Evening Program

The secondary goal of the Forum, after you have given your full attention to the development of the top initiatives for the EU-Russia Innovation Collaboration, is to fascinate your senses and let you enjoy Lappeenranta in our company. We will present you with some incredible evening programs at our historic Kasino and our enchanting Fortress seasoned with Karelian hospitality.


Innovation Reception

Tuesday, May 25
20:00 - 23:00

The Tuesday Night Innovation Reception at the charming Kasino with a Finnish twist is comprised of our famous artist Sari Kaasinen’s group, who will entertain us with lively Karelian folk songs, the Lappeenranta City Orchestra Quartet, the Estradi Art School Light Show and more young artists performing throughout the night.

The City of Lappeenranta welcomes you to enjoy the Evening at our Charming Historical Lappeenranta Kasino.

Feel the combination of international atmosphere and touch of history in magnificent environment by the beautiful Lake Saimaa. The evening program and dinner menu will open the window to Finnish culture and traditions.

You, our innovative international guests are the ones to light up the place and make it happen at the Kasino! Great music, refreshments, coulinaristic experiences and tons of interesting people to become inspired by.



Welcome to feel the spirit of rapidly growing International University City of Lappeenranta!

Lappeenranta Kasino is located in the harbour, on the coast of City Gulf of Lake Saimaa. This almost 100 year old building in the heart of Lappeenranta represents typical Finnish architectural style of the time with influences of post-Jugend style. Kasino was built in 1913 for the visitors of Lappeenranta Spa and there has always been very international atmosphere.

Experience Beautiful Lake Saimaa and Fortress

Wednesday, May 26
19:00 - 23:00


After the 2nd Day of the Forum we are happy to invite You to a relaxing evening in the Lappeenranta Fortress!

Wednesday night’s program, Experience Beautiful Lake Saimaa and Fortress, takes us into a Russian atmosphere. Well recognized movie actor on both the Finnish and Russian side, Ville Haapasalo, will host an evening full of Russian performances and delicacies. Our main performer will be the famous Terem Quartet from St. Petersburg. The evening ends with an idyllic Lake Saimaa Cruise on board the enchanting Camilla.

Here, in the Heart of the City, you can feel the atmosphere of more than 360 years old border city. The presence of East and West in our Old Town will help you to understand why we are the most remarkable meeting place between the EU and Russia!

During the evening you will have a possibility to experience a Beautiful Lake Saimaa. Mini-Cruise is eaving from the Harbour, just few steps away from the Fortress.



Welcome to the Evening at the Fortress - in the heart of Lappeenranta!

The City of Lappeenranta (Villmanstrand) was founded by Per Brahe at the old Lappee marketplace in 1649. The order for founding the town was given by Swedish Queen Kristina. Lappeenranta became a border town after founding of St. Petersburg city and after peace of Uusikaupunki in 1721. The Swedes started to fortify Lappeenranta. The next war between Sweden and Russia took place in 1741-1743. The battle of Lappeenranta in 1741 destroyed the town completely and Sweden lost the war.

After the peace of Turku in 1743 Lappeenranta became a Russian border town. Catherine the Great ordered Generalissimo Alexandr Suvorov to fortify the border area in Southeast Finland. Suvorov´s fortress was completed in 1790´s. After year 1809 when Finland became autonomic Grand Duchy of Russia, the fortress of Lappeenranta lost its meaning of defence. The fortress acted as a military and prison area during the wars of twentieth century. The fortress was restored in 1976-2006. South Karelia Museum, South Karelia Art Museum and Cavalry Museum are situated in the fortress area.