TFA Events
Click events below to register/pay or for more information
Presentation by Finland's "Millennium Prize" Winner
Bantval Jayant Baliga - 2024 winner of Finland's "Millennium Prize for Global Impact Technology
April 29 @ 6:30-8 pm
Duke University Schiciano Auditorium
TFA and Duke University will present a talk by North Carolina State University Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga, the winner of the 2024 Millennium Technology Prize. This prestigious award, with a prize of €1,000,000, is given every two years by the Technology Academy Finland and the state of Finland. The Patron of the prize is Finland’s President.
The Millennium Technology Prize is Finland's tribute to innovations for a better life. Professor Baliga will speak and take questions from 7-8pm following a reception with refreshments and snacks at 6:30. Come see a true scientific hero speak about his invention and the experience of receiving the Prize in Helsinki last fall. This is an important example of public outreach by the TFA to inform people about Finland and this unique prize it awards.
Directions to Auditorium (SC) | | | Directions to Parking (BCP)

Vappu Party
When: Saturday May 3rd
Where: TBD
A classic May Day celebration featuring traditional Vappu food and activities. Don’t forget to bring your student cap for this festive occasion! And thanks to our work with the Finlandia Foundation, Violinist Charlotte Loukola will be performing at the event. Learn more about Charlotte HERE.
Adults - $10/Children 12 & under FREE
REGISTER & PAY HERE (If you are not a current TFA member, we'll contact you about renewing member dues)
Help needed
- Host Needed: We need a volunteer with a large enough house, deck, or yard to accommodate the celebration.
- Organizers: Set-up & clean-up. Coordinate bringing the "Finnish Box" (decorations, supplies) and coffee pots. Coordinate beverages, snacks.
- Cook and Baker Volunteers: Sign up to bring food, for example: sima, potato salad, munkit / rahkamunkit / doughnuts, tippaleivät (funnel cakes), meatballs, silliä (herring), rye bread etc. Every contribution is appreciated!
- Additional Contributions: Participants are encouraged to bring extra dishes or sides.
- Activity ideas: Share your suggestions! Whether it's a speaker or performer suggestion, Vappu Trivia, Student Cap Toss, Mölkky or entirely something new - all ideas are welcome!
EMAIL US if you are interested in hosting or volunteering!
Piirakka Party
When: TBD - Sat. September 27th or October 25th
Where: TBD
Description of the event: pies. Event is all about community and connection. Coffee, wine, juice and soft drinks will be provided by TFA.
Help needed
- Host Needed: We need a volunteer with a large enough house, deck, or yard to accommodate the celebration.
- Organizers: Set-up & clean-up. Coordinate bringing the "Finnish Box" (decorations, supplies), coffee pots, and beverages.
- Cook and Baker Volunteers: Sign up to bring karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), munavoi (hardboiled egg-butter spread), savory and sweet pies, salads, and other desserts.
- Additional Contributions: Participants are encouraged to bring extra dishes or sides.
- Activity ideas: Share your suggestions! Whether it's a speaker or performer, Trivia - all ideas are welcome!
EMAIL US if you are interested in hosting or volunteering!
Itsenäisyyspäivä Party / Independence Party
When: December 6th
Where: Raleigh Unitarian Fellowship Church. Rented 2-8 pm (event starts at 4 PM)
Independence Day Party. Formal event to honor Finland’s independence while bringing the Finnish community together in a meaningful celebration. Featuring the Finnish President’s speech (broadcast), traditional Finnish songs, a flag parade, and Finnish food and activities.
Help needed - EMAIL US if you are interested in coordinating or volunteering!
- Event Manager (1): Coordinate bringing the "Finnish Box" (decorations, supplies), coffee pots, and beverages. Oversee planning and execution, coordinate between teams, and manage the schedule on the event day. Help with set-up & clean-up
- Cook and Baker Volunteers (4-5): Plan the menu and organize food preparation and serving logistics. Set-up & clean-up food.
- Decoration Coordinators (2-3): to create a festive Finnish-themed decoration, provided by TFA. Set-up & clean-up decorations.
- Activity volunteers (2-3): in charge of creating and executing activities. While there is a “base structure” of activities from previous years, fresh ideas and creative executions are highly encouraged to make this year’s event even more memorable!
Other Events
Fun events to mark your calendars:
- Raleigh International Food Festival – June 7th, 2025, Fayetteville St., Raleigh
- The Raleigh International Festival 2025 - scheduled to take place from September 12th to September 14th, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina. Visitors can expect to experience a vibrant cultural showcase featuring performances, exhibitions, international cuisine, interactive activities, and more.
- The International Festival Raleigh 2025 - will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina from July 15th to July 20th, 2025. The exact venue TBD. Music from around the world, traditional dance performances, international cuisine, cultural exhibitions, and interactive activities for people of all ages.
- Scandinavian Christmas Fair – normally in December. We do not have a booth, but good to mark to your calendars and visit individually