Helsinki International Horse Show transforms Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre into a sports arena
Helsinki International Horse Show returns to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre after a 30‑year break. The renewed event begins on Thursday and culminates on Sunday with a World Cup show jumping qualifier, bringing the world’s top riders to Helsinki. New movable grandstands will transform the venue into an international sports arena. Helsinki International Horse Show will take place at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from 26 February to 1 March 2026.
The renewed Helsinki International Horse Show is a blend of top‑level sport, diverse programme content, a unique atmosphere and experiences for the whole family. The event aims to become Finland’s largest annual sporting event.
“Returning to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre enables the event to grow and enter a new era. There is plenty to see and experience for everyone, even for those who are not yet familiar with horses. A new, more affordable exhibition ticket also lowers the threshold for visiting the event. The youngest visitors can look forward to an active programme: pony rides, a hobby‑horse arena and other activities,” says the event’s CEO, Valtteri Gundersby.
This major equestrian event offers more than 140 hours of programme content and culminates in the World Cup show jumping qualifier, where the world’s best riders and magnificent horses compete in front of a large audience. Around 450 horses are expected to attend, and a total of €530,000 in prize money will be awarded.
Two full‑sized competition arenas have been built for the event, and the new movable Messukeskus Arena grandstand—designed to adapt to different events—will be used for the first time in a sporting context.
“Helsinki International Horse Show is one of the most anticipated and internationally respected events in the Finnish sporting calendar. It is wonderful to welcome such a significant event back to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre and to provide facilities that match its level and ambition,” says Veronica Lindholm, CEO of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is also partnering with the City of Helsinki in a charitable initiative that will enable 5,000 low‑income families with children to attend the Helsinki International Horse Show.
More information:
Pia Sievinen, Communications & brand manager, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, tel. +358 40 559 9155, pia.sievinen@messukeskus.com
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is Finland’s largest event organiser, which produces high-quality events and rents out its facilities and services as venues for various events.
The Finnish Fair Group includes, in addition to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, the trade fair organiser Expomark Oy and the AV technology company SVV Oy. In 2024, the Group’s revenue was 58.4 million euros. The economic impact of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on the surrounding area was 245 million euros, and its employment impact was 3,335 person-years. I Messukeskus. The real social media. I messukeskus.com I @messukeskus
