Finland is an ideal summer holiday spot with hundreds of music festivals to offer: the midnight sun is gentle, and the days are warm but not blistering hot. Keep reading this listing to find a selection of over 50 of the most prominent Finnish summer festivals, from classical to pop, folk to heavy metal, edm to indie and beyond!

Featured photo taken at Ruisrock festival by Miikka Varila.

The festival picks in this article are chosen by the Music Finland staff and aim to present the versatility of the Finnish festival scene. For more festivals in Finland, make sure to check out Finland Festivals' listings.

May

Helsinki Music Week 13–17 May

Helsinki Music Week returns this May with its second edition! The fresh’n’new music event will spread across a span of historical and cultural landmarks in the city, including Temppeliaukio Church, Post Bar, Ääniwalli, Helsinki Cathedral, and Dance House Helsinki, where the HMW Finale takes place. The program is again contemporary and very now, focusing on club music, electronic, and somewhat experimental artists. On the bill are, e.g. Danny L Harle (UK), Mechatok (DE), Isabella Lovestory (HN), Kittin (FR), Malibu (FR), and Varg2TM (SE), along with local names such as Melo, Hän (Aino Morko), Sansibar, Erika Sirola, Glayden, Orvokki, and Finnjävel.

World Village Festival 16–17 May

Over the past thirty years, World Village Festival (Maailma kylässä) has established itself as one of Finland’s leading free festivals for the whole family, combining culture, civil society and sustainable development. In 2026, the festival moves to central Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi District, with events at Bio Rex, Lasipalatsi Square, Narinkka Square, Mauno Koivisto Square and Luckan. Held under the theme Freedom, the programme includes music, talks and discussions, workshops, children’s activities, street-level encounters and exhibitors. Musically, the festival offers a broad global mix ranging from Latin American rhythms and contemporary Kazakh music to Afrobeat, funk, reggae and Afropop, with international acts such as Aizhan Sultan (KZ), Ëda Diaz (FR/CO), Kizaba (CD/CA), Jamila & The Other Heroes (DE) and local ones, like Jarmo Saari Republic: Freedom Speeches. The wider programme also includes keynote talks, poetry, family workshops and the Funky Amigos Terrace Party.

June

Organ Night & Aria Festival 4 June–29 Aug

One of the oldest classical music festivals in Finland, Organ Night & Aria Festival (Urkuyö & Aaria) returns for its 40th anniversary season with a summer-long series of concerts in Espoo and Helsinki. The festival’s Thursday evening concerts bring a wide range of art music to churches and concert venues, with opera singer Tuomas Katajala continuing as Artistic Director. The 2026 programme opens with Hundreds of Roads, Thousands of Reflections and continues with concerts such as The Smiling Apollo and a Club for Five evening, while the wider summer programme ranges from chamber music and vocal music to organ concerts, jazz and cross-genre classical events.

Naantali Music Festival 4–13 June

Held in Naantali and its surrounding archipelago venues, Naantali Music Festival once again opens the Finnish classical summer season. Artistic Director Elina Vähälä has put together a colourful programme for 2026, with music from different continents, maritime soundscapes, and a nod to the European Capital of Culture year. The festival’s 46th season highlights chamber music from many angles, bringing top Finnish and international musicians to Naantali’s medieval abbey, idyllic archipelago churches and other scenic concert locations.

Silence festival 4–7 June

Held in the small village of Kaukonen in Kittilä, Silence Festival returns for its 16th edition with its distinctive meeting of contemporary circus, classical music and visual arts. The multidisciplinary programme spreads across the village and its surroundings, with 2026 highlights including the Intersection_99110 exhibition, George Crumb's Black Angels (Thirteen Images from the Dark Land), the circus performance INERTIUM, and the atmospheric Ojanperä Soirée. Focused on new artistic work and encounters between music and circus, Silence remains one of Finnish Lapland’s most singular summer festivals. This year's acts also include Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine, Marie Scheer (UK),

Oddfest, 11–13 June

ODDfest returns to Helsinki as a cross-disciplinary creative festival combining performances, talks, cultural encounters, and industry dialogue. The 2026 edition expands across central Helsinki, with ODDfest’s public programme taking place on 12–13 June at venues such as Lasipalatsi, Kulttuurikasarmi, Tavastia, Semifinal, Kamppi Chapel and Vanha Ylioppilastalo, while the broader ODDfest week runs 11–13 June. The music programme includes a stylish mix of experimental, electronic, and alternative acts, with names such as Föllakzoid (CL), Valerie June (US), DENA (DE), Lauer (DE), Sarah Julia (US), along with local greats like VIRTA, MISHA, Kaukolampi, Muovipussi, A. Blomqvist, and many others.

Kesärauha 6–8 June

Turku’s indie and alternative event, Kesärauha (“summer peace”), taking place in the lush Linnanpuisto park, is considered one of the coziest indie festivals in Finland. The 2026 line-up is especially broad, with international acts including Arlo Parks (UK), Caribou (CA), Seinabo Sey (SE), Fat Dog (UK), Honningbarna (NO), Mind Enterprises (IT), Biji (SE) and SBTRKT (DJ set, UK). The domestic side is just as strong, featuring Antti Paalanen, Maustetytöt, Louie Blue, Antti Autio, Malla, Rosettes, Modem, Us, Lyyti, French Films, Sweatmaster and loads more.

Helsinki City Festival 12–14 June

On its third year, Helsinki City Festival returns to the Nordis area by Helsinki Ice Hall with a three-day programme built around big pop, hip-hop, dance and nostalgia-friendly names. The 2026 edition features international stars such as Lewis Capaldi (UK), Black Eyed Peas (US), Macklemore (US), Flo Rida (US), Shaggy (JM), Showtek (NL), Chamillionaire (US), Brick & Lace (JM), Alexandra Stan (RO), Basement Jaxx (UK), Pandora (SE), and Princessa (ES), alongside Finnish names including Bomfunk MC's, The Rasmus, Windows95man, Waldo's People, Killer, Isac Elliot – and lots more to choose from!

Watch the aftermovie for Helsinki City Festival 2024.

Nummirock 17–20 June

For a headbanging midsummer, Nummirock remains one of Finland’s classic metal pilgrimages. Held in Nummijärvi, Kauhajoki, the 2026 edition is the festival’s 40th anniversary, bringing four days of metal to the lakeside midsummer night. The line-up includes Black Veil Brides (US), Satyricon (NO), Gloryhammer (GB), Rise of the Northstar (FR), Gaerea (PT), Grave (SE), Immortal Disfigurement (US), along with local names such as Swallow the Sun, Battle Beast, Moonsorrow, Stam1na, Lost Society, Omnium Gatherum, Eläkeläiset and many more. The opening day features names such as Barathrum, Suotana, Ruoska, Vermilia, and Riasa.

Watch the aftermovie for Nummirock 2024.

Solstice 18–20 June

Taking place at Rukatunturi near the Arctic Circle during midsummer, Solstice once again combines electronic music, experimental sounds, art and nature in a place where the sun does not set. In 2026, the festival is also part of Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture year, with an expanded artistic programme. The line-up leans heavily into adventurous DJ and live sets, with names such as Skee Mask (DE), AceMo (US), Bella Sarris (AU) b2b Jessie Granqvist, CEM (TR), DJ Fart in the Club (FR), DJ Masda (JP), KMRU (KE), LYZZA (BR), Mad Professor (UK), OK Williams (UK), RAMZi (CA), Sonja Moonear (CH), Toma Kami (FR), Verraco (CO), along with Finnish ones such as Ilpo Väisänen, Jori Hulkkonen, Katerina, Desto, Mono Junk, Kofu, Glayden, Sophia Mitiku and countless others.

Sommelo 24–26 June

Even in the global festival landscape, folk music happening Sommelo remains a unique event. Held in Kuhmo, the festival reflects both local traditions and wider Finnish and international influences, with a focus on old, memory-based music, rune singing, instrumental traditions and contemporary interpretations of folk heritage. The 2026 edition continues Sommelo’s trilogy with the theme Vesillä (“On the waters”), and the programme includes concerts such as Maria Kalaniemi & Pekko Käppi, the festival course closing concert and Sommelon klubi with kora player Josh Doughty (UK) and jouhikko player Ilkka Heinonen.

Avantin Suvisoitto 2026 25–28 June

Avanti! Suvisoitto (a.k.a. Summer Sounds) once again brings bold-minded chamber music and contemporary classical programming to Porvoo. The 2026 festival opens at the Art Factory with Maanisia linjoja, conducted by Emilia Hoving with Joonas Ahonen as piano soloist, featuring works by Márton Illés, Sarah Nemtsov, Anthony Cheung/Wubbels and Arnold Schoenberg. The wider programme includes Steven Kazuo Takasugi’s Sideshow, Bernhard Lang and Matthew Wubbels in The Cold Trip, an Avanti x Porvoo Jazz Festival concert, and performances in venues such as the Art Factory and Porvoo Cathedral.

Provinssi 25–27 June

Held at Törnävänsaari in Seinäjoki, Provinssi is one of Finland’s largest and most traditional festivals, known for an eclectic programme that crosses rock, pop, electronic music, metal, indie and rap. This years headliners include The Prodigy (UK), Bring Me The Horizon (UK), Bad Omens (US) and Wolf Alice (UK), while the wider line-up features Blood Incantation (US), Scene Queen (US), Swim School (UK) and Witch Club Satan (NO) alongside a large Finnish programme including Maustetytöt, Käärijä, Turmion Kätilöt, Stam1na, Cemetery Skyline, Havukruunu, Modem, Charon, LUNA KILLS, Free Carmen, Us, Malla, Stoned Statues and many others.

Watch the aftermovie for Provinssi 2024.

Haapavesi Folk Music Festival 25–27 June

Haapavesi Folk Music Festival returns for its 37th edition, bringing Finnish and international folk music, world music, classical, jazz, pop and cross-genre sounds to Folk-Puisto. In 2026, the festival is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme strand “Europe’s best festivals”, and its programme brings together leading domestic names and folk music innovators from across Europe. The full programme includes Finnish (at least partially) artists and combos such as Maija Pokela, Antti Paalanen, Piip, Anne-Mari Kivimäki, Dantchev:Domain, Nordik Tree (FI/SE) and Alterne (DK/BE/FI), as well as fully foreign ones like Yarákä (IT), HrayBery (UA), and Eva Väljaots & Robbie Sherratt (EE/UK) continuing the festival’s long-running balance of traditional roots and fresh, border-crossing approaches to folk.

Tuska 26–28 June

Over the decades, Helsinki’s Tuska has become one of the Nordic countries’ biggest and best-known metal festivals. The 2026 edition takes over Suvilahti with a heavy international line-up including Megadeth (US), Bad Omens (US), Trivium (US), P.O.D. (US), D-A-D (DK), Pain (SE), Blood Incantation (US), Gatecreeper (US), Skindred (GB), Kublai Khan TX (US), The Plot In You (US), Paleface Swiss (CH), Rivers of Nihil (US), Caskets (GB) and Loudness (JP). Finnish noise is strongly represented as well, with Lost Society, Bloodred Hourglass, Ensiferum, Warmen, Awake Again, Swallow the Sun, Majestica, Omnivortex, and many more on the bill.

Watch a video montage for Tuska 2024 opening day.

Ihmemaa 26–28 June

Normally, Sulkava Rowing Stadium is used to watching rowers, but for one weekend in June it becomes the home of Finnish alternative music. Ihmemaa expands in 2026 into a three-day event, starting with the opening cub at Tiittalan Rantamakasiini with the likes of Liisa Akimof, and Täydet. The main festival day at the rowing stadium features e.g. Risto, Lyyti, The Snake, Juhlat, and Kohti tuhoa, while the Sunday closing club at Tiittalan Kartano brings Mikko Joensuu and DJ Matti Juhani to the stage.

Sysmän Suvisoitto 27 June–4 July

Sysmän Suvisoitto celebrates its 40th summer festival in 2026 with a week-long programme in Sysmä, Hartola and Luhanka. Curated by Artistic Director Laura Hynninen, the anniversary edition offers a diverse mix of classical music, jazz, folk music, dance, visual art and food events in the beautiful summer surroundings of Päijät-Häme. Concert venues include Sysmä’s medieval church, Sysmä Theatre House, Luhanka’s wooden church and other distinctive local settings, with the festival continuing its tradition of high-quality concerts in atmospheric countryside venues. This year's performers include Minna Pensola, Frigg, Marzi Nyman, Petri Kumela, Aili Järvelä, and Linda Suolahti, among others.

Time of Music 30 June–5 July

Time of Music (Musiikin aika) in Viitasaari, Central Finland, focuses on cutting-edge contemporary music and regularly brings some of the most interesting composers and performers of the field to the Finnish summer. The 2026 edition takes place under the theme “Once upon a time…”, with the first concerts already announced and the full programme due in May. Early highlights include the opening concert On strings, air and rivers, A String Quartet Party and Cartography of Avantgarde, continuing the festival’s reputation as a courageous, border-breaking and innovative event for new music.

Watch the aftermovie for Time of Music 2024.

July

Jyväskylä Festival 1–7 July

The precursor to Finnish city festivals, Jyväskylä Festival (Jyväskylän Kesä) returns for its 71st edition with the 2026 theme wisdom. The multidisciplinary programme again ranges from music to performing arts, speech events, clubs, food, family activities and exhibitions. Musical highlights include the opening concert with Aili Ikonen and Oona Airola, Samuli Edelmann, Cynthia Sayer & Joyride from the United States and a closing concert by Heikki Sarmanto & Jyväskylä Workshop Band, while the Puistojuhlat park festival adds pop, rap and indie names such as Maustetytöt, Emma & Matilda, J. Karjalainen, Aaro630, helmi marleena, keiju, Ursus Factory, and MELO.

Ruisrock 3–5 July

The oldest rock festival in Finland, and the second-oldest continuously running rock festival in Europe, Ruisrock returns to Ruissalo’s scenic Kansanpuisto in Turku. In recent years the festival has successfully gravitated towards mainstream electronic, hip hop and pop audiences, and the 2026 line-up continues that direction with international names such as Swedish House Mafia (SE), Gunna (US), Lily Allen (UK), EsDeeKid (GB), Audrey Nuna (US), Electric Callboy (DE) and Brennan Heart (NL). The domestic bill includes major Finnish crowd-pullers such as Käärijä, Hokka, Lost Society, Modem, Pete Parkkonen, Nylon Beat, Isac Elliott as a part of a nearly infinite all-you-can-eat buffet of domestic mainstream Finn-pop and hip-hop.

Savonlinna Opera Festival 3 July–1 August

The Savonlinna Opera Festival, established in 1912, is undoubtedly Finland’s largest and best-known opera festival. The festival takes place in the medieval St. Olaf’s Castle, built in 1475, amid the spectacular lake scenery of Saimaa. In 2026, the season is strongly Italian in spirit, with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s Nabucco, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Bellini’s Norma, the latter featuring soprano Lisette Oropesa in the title role.

Watch a trailer film for Savonlinna Opera Festival 2025.

Archipelago Sea Jazz 3 July­–23 August

Archipelago Sea Jazz is a four-festival series held in the intimate atmosphere of the Baltic Sea archipelago. The 2026 series begins with Baltic Jazz in Dalsbruk on 3–5 July, followed by Korpo Sea Jazz on 23–25 July, Turku Sea Jazz from 29 July to 1 August, and Åland Sea Jazz on 21–23 August. Together the festivals offer a broad archipelago route through Finnish jazz, from classic swing and intimate island concerts to modern and at times experimental performances by leading Finnish musicians.

Watch the aftermovie for Baltic Sea Jazz 2024.

Kaustinen Folk Music Festival 13–19 July

Established in 1968, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival is the largest folk music festival in the Nordic countries. During the festival week, Kaustinen hosts hundreds of concerts, dance performances, workshops, jam sessions, folk busking and informal musical encounters. In 2026, Northern Ostrobothnia is the festival’s provincial theme, and the programme includes artists such as Maija Kauhanen, Maria Kalaniemi & Pekko Käppi, Antti Paalanen, Steve N' Seagulls, Vilma Jää, and Pelkkä Poutanen as well as folk dance concerts, workshops and a strong Oulu2026 presence. Naturally, the living Kaustinen fiddle tradition remains at the heart of the festival atmosphere.

Tangomarkkinat 8–12 July

Forget everything you know about the Argentinian version of tango – Finland’s idea of tango is something very different. Bordering on schlager and, these days, even mainstream pop, Finnish tango is thoroughly represented in Seinäjoki’s Tangomarkkinat, the yearly main event for the genre. The 2026 edition marks the event’s 40th anniversary year and once again brings together dance, concerts and the famous tango singing competition, where Finland’s new tango royalty is crowned. If you’re from outside of Finland, these names maybe won’t say much to you, but just letting you know that Erika Vikman, Diandra, Komiat, Dingo, Yölintu, Laura Voutilainen, Neljä Ruusua, Juha Tapio and Tuure Kilpeläinen, among many others are performing this year. A true Finnish experience if anything is!

Bättre Folk 10–11 July

Bättre Folk, held in the beautiful surroundings of Hailuoto island, has the reputation of an iconic “hipster” festival. In 2026, the island festival returns to Marjaniemi with a line-up that leans into Finnish indie, pop and alternative music. Performing this year are Maustetytöt, MALLA, Arppa, Ege Zulu, Good Boys, Hopeasiivet, J. Karjalainen, Ruusut, Ursus Factory, and many others. Besides music, the festival’s island setting, sauna culture and communal atmosphere remain a major part of the Bättre Folk experience.

Dark River Festival 10–12 July

Metal festival Dark River is advertised as Finland’s most unique and personal little big metal festival, praised by its faithful audience year after year. In 2026, the Kotka festival returns as a two-day event in the Honkala forest setting in Laajakoski. The first announced acts include Havukruunu, Moonspell, Marianas Rest, Before the Dawn, Kaunis Kuolematon, Assemble the Chariots and Fear of Domination, with the festival again promising a warm, intimate and heavy weekend whether you're a fan of melodic, extreme or modern metal.

Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival 12–25 July

In just over five decades, Kuhmo Chamber Music has grown into one of the world’s foremost classical music festivals. For a fortnight, chamber music takes over the streets, halls and lakeside surroundings of the small eastern Finnish town of Kuhmo, with more than 100 international artists performing around 300 works in some 60 concerts. The 2026 theme is Celebrations & Ceremonies, ranging from Easter, May Day, Midsummer and Christmas to birthdays and composer anniversaries. The programme also forms part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, with new commissioned works among its highlights. The program includes pieces by Kaija Saariaho, Cecilia Damström, Uljas Pulkkis, Lauri Kilpiö, Lauri Toivio, and countless others from household classical names to contemporary composers.

Pori Jazz 10–18 July

Finland’s oldest jazz festival is known for a lineup that usually goes way beyond jazz. This year The programme includes international pop, soul, funk and jazz names such as Seal (UK), Sugababes (UK), Scissor Sisters (US), John Legend (US), Juanes (CO), Corinne Bailey Rae (UK), Tom Odell (UK), Imelda May (IE), En Vogue (US), Kenny Barron (US), The Brand New Heavies (UK), Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers (US), Kiefer (US), Fred Hersch Trio (US) and Say She She (US). Finnish acts include Kaisa's Machine, Aili Ikonen, Kaisa's Machine, Helmi Antila Quartet, Pratt & Moody, Ricky Tick Big Band, and Saimaa.

Sastamala Gregoriana 15–19 July

Sastamala Gregoriana is the leading early music festival in Finland. Organised annually since 1996, it brings medieval, renaissance and baroque music to the old lakeside churches and historic venues of Sastamala. The 2026 anniversary edition is titled Tears and Joy – Affects in Music, exploring emotional expression in early music: sorrow, joy, longing, ecstasy and the symbolic language of musical keys. Internationally renowned violinist Anthony Marini (US) begins his term as Artistic Director with this 30th season.

Ilosaarirock 17–19 July

Ilosaarirock festival is held at Laulurinne in Joensuu, a beautiful lakeside venue just a short walk from the city centre. Founded in 1971, the long-running festival remains a favourite among Finnish music lovers. In 2026, the nearly complete programme includes international acts such as Architects (UK), Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter (UK), Mayhem (NO), Sub Focus (uk), Florence Road (IE), Unpeople (UK) and Alt Blk Era (UK), alongside a strong domestic selection including Käärijä, Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen, Beast In Black, Hokka, Ricky Tick Big Band, Charon, Erika Vikman, Auri, Lost Society, Modem, Vilma Jää, Isac Elliot, and many more.

Korsholm Music Festival 22–29 July

Korsholm Music Festival brings classical music, chamber music and cross-genre concerts to the Vaasa and Korsholm region on the west coast of Finland. The festival’s venues range from churches and museums to atmospheric archipelago spaces, and the 2026 edition once again gathers Nordic and international artists for a late-July concert series. Highlights include the opening concert From the New World, the gala concert Four Seasons & NOX and the final concert Romeo and Juliet, while masterclasses remain a central part of the festival’s international profile.

Kuopiorock 23–25 July

Sometimes called the sunniest festival in Finland, Kuopiorock brings a broad rock and metal programme to Väinölänniemi in Kuopio. The 2026 line-up includes international names W.A.S.P. (US) and Danko Jones (CA) alongside a large Finnish bill featuring Eppu Normaali, Amorphis, The 69 Eyes, Käärijä, Lordi, Charon, Turmion Kätilöt, Tarot, Von Hertzen Brothers, Negative, and many more.

Raahe Jazz on the Beach Festival 23–25 July

Raahe Jazz on the Beach Festival, with over three decades of history, is an intimate and modern outdoor jazz festival in the idyllic old wooden seaside town of Raahe in Northern Finland. The 37th edition gathers audiences and artists by the sea from 23 to 25 July 2026, and the festival is also part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme. The programme contains artists like Heli Hartikainen, Mikko Innanen & Linda Fredriksson, Antti Lötjönen, Aki Rissanen, Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble and much more!

Fiskars Summer Festival 24 July–1 August

Fiskars Summer Festival returns to the historic ironworks village of Fiskars under the artistic direction of Jukka-Pekka Saraste. At its core are an international conducting masterclass and mentoring programme for young instrumentalists, complemented by chamber music and orchestral concerts in the village’s unique artistic surroundings. The 2026 edition culminates in a final concert at the Threshing House of Fiskars, with the Fiskars Festival Orchestra again at the centre of the festival’s orchestral programme

Lieksa Brass Week 24 July–1 August

Boasting its status as the biggest brass festival in the Nordics, Lieksa Brass Week returns for its 45th edition in 2026. One of the world’s major brass music festivals, it combines a classical concert series, music courses, open-air performances and an international competition. The 2026 instrumental focus is the trombone, with the 5th International Lieksa Brass Week Trombone Competition taking place alongside the festival, and concerts ranging from the traditional masters’ evening to performances by leading brass artists such as Marco Pierobon.

Qstock 24–25 July

Northern Finland’s biggest music festival, Qstock, once again takes over the Kuusisaari and Raatti areas in Oulu. The two-day festival gathers a broad line-up of Finnish pop, rock, rap, indie and metal names, and in 2026 it is especially visible as part of the Oulu cultural summer. Among the artists announced are international acts like Rita Ora (UK), Marshmello (US), Grinn (UK), 1991 (UK), Ava Joe (UK), with locals such as Auri, Stam1na, Radiopuhelimet, Lordi, Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen, Havukruunu, Charon, and Hokka, while the Oulu2026 Stage brings forward northern and regional new talent, including Lydian, Ravggon, Tempera, Naike and many more.

Watch the aftermovie for Qstock 2024.

Our Festival 28 July–3 August

Our Festival (Meidän Festivaali) is renowned for its fresh approach to the arts and its crossover events. Taking place around Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää and Tuusula, the festival offers intimate chamber music experiences in historic landscapes, with an unconventional, multi-artistic and intellectually curious programme. The 2026 edition runs from 25 to 30 July and continues the festival’s tradition of combining chamber music with wider artistic and social themes.

Mänttä Music Festival 28 July–1 August

Mänttä Music Festival is an international meeting point for friends of piano music, promising world-class piano recitals surrounded by art and nature. Held at Serlachius in Mänttä, the 2026 festival puts youthful energy in a major role, with several up-and-coming young pianists appearing alongside established masters. The programme includes Mariam Batsashvili (GE), Lucas Debargue (FR), Samuel Eriksson (SE) and the Festival Young Artists concert, which introduces tomorrow’s stars from the Youth Piano Academy and the Sibelius Academy’s Junior Department. Artistic Director Niklas Pokki continues to shape the festival’s distinctive piano-focused profile.

SaltFest 30 July–2 August

SaltFest returns to the south-coastal town of Loviisa with a diverse programme spanning jazz, indie, punk, experimental music, folk and genre-crossing surprises. The 2026 festival opens at Loviisa Church with Vilma Jää, followed by Häivä at Saltbodan. The wider line-up includes the likes of Vasas Flora och Fauna, Rosettes, Jimi Tenor Band, Pelkkä Poutanen, Bob Malmström, Modem, Ondi, Piirpauke, Jori Hulkkonen, Mikko Antila Sinetti, and many more, continuing SaltFest’s role as a warm, adventurous and lovingly curated small-town festival.

Baltic Metal Storm 31 July–1 August

Baltic Metal Storm is a brand-new metal and rock festival set to take over the historic Linnanpuisto, in the surroundings of Turku Castle in Turku. Organized by United Festivals Oy, the event is expected to attract a large crowd of fans of heavier music from Finland and abroad. The inaugural edition of Baltic Metal Storm will feature an impressive lineup of renowned artists and rising names from the metal and rock scene. Friday’s programme includes Stratovarius, Beast In Black, The 69 Eyes, Tarot, Michael Monroe and Wolfram, Stam1na, Marko Hietala, Lost Society, Nestor (SE), Black Sun (ECU/FIN), Arion and Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus.

Weekend Festival 31 July–1 August

Finland’s best-known EDM festival Weekend returns to Vermo Areena in Espoo with its 2026 “System Green Edition”. The two-day festival once again fills its stages with big international and domestic names in dance music, from mainstream EDM and trance to hardstyle and harder club sounds. This year’s line-up includes Martin Garrix (NL), Timmy Trumpet (AU), Bassjackers (NL), Coone (BE), D-Block & S-Te-Fan (NL), Dikke Baap (NL), Holy Priest (DE), Lil Texas (US), Pendulum (AU), R3HAB (NL), Salvatore Ganacci (SE), Sound Rush b2b Wildstylez (NL), Tungevaag (NO), and Finland's very own Darude!

Watch the aftermovie for Weekend Festival 2024.

Mikkeli Music Festival 31 July–7 August

Mikkeli Music Festival brings high-quality international classical music to the Saimaa lake region, with concerts at Mikaeli Concert Hall, Mikkeli’s churches and other venues. The 2026 edition opens with Tango Buenos Aires and continues with chamber music, orchestral concerts and vocal programmes. The Philharmonia Orchestra’s annual visit remains a major highlight, with a programme including Sibelius’s Finlandia and Symphony No. 2, Gabriela Montero’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Strauss’s Four Last Songs, Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World and Saint-Saëns’s “Organ” Symphony.

August

Turku Music Festival 1–21 August

The Turku Music Festival is Finland’s oldest continuously running music festival, having been founded by the Musical Society in Turku in 1960. Under Artistic Director Lauri Porra, the festival has evolved into a diverse urban event with orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, opera, jazz, contemporary music, children’s events and concerts in historic halls and archipelago settings. The 2026 programme includes Terry Riley & Claire Chase’s The Holy Liftoff, Claire Chase’s Density 2036, Jukka-Pekka Saraste & Karen Cargill’s LEAD! and other concerts that bring together major international performers, Finnish artists and the festival’s broad-minded city-festival spirit.

Hellsinki Metal Festival 7–8 August

Founded in 2023, Hellsinki Metal Festival has quickly established itself among Finland’s leading heavy music events. Held once again at the Nordis area by Helsinki Ice Hall, the 2026 edition mixes classic heavy names, extreme metal, modern heaviness and Finnish talent.

The line-up includes Black Label Society (US), Opeth (SE), Accept (DE), Paradise Lost (UK), Carcass (UK), Bloodbath (SE), Ill Nino (US), Cryptopsy (CA), Unleashed (SE), Eluveitie (CH), Carpenter Brut (FR), Kublai Khan TX (US), Blackbraid (US), along with a long sleuth of Finnish counterparts, such as Omnium Gatherum, Horizon Ignited, Assemble the Chariots, Cyan Kicks, Brymir, and many more, with three stages filling the two-day open-air festival.

Watch the aftermovie for Hellsinki Metal Festival 2024.

BRQ Vantaa Festival 7–13 August

The old parish church of St Lawrence and its historical surroundings are at the heart of the unique BRQ Vantaa Festival, which showcases early music and period instruments while also including musical works from other eras. The 2026 theme is War and Love, promising great emotions, historical stories and the magic of early music. Concerts take place in the medieval Church of St Lawrence, Tikkurila Church and other Vantaa venues, with a programme ranging from chamber music and recitals to family-friendly concerts such as The Adventures of Don Quixote.

Saarihelvetti 14–15 August

Experience the heaviest and darkest metal music imaginable while surrounded by the beautiful Lake Pyhäjärvi: this is what Saarihelvetti, or “island hell”, offers on Viikinsaari island in Tampere. The 2026 edition again combines a convincing metal line-up with the festival’s unique boat-trip setting and extra programme. Performers include Abbath (NO), Kataklysm (CA), Borknagar (NO), Gutalax (CZ), Ensiferum, Havukruunu, Wolfheart, Omnium Gatherum, Kalmah, Turmion Kätilöt, Whispered, Assemble the Chariots, Ikinä, Omnivortex and Rytmihäiriö, alongside hellishly themed side events from heavy karaoke to meet & greets.

Watch the aftermovie for Saarihelvetti 2024.

Flow Festival 14–16 August

One of Finland’s best known festivals internationally, Flow Festival provides music from pop and rock music mainstays to newcomers in genres ranging from r&b to indie, techno, jazz, hip hop and experimental music. All this is in an old industrial site with

, along with a range of tasteful menus from different restaurants – and what's best, it's right in the midst of Helsinki. One of Finland’s best-known festivals internationally, Flow Festival once again takes over the old industrial area of Suvilahti in Helsinki. The festival is known for its carefully curated mix of pop, indie, electronic music, hip hop, jazz, experimental sounds, visual art, talks, food all served with exquisite light design and decorations. The 2026 programme includes international acts such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (AU), Zara Larsson (SE), Geese (US), Turnstile (US), Florence + The Machine (UK), Oklou (FR), Cabaret Voltaire (UK), The Congos (JA), Clipse (US), Arthur Verocai with AUKSO Orchestra (BR/PL), Sombr (US), Honey Dijon (US), Nu Genea Live Band (IT), Lykke Li (SE), DJ Koze (DE), Ash Lauryn (US), Kettama (IE) and Ben UFO (UK), as well as a wide selection of local greats like Pearly Drops, Malla, Jimi Tenor Band, Louie Blue, Rosettes, Eero Koivistoinen Quartet, Jukka Eskola & Teppo Mäkynen Drum’n’Brass and loads more.

Watch the aftermovie for Flow Festival 2024.

Helsinki Festival 14–31 August

Helsinki Festival is a major arts festival with a programme covering music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film, talks and city-wide happenings. The 2026 edition features Rufus Wainwright’s (US) Dream Requiem and the Czech Philharmonic among its headline classical events, while the wider music programme includes Rufus Wainwright solo, Carminho (PT), Katie Melua (UK), Angélique Kidjo (BJ), Tuuletar, Värttinä, Maija Vilkkumaa, Ricky-Tick Big Band and many other concerts and cross-disciplinary events. As always, the festival spreads across Helsinki, bringing both international names and domestic favourites to concert halls, clubs, theatres and public spaces.

Watch the aftermovie for Helsinki Festival 2024.

Ijahis Idja 14–15 August

Ijahis Idja is the most important gathering and meeting point for Sámi music in Finland. Organised in Inari village since 2004, the festival is Finland’s only event focusing specifically on Sámi music, while also inviting performers from other Indigenous backgrounds. Held in and around the Sajos Sámi Cultural Centre, the 2026 edition continues to present music, culture, community events and encounters in the heart of Sápmi. Jon Henrik Fjällgren has been announced as one of the highlights for 2026.

Kyröfest 21–22 August

Kyröfest, held at Kyrö Distillery Company in Isokyrö, is promised to be a yard party gone big and mad – or perhaps a village fiesta that brings people together. In 2026, the distillery festival expands into two days, with a programme built around some of Finland’s most interesting pop, indie, rap and alternative names. The line-up includes Karri Koira, Aaro630, Yona, Figaro and Stepa on Friday, followed by Malla, Windows95man, Rättö ja Lehtisalo, Saimaa and others on Saturday.

Watch the aftermovie for Kyröfest 2024.

Blockfest 21–22 August

Blockfest is the biggest hip hop festival in the Nordic countries, and since 2008 it has brought countless international rap stars and Finnish favourites to Tampere. The 2026 edition takes place at Ratina, with the already announced names including Future (US), Tyga (US), Rae Sremmurd (US), Yeat (US) and 2hollis (US), alongside a strong domestic pop and rap selection.

Watch the aftermovie for Blockfest 2023.

Festivaali 21–22 August

The music festival simply named “festival” – Festivaali in Finnish – returns to the beautiful lake scenery of Pyynikki in Tampere. Held around Pyynikki Summer Theatre, the event celebrates the biggest and brightest names in domestic alternative, indie and mainstream pop in a relaxed late-summer setting. The 2026 programme includes names such as Maustetytöt, Asla Jo, Ege Zulu, J. Karjalainen, Olavi Uusivirta, and Vesta, continuing the festival’s focus on warmly curated Finnish pop and indie music in one of Tampere’s most scenic festival locations.

Helsinki Contemporary Opera Festival 27 August–6 September

Helsinki Contemporary Opera Festival returns to the Alexander Theatre in the heart of Helsinki, bringing together current productions by freelance opera and music-theatre groups. The festival, also known in Finnish as Helsingin oopperakesä, focuses on new chamber opera, musical theatre and international collaboration, offering a broad review of contemporary creators and their works. Artistic Director Reetta Ristimäki leads the festival on behalf of Greta Productions, and the event aims to make new opera approachable with compact performances, affordable tickets and the intimate setting of Helsinki’s historic opera house.