Welcome to the 37th Haapavesi Folk Music Festival, June 25-27, 2026!
Experience the enchanting magic of midsummer nights, acoustic rhythms, and unforgettable cross-cultural encounters at the Haapavesi Folk Music Festival, held from June 25th to June 27th, 2026. Celebrating its 37th edition, this year’s festival holds a special significance as an official part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme. Featured in the Best festivals in Europe line, Haapavesi Folk proudly culminates two years of preparation to bring an exceptional European atmosphere to the heart of Northern Ostrobothnia, showcasing collaboration that beautifully transcends national borders.
A Powerful Mix of Local Roots and Global Sounds
The 2026 lineup seamlessly blends international pioneers with local Northern Ostrobothnian talent, proving that traditional roots deserve their place on the global stage. Audiences will get to experience regional highlights like Nope, the nature-inspired jazz of Piip, and Haapavesi’s own Ryyppymäki String Band, who will also accompany the historic Haapavesi purppuri folk dance by the Sarastus group.
These local gems share the spotlight with prestigious domestic and international names. The stages will feature Finnish icons like Antti Paalanen, Päivi Hirvonen, Sari Kaasinen, and Anne-Mari Kivimäki. Meanwhile, the international selection offers a rich musical tapestry, including the Ukrainian group HrayBery, the rising Danish-Belgian-Finnish Alterne trio, the Bosnian sevdah group Divanhana, the Finnish-Swedish trio Nordik Tree, and the Slovakian Zuzana Homolová Trio.
These local gems share the spotlight with prestigious domestic and international names. The stages will feature Finnish icons like Antti Paalanen, Päivi Hirvonen, Sari Kaasinen, and Anne-Mari Kivimäki. Meanwhile, the international selection offers a rich musical tapestry, including the Ukrainian group HrayBery, the rising Danish-Belgian-Finnish Alterne trio, the Bosnian sevdah group Divanhana, the Finnish-Swedish trio Nordik Tree, and the Slovakian Zuzana Homolová Trio.
Welcoming the Next Generation & Families
A fresh focus for this year is the conscious celebration of the festival's growing young audience. Alongside its traditional folk roots, the festival has expanded its musical boundaries to include artists that resonate with younger crowds—complemented by a new, more affordable youth ticket. Leading this charge are indie favorites Arppa, Lyyti, and helmi marleena, alongside the household pop-rock icon Anssi Kela.
Haapavesi Folk remains a deeply family-friendly celebration. True to tradition, the festival park offers free admission on Friday afternoon for local regional performances. Furthermore, a dedicated Children’s Day will feature beloved acts Mimmit, Henxelit, and DJPJP, ensuring that the joy of music spans across all generations.
Haapavesi Folk remains a deeply family-friendly celebration. True to tradition, the festival park offers free admission on Friday afternoon for local regional performances. Furthermore, a dedicated Children’s Day will feature beloved acts Mimmit, Henxelit, and DJPJP, ensuring that the joy of music spans across all generations.
Deep Traditions and Shared Perspectives
In addition to the Folk Park stages, the festival features a high-quality concert series in the local church. Thursday features the traditional Kesääni (Sound of Summer) concert, followed on Friday evening by the highly anticipated concert by the Haapavesi Chamber Orchestra featuring magnificent guest artists. On Saturday, the church program concludes with Pohjolan soiva aarreaitta (The Musical Treasury of the North)—a spectacular showcase of regional fiddle traditions performed together by a fiddle band and the Haapavesi Chamber Orchestra.
Guests can also dive into unique lecture-concerts exploring throat singing, bagpipe history, and Bosnian sevdah traditions, or join the international FolkAreena panel discussion, where festival directors from Finland, Serbia, and Slovakia discuss the reality and dreams of running folk and world music festivals in a modern environment.
Running alongside the main event is the legendary Haapavesi Folk Course (June 22–26), celebrating its 39th year of bringing together hundreds of students and top-tier international instructors.
Whether you are a lifelong folk enthusiast or a traveler looking for an authentic slice of Finnish summer culture under the midnight sun, Haapavesi Folk Music Festival 2026 welcomes you with open arms. Come for the music, and stay for the unforgettable atmosphere!
Guests can also dive into unique lecture-concerts exploring throat singing, bagpipe history, and Bosnian sevdah traditions, or join the international FolkAreena panel discussion, where festival directors from Finland, Serbia, and Slovakia discuss the reality and dreams of running folk and world music festivals in a modern environment.
Running alongside the main event is the legendary Haapavesi Folk Course (June 22–26), celebrating its 39th year of bringing together hundreds of students and top-tier international instructors.
Whether you are a lifelong folk enthusiast or a traveler looking for an authentic slice of Finnish summer culture under the midnight sun, Haapavesi Folk Music Festival 2026 welcomes you with open arms. Come for the music, and stay for the unforgettable atmosphere!
