PM, plus some sweet treats. Patisserie Teemu Aura’s beloved Pullabiili(bakery van) will be on site, and Vanhan Porvoon Jäätelötehdas’s ice cream bike will join us in the courtyard, weather permitting.
Our neighbor Lalera Ceramics will also be part of the event, showcasing their beautiful handmade ceramic pieces – including some specially designed with knitters in mind.
Accessibility
Garnfest takes place in the historic former Deaf School of Porvoo, built in the 1800s. Unfortunately, the building’s structure limits full accessibility.
Most of the vendors will be located in the ground floor gym hall, accessible by stairs from the street-level entrance. There is no elevator in the building.
However, the following areas are wheelchair accessible:
• Säie Wool’s yarn studio
• Lalera Ceramics Studio
• ILO Knitting Shop’s sales area (located in Säie Wool’s entry hall)
• Meiju Kallio’s Meet & Greet (held in Säie Wool’s living room)
• Patisserie Teemu Aura’s Pullabiili (in the courtyard)
There is no dedicated accessible toilet on the event grounds, but an accessible restroom is available inside Säie Wool upon request. Other guest toilets can be found near the main sales area.
Parking
There is no separate event parking, but you’ll find plenty of street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
Parking control is strict in Porvoo, so be sure to read the signs carefully.
You can explore parking options in more detail on the City of Porvoo’s parking map.
Tips for Enjoying a Summer Day in Porvoo
If you’re coming to Garnfest, why not make a day of it and enjoy Porvoo too? Here are some of Säie Wool’s Eija’s local favorites:
Shopping
Finform – Scandinavian design and cozy atmosphere. My favorite interior shop. Bonus tip: Finform imports the most delicious olive oils and Italian delicacies from Gridelli.
Jokikatu 35
Riimikko – A charming, traditional toy store right in the heart of the Old Town. A must-visit.
Välikatu
Skafferi – A beautiful general store full of treats and homewares in the heart of Old Porvoo. Warm, nostalgic atmosphere and lots of lovely finds.
Jokikatu 41
Cafés & Restaurants
Kiva Cafe – Streetfood-Bar – A lovely riverside summer terrace just 1.5 blocks from Garnfest.
Itäinen Rantapromenadi 3
Restaurant Papa J – The newest restaurant in town, located right next to Finform.
Jokikatu 35
Café Fanny – A cozy café on the edge of the Town Hall Square. The terrace feels like a little holiday abroad.
Välikatu 13
Second-Hand & Flea Markets
Bohemia – A lovely second-hand shop right on the edge of Old Porvoo.
Mannerheiminkatu 1
Tavarakammari – A true treasure trove of vintage and second-hand finds. Located in the Tarmola district – worth the trip if you have a car.
Teollisuustie 12 B
Jussin Jättikirppis – When more is more. The biggest self-service flea market in Porvoo, also in Tarmola.
Mestarintie 17