Festivals - thisisFINLAND

Tracing the rise of Finland’s folk music from village roots to global acclaim

Folk music in Finland has evolved from postwar silence to a vibrant, internationally respected art form. As Womex (Worldwide Music Expo) 2025 approaches, Music Finland traces that journey.

Arts & culture Music

Rising stars: These young fiddlers carry on Finland’s pelimanni folk music tradition

In the small town of Kaustinen, a hotspot for Finnish folk music, two young musicians are making waves. Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus are part of a new generation keeping the pelimanni (folk music) tradition vibrant, blending skill, creativity and a love of playing together.

Arts & culture Performing arts

Make air, not war: The joyfully absurd World Championships in Oulu

Ever dreamed of witnessing something wildly fun and just a little bit bonkers? Picture people of all ages rocking out on stage with instruments only they can see. Dancing like nobody’s watching, fully immersed in the moment. This is air guitar at its most serious. And most glorious.

Arts & culture Music

Quirky ’90s band Ultra Bra stages a stylish comeback at 30

Ultra Bra, one of the most beloved Finnish bands of the 1990s, has released new songs after more than two decades and reunited for shows at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium and summer festivals.

Arts & culture Culture

A night hike into the heart of Finnish folk music

Kaustinen, a small Finnish town renowned for its rich folk music traditions, welcomes festival-goers with a unique night hike through rain-soaked forests and magical cliffs. As fiddles echo in the dusk, hikers from across the globe gather to experience music and nature under the northern summer sky that never goes dark.

Arts & culture Music

Käärijä and Tuuletar show Osaka 2025 how to “Party like a Finn”

In June, Finland will present shows by Käärijä (pictured) and Tuuletar at the Nordic Pavilion at the Osaka 2025 World Expo in Japan. The Nordic Pavilion is a joint project between the Nordic countries Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Music Finland is a partner of the Finland Day music program.

Arts & culture Festivals

Magic in the Finnish summer air

Every year, music festivals fill cities, fells, forests and lakesides with live music and a peculiar kind of charm that can only be felt in the summertime. Let’s unpack the reasons that make Finland the promised land of summer festivals – and look at some unique festival experiences for those who have seen it all.

Arts & culture Music

Finland’s Eurovision story evolves from trials to triumphs

In the glitzy Eurovision Song Contest, Finland languished as a perennial underdog for decades. Then its fortunes changed dramatically, and it has repeatedly been a serious contender to win the continent’s hearts.