2025 Vintage themes

25nd Annual Sales Fair 28-29 June 2025
open from 10am to 4pm

Date: 28–29 June 2025.
• Location: Simpeleen koulu, Matomäenkatu 4,56800 Simpele, Rautjärvi.
Antiques, vintage and collectibles, such as furniture, dishes, jewelry, textiles, books and nostalgic items (e.g. 20th century glass, porcelain, postcards). The event has been running since 1999 and attracts a wide range of collectors and enthusiasts.
• Opening hours: Both days 10:00–16:00.
• Tickets: Area wristband, price 5 euros per day, under 15 years old free of charge
The event program will be updated at simpeleenantiikki.fi. The organizer reserves the right to make changes.
• This is the most significant antiques and collectibles event in South Karelia in the summer of 2025, so take the time to explore the wide selection.
Social media: Follow Simpeleen Antiques and Collectibles Summer Days (@simpeleenantiikki) and Lions Club Simpele (@lcsimpele) on Instagram and Facebook.

Prepare for the finds: Bring cash, as small stalls do not always accept card payments. Check the condition and origin of the items, and ask the sellers for background information.
Schedule: Arrive early, doors open at 10:00, as the best finds go quickly. Allow 2–3 hours to tour the fairgrounds and summer yard. The Simpele fair is a compact event, but allow time to explore the diverse offerings. 
Summer events are weather-dependent, so check the weather forecast and prepare for rain.

Combine with travel in the surrounding area: explore the attractions of Rautjärvi, Parikkala, Ruokolahti and Imatra at the same time. In Simpele you can visit the Hiitolanjoki River (fishing, scenic trails) or Haukkavuori, the highest point in South Karelia. In Rautjärvi, the Miettilä historical barracks area and the Simo Häyhä Museum, in Parikkala the Veijo Rönkkönen statue park.
The distances to Imatra (40 km) and Lappeenranta (80 km) offer additional destinations.
• Parking: Paid 2 euros, controlled parking area for fair visitors, signs on site.

What to expect in 2025 - Vintage as a theme
The Vintage fair focuses on retro, antiques, design and collectibles, such as 20th century furniture, clothing, jewelry and glassware. In previous years, exhibits have included products from Arabia, Iittala and Nuutajärvi, glass birds by Oiva Toikka, imperial porcelain, old cars, and military uniforms

Vintage vs. Retro: The difference between the terms

• Vintage: Refers to objects that were made in a specific era, usually at least 20 years ago (e.g. clothing, furniture, jewelry from the 1920s–1990s). 
Vintage objects are authentic, typical of the era and often used, but can also be unused stock items. Example: a 1970s Marimekko dress.

• Retro: Refers to new objects that are designed to resemble an old style or era. Retro is modern, but inspired by past decades. Example: A new 1950s-style refrigerator or a modern shirt with a retro print.

• wide range of antiques and collectors’ items for sale
• interesting exhibitions
• fun day out for all the family
• café and restaurant

Tickets

• tickets, 5€ , 2€ for parking under 15-years old free entry.

History of Simpeleen Antiques and Collectibles Summer Fair
Simpeleen Antiques and Collectibles Summer Fair is an annual event held in Simpele, Rautjärvi, which has established itself as a summer highlight in South Karelia. It offers a wide range of antiques, vintage and retro items, such as furniture, dishes (Arabia, Iittala, Nuutajärvi), jewelry, textiles, books, postcards, coins, militaria and nostalgic items.

Cultural value: The event is Simpele's largest summer event and, as part of Rautjärvi's Cultural Week in many years, the event strengthens local identity and brings tourists to the area.

Collectibles community: The fair has established itself as a meeting place for collectors and antique enthusiasts, and they offer a unique opportunity to find rare items.


Local impact: The event supports the charity work of Lions Club Simpele, and the proceeds are directed to local projects.

Beginning: The event was first organized at the turn of July–August in 1999. The idea was born in the development ideation of the Vireä Rautjärvi project. The father of the idea for the antique and collecting summer days was Reijo Sinkkonen. In 2025, the fair will be the 26th, which shows the long and continuous tradition of the event.
The main organizer has been the Lions Club Simpele since the beginning.

Click on link to see pictures from our earlier fairs (“Vuosien varrelta”)

Event organizers and contact information

The Antiques and Collectors’ Fair in Simpele is organized by Lions Club Simpele in collaboration with Rautjärvi Local Council and a number of other local businesses and organizations.