Summer is the time for festivals and boy, do we Finns love to travel around the country searching for the best lineup. Practically every weekend there is a festival or two happening somewhere, so there is no problem with the lack of selection. The dilemma most festival-goers face is the ever-rising prices of tickets, which combined with accommodation can rise closer to 200 euros. Now, for a student that is not an easy price to pay, and if you have not scheduled to go to a festival six months in advance, there’s a good chance you’re gonna have to stay at home and watch the recaps online. That is why, to save the festival summer of those of lesser means, we’ve gathered a list of affordable festivals in Finland this summer. See if any of the lineups tickle your fancy and get ready to pack your camping gear!
Montturock, June 4 (Tuusula)
Small but joyful, this 30-year-old mini-festival offers something for everyone: the legendary Kengurumeininki is there to keep the kids happy while grown-ups can enjoy performances by acts such as Happoradio, Duo Ida Paul & Kalle Lindroth, Road Crew and Antti Tuisku. The event takes place in a summer theater that lies literally in a pit (monttu). And the best part: it is completely FREE! For instructions on how to get there, see here.
Sideways 2017, June 9-10 (Helsinki)
This indie festival promotes itself not only as a music event, but also a place for great food and drink. The event takes place at the Teurastamo area, which is known for quality street food and small restaurants. Performers include names such as Disco Ensemble, Tippa-T, Kauriinmetsästäjät, DJ Shadow, Huoratron, Villa Nah and SANNI. Tickets for this delish event cost 65 euros for a 1-day ticket and 95 euros for a 2-day ticket. For more, see here.
Tahko Juhannus 2017, June 23-24 (Nilsiä)
Not everyone wants to or has the opportunity to spend juhannus aka midsummer at their summer cottage, but staying in the city is usually not an option either since all urban areas have practically turned into ghost towns. So what better way to spend your juhannus than to go on a festival! Tahko Juhannus has a very respectable lineup, consisting of SANNI, JVG, Evelina, Antti Tuisku, Apulanta and the legendary Dingo, among many others. Tickets cost 60 euros for a 1-day ticket and 95 euros for a 2-day ticket. For more information on the lineup and accommodation see here.
Jysäri Himos, July 7-8 (Pälkäne)
The stylish 90s are back and the lineup for this festival will surely take you down the memory lane! All of the most beloved 90s’ artists, such as Haddaway, Aqua, Pandora, Neon 2 and Basic Element, will make sure that this nostalgia party is beyond compare. Tickets for the festival are 53 euros for a 1-day ticket and 89 euros for a 2-day ticket. See rest of the lineup here.
Kirkkarit 2017, July 8-10 (Aitoo)
Advertised as the rock festival for the whole family, Aitoon Kirkastusjuhlat aka Kirkkarit celebrates its 135th anniversary this summer. Don’t let the religious-sounding name fool you however, for we have heard through the grapevine that if you’re looking for a wild party, this is the festival to go to. The lineup consists of names such as Robin, Nikke Ankara, Remu & Hurriganes, Popeda, Mira Luoti and Ellinoora. The price for the tickets only adds to the lure of Kirkkarit, since a 1-day ticket is only 35 euros, 2-day ticket 62 euros and 3-day ticket 80 euros (in advance). See more here.
MiljoonaRock 2017, July 13 (Tuuri)
This festival destination lets you hit two birds with one stone, because not only will you get to enjoy the festival, you can also take a tour around one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland, Tuurin Kyläkauppa. The lineup at the moment consists of some of the greatest legends of Finnish rock, such as HIM, Eppu Normaali and Kolmas Nainen. Apparently this will be a historical festival, since it will be the last ever homeland concert for HIM — if you’re a fan, you do not want to miss this! Tickets for this 1-day festival cost 50 euros. For more info see here.
Pioneerifestivaali 2017, July 14-15 (Koria)
As the above-mentioned festivals have been heavily pop-related, Pioneerifestivaali targets lovers of rock and metal music. Bands such as Sonata Arctica, Turmion Kätilöt, Klamydia, Yö (!?) and Peer Günt will keep the party people rocking and moshing. Tickets for Friday cost 38,50 euros, for Saturday 41,50 euros and for both days 62,50 euros. If you wish to participate as a volunteer, you will get not only free food and a t-shirt, but also a free day ticket to the festival! To volunteer, fill in an application here.