Everyone can participate in the festival!
At the Kaustinen Festival music or dance is not only a performative act but it underlines participatory approach by offering the audience opportunities in joining the music-making and dancing.
- Master folk singer Jussi Asu
The 59th Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will be held on 13.-19.7.2026.
The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival serves a hand-picked diverse sample of Finnish Folk Music and Folk Dance, as well as an annual program presenting international ensembles and traditions.
The artists at the festival vary from traditional Finnish solo performers to contemporary folk bands and international acts. The programme includes folkdance, some Finnish popular artists, children´s music, multi-artistic performances besed on folklore and participatory acts. The festival plays a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of various fields of heritage from different regions of Finland and all over the world. The Festival has a unique family-friendly and cozy atmosphere, which is worth experiencing.
The 2026 festival theme,"Traditions in Our Hands",celebrates the living traditions of making by hand: craftsmanship, instrument making, costume making and creative upcycling—everything through which tradition is passed from one maker to another through practical skills and hands-on work.With this theme, we celebrate craftspeople, makers and skilled artisans. It makes tradition visible, tangible and shareable, helping to preserve it for future generations.
The regional theme for 2026 is Northern Ostrobothnia.
Theme of the Folk Music and Folk Dance Promotion Centre 2026 " Strength from the Roots show also in the programme.
Welcome to Kaustinen – just as you are!
Equality and inclusion matter to us. Let’s create a safe and welcoming festival together – by being kind, respectful, and looking out for one another. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind.
We follow the Safer Space principles at the festival – please, read more on the Safer Kaustinen page.
Pelimanni performers
Soittajat, tanssijat ja laulajat ovat Kaustisen festivaalin sydän.
Lue alta tärkeimmät ohjeistukset festivaaleille saapumisesta, majoituksesta ja esiintymisestä. Huomaa erityisesti:
- Esiintyjärannekkeiden nouto Esiintyjävastaanotosta (Musiikkilukio)
- Ennalta varattuun pelimannimajoitukseen ilmoittautuminen Majoitusvastaanotossa (Musiikkilukio)
- Esiintymisaikataulujen tarkistus https://kaustinen.net/esiintyjat-2026/
- Julkisilla saapuminen festivaaleille
- Soitinnarikka ja uusi Puvunvaihtoteltta
Huomaa, että festivaalitoimistot sulkeutuvat pääosin jo kello 21 (Soitinnarikka klo 02). Jos saavut myöhään illalla, ilmoita tästä mahdollisuuksiesi mukaan hyvissä ajoin Esiintyjävastaanottoon sekä Majoitustoimistoon.
Performer Info
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Pelimannit - Pelimann Search
Pelimanni performers; musicians, singers and dancers are the heart of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. Warmly welcome to the 58th festival 7th to 13th of July 2025.
The festival is committed to the Safer Place policy. For more information, visit kaustinen.net/info.
The call for Pelimanni performers for the 2025 festival has closed.
Application timetable for Pelimanni performers
- The call for Pelimanni performers has closed 31st of January at 5 pm.
- The invoice of the processing fee will be sent via email to the group’s contact person in January, but no later than February 8th. (No invoice for international groups).
- The application will be rejected if the invoice is not paid by the due date (14th of February).
- If the group is not selected as an official festival performer, the fee will be refunded.
- Details of the group members must be provided at the beginning of the year. Instructions will be sent to the contact person.
- The contact person will know in April if the group is being accepted to perform at the festival. It is the responsibility of the contact person to pass on the information to their group.
- The details of the dates and times of performances will be sent to the contact person of the accepted groups in May - June.
- If your application is missing an audio sample or video link, please send it to us as soon as possible to email above, pelimannit@kaustinen.net.NOTE! Please, upload the video on YouTube and add the link to this form (will not be published). Audio and /or video samples will speed up the approval process and help with the possible placement of the performances. speed up the application process and facilitate the possible scheduling of appearances.Booking for Pelimanni accommodation will open during the spring. We will share more information via the Pelimanni newsletter and on our website.
Group Registration Fee:
Group registration fee covers the costs of processing and reviewing applications. Our goal is to ensure sufficient, high-quality, and successful performance opportunities for all selected artists at the upcoming festival. If your group is not selected as an official festival performer, the fee will be refunded. Applications will be canceled if the invoice is not paid by the due date.
The registration fee is based on the group size:
1–4 people: €20 / group
5–12 people: €40 / group
13–25 people: €80 / group
Over 25 people: €120 / group
There is no registration fee for international (from outside Finland) groups or groups according to a regional theme.
he home base of the regional theme group is within the regional theme area, or at least half of the program comes from the regional theme area, and the group wants to represent the region.
Performers and groups approved as an official performer will receive:
- Performer wristband which entitles entrance to the festival area and all events on all festival days.
- Free music and dance workshops, seminars and a guaranteed relaxed atmosphere with thousands of friends.
- Shared / dormitory kind accommodation for a low price
- Performer meal for discount price at the Festival restaurant.
- Free instrument storage.
More details about the conditions and benefits will be announced during the spring in the Pelimanni performers letters (Pelimannikirje).
Guestions will be answered from the festival office!
pelimannit@kaustinen.net
tel. +358 40 3582 198
Pelimanni performers
Pelimanni performers; players, dancers and singers are the heart of Kaustinen Folk Music Festival.
A Warm Welcome to the Heart of Folk Music! Join us in celebrating the joy of summer at the 59th Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, held from July 13th to 19th, 2026. Discover an unforgettable lineup of music, culture, and togetherness in the happiest days of the summer!
The festival follows the principles of a safer space. More information is available at: kaustinen.net/info.
Pelimanni t-paita - tilaa omasi 24.5. mennessä
Olemme suunnitelleet aiempien vuosien tapaan, Kaustisen kansanmusiikkijuhlien 2026 virallisiksi esiintyjiksi hyväksytyille pelimanneille, oman paidan!
Nämä ainutlaatuiset vuoden 2026 paidat saatte itsellenne ainoastaan tilaamalla ne ennakkoon. Näitä paitoja ei myydä missään muualla, ei edes festivaaleilla!
Tilaukset ryhmän yhteyshenkilön kautta, ole siis yhteydessä oman ryhmäsi yhteyshenkilöön.

Aikuisten paidat - 25 €
Väri: viininpunainen
Saatavilla olevat koot: XS-XXXL
Lasten paidat - 25 €
Väri: viininpunainen
Koot: 3-4 v., 5-6 v., 7-8 v., 9-10 v., 11-12 v.
Huom! Roly mitoitus on tavanomaista pienempää. Tilaa siis yhtä kokoa suurempi kuin tavallisesti. Esim. Kokosi on yleensä L, tilaa nyt XL.
Kokotaulukko

Pelimanni Performer Application is Open 12 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
Warmly welcome to apply for the 59th Kaustinen Folk Music Festival!
Pelimanni performers; players, dancers and singers are the heart of Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. It is time to apply to be a performer on the happiest days of summer.
If you are performing folk music, folk dance or more modern production based on them and want to get involved in creating a unique atmosphere of a family-friendly festival and present your music to a dedicated festival audience, do not hesitate to apply!
You may apply as a performer, if you are
- a solo performer
- a band or a group (2-50 person, and if you have a bigger group, please contact the festival office)
- a choir / singing group
- a folkdance group (accompanied with live music, no recorded music)
Apply by filling out the form below:
An application form for Pelimanni performers (opens in a new window)
The application is open until Sunday 18.1.2026 at 6 pm.
Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to application-related questions during the weekend.
Please submit your application well in advance..
Thank you very much!
NOTE! This application form is meant for performers (pelimanni), who want to perform and enjoy the festival atmosphere at Kaustinen without financial compensation. Approved Pelimanni performers pay a registration fee for their participation, which confirms their place at the festival.
The Pelimanni performer application has closed – what happens next?
The Pelimanni performer application for the 2026 festival has now closed.
Warm thanks to everyone who submitted an application!
Tulevalle kesälle emme pysty ottamaan vastaan enempää hakemuksia.
The application for the 2027 festival will open in December this year – please keep an eye on this page and follow our social media channels for updates.
In the meantime, you are warmly welcome to come and enjoy an amazing programme of folk music and folk dance during the happiest days of the summer at the 59th Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, 13–19 July 2026!
The festival is committed to the Safer Place policy. For more information, visit kaustinen.net/info.
Pelimanni performer application schedule 2026
- The Pelimanni performer application closed on Sunday, 18 January 2026 at 6 pm.
- Mikäli hakemuksestanne puuttuu If your application is missing an audio or performance sample, please send the link as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, 21 January,, niin toimitattehan linkin pikimmiten, kuitenkin viimeistään ke 21.1. to pelimannit@kaustinen.net.
- Please note: Upload the sample to YouTube first and then send the link by email.
- Audio samples help speed up the application process and support possible programme scheduling.
- The invoice for the registration fee will be sent separately by email to the group’s contact person during January, and no later than 10 February . Please contact valtteri.valo@kaustinen.net if you have not yet received the invoice. Thank you!
- The due date for the registration fee is 15 February 2026.
- The application will automatically lapse if the fee is not paid by the due date (15 February).
- Performer selections will be communicated to contact persons in April–May. The contact person is responsible for sharing the information with the rest of the group.
- Names and other details of group members will be collected during the spring. Instructions will be sent to contact persons by email.
- Performance times and venues will be communicated to contact persons May-June.
Booking for Pelimanni accommodation will open during the spring. We will share more information via the Pelimanni newsletter and on our website.
Conditions and benefits for those accepted as official Pelimanni performers
- Performer wristband which entitles entrance to the festival area and all events on all festival days.
- Free music and dance workshops, seminars and a guaranteed relaxed atmosphere with thousands of friends.
- Shared / dormitory kind accommodation for a low price
- Performer meal for discount price at the Festival restaurant.
- Free instrument storage.
More details about the conditions and benefits will be announced during the spring in the Pelimanni performers letters (Pelimannikirje).
Guestions will be answered from the festival office!
pelimannit@kaustinen.net
tel. +358 40 3582 198
Key Contacts for Pelimanni Performers During the Festival
Performer Reception esiintyjavastaanotto@kaustinen.net, tel. +35840 130 4514
Accommodation Office pelimannimajoitus@kaustinen.net, tel. +35840 573 9275
Info (24h) info@kaustinen.net, tel. +35840 170 1966
First Aid tel. 040 707 9869
Office Opening Hours
Festivaalilla pelimanneja ja kaikkia juhlilla käyviä palvelee Esiintyjävastaanotto, Majoitustoimisto sekä kaksi infopistettä ja Soitinnarikka.
Performer Reception Musiikkilukiolla 12.-18.7.2026
- su 12.7. klo 12–18*
- ma 13.7.klo 9–10 ja 12–21
- ti 14.7. – la7. 9–21
*Pyydämme kaustislaisia ja lähialueella asuvia noutamaan esiintyjärannekkeet mahdollisuuksien mukaan festivaalia edeltävänä sunnuntaina 12.7.2026.

Accommodation Office Musiikkilukiolla 12.-19.7.2026
- su 12.7.klo 12–21
- ma 13.7. – la 18.7. 9–21
- su 19.7. klo 9–15

If you expect to arrive outside the opening hours, please inform the Performer Reception and the Accommodation Office in advance. Thank you!
Musiikkilukion info (24 h)
- ma 13.7. klo 12 alkaen ympäri vuorokauden
- su 19.7. klo 12 asti
Juhlapiha Information Desk (10–20)
- ti 13.7. – la 18.7. klo 10–20
Instrument Storage (Soitinnarikka) palvelee Musiikkilukiolla:
- ma 13.7. – la 18.7. klo 8–02
- su 19.7. klo 8–12
Soitinnarikka on tarkoitettu pääsääntöisesti soittimille ja esiintymisasuille. Soitinnarikan ollessa suljettuna musiikkilukion info palvelee narikkaan liittyvissä asioissa.
How to Check In and Get Your Wristband
When you arrive at the festival, please come via the Music High School (Musiikkilukio) to collect your performer wristband and sort out any accommodation matters.
Please take note of the following before your arrival:
Check-in:
- At the performer reception, you will receive your personal performer wristband and the festival programme.
- Note! Vastaanottoon saapuessa No names can be added to the group's participant list upon arrival. Any changes (such as substitute performers) must be reported to the Performers' Reception in advance by the group's contact person.
If you are unsure whether your name is on your group's participant list, please contact your group's contact person as soon as possible.
Opening hours:
- If you expect to arrive outside the opening hours, (su 12–18, ma–la 9–21) ulkopuolella, please inform the Performer Reception and the Accommodation Office in advance. esiintyjävastaanottoon puhelimitse tai sähköpostitse. Tällöin sinulle voidaan varata esiintyjäranneke haettavaksi infosta henkilöllisyystodistusta vastaan.
- If you arrive unexpectedly outside opening hours and no wristband has been reserved for you, the info staff can verify your access rights based on separate instructions and a valid ID.
Others than performers:
- Companions, family members, and helpers are warmly welcome to the festival – please note that unless a special agreement has been made in advance, they will need to cover their own entry.
- Erilliset huoltajaliput on sovittu etukäteen yhtyeiden yhteyshenkilöiden kautta.
Esiintyjävastaanoton yhteystiedot: esiintyjavastaanotto@kaustinen.net, tel. +35840 130 4514
Below is a map of the Music High School to help you find your way.

Pelimanni Performer Accommodation – arrival and instructions for guests with a booking
Arrival
- Festivaalialueelle saapuessa ilmoittaudutaan pelimannimajoitusvastaanottoon musiikkilukiolla. Vastaanotto on auki sunnuntaina 12.7. klo 12–21, ma–la klo 9–21 ja su 19.7. 9–15.
Accommodation is paid upon arrival, at which point you will also receive detailed instructions about your accommodation location. - Majoituspaikassa on vastassa majoitusvalvoja, joka ohjaa oikeaan majoitustilaan. Valvoja on tavoitettavissa ympäri vuorokauden.
Ohjeita majoittujille
- Mats, blankets and pillows are provided at the accommodation sites, and in some cases beds are also available. Please bring your own bed linen or sleeping bag. You may also bring your own mattress if you wish.
- Your assigned mattress space is available from 12 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 11 on the departure day 11.
- Peseytymistilat juhla-alueen tuntumassa ovat Shower facilities near the festival area are centrally located at the Sports Hall, where the sauna is also situated. Suihkutilat ovat auki klo 8–20 ja saunat seuraavasti: aamusauna klo 8–11 ja iltasauna klo 18–21 (aikoihin voi tulla tarkennuksia). Kauempana sijaitsevissa kohteissa on omat peseytymistilat.
- Only guests staying in the accommodation areas are allowed access – no unauthorised visitors.
- Please keep your accommodation area tidy and report any issues to the lodging supervisor.
- The Sports Hall floor is protected, but no liquids or drinks may be spilled due to the underlying flooring material.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in all accommodation facilities.
- All sites have fire safety instructions, and lodging supervisors are trained in evacuation procedures.
- A first aid station is located at the upper secondary school area, and a roaming safety team operates throughout the festival area.
- If needed, especially at more remote locations, please contact the general emergency number 112.
NOTE!
- If your accommodation needs change or are cancelled, please inform us as soon as possible.
- Please also notify us in advance if you know you will arrive outside the accommodation reception opening hours. This allows us to prepare accordingly, and the 24-hour information point at the Music High School can receive you and guide you to the correct accommodation location.
More information: https://kaustinen.net/pelimannimajoitus/
Pelimannimajoituksen yhteystiedot: pelimannimajoitus@kaustinen.net, tel. +35840 573 9275
Stage Information and Area Map
Kaustinen Folk Music Festivalilla esiintymislavoja festivaalipuistossa on 26 ja jokainen niistä on ainutlaatuinen. Kesän onnellisimmat päivät ulottuvat festivaalipuistosta kylän sydämellisiin kohtauspaikkoihin ja pelimannit pääsevät ilahduttamaan soitolla myös palvelutalon vanhuksia.
Explore the stages at kaustinen.net/lavat (opens in a new window)
A detailed map is available at: kaustinen.net/kartta (opens in a new window)
At the mercy of the weather – powered by music!
Kaustinen Folk Music Festival is above all a shared meeting place where music fills the village roads, courtyards, and stages from morning until night.
Most performance stages are located outdoors, and most of them are covered. ja pääosin lavat ovat katettuja. Varauduthan siis vaihtelevaan säähän niin pukeutumisen kuin soittimien suojaamisenkin osalta.
- Each performance stage follows a carefully planned schedule, jotta päivän ohjelma etenee sujuvasti ja jokainen esiintyjä saa oman hetkensä lavalla. Toivomme, että saavut esiintymispaikalle hyvissä ajoin ennen omaa esiintymisvuoroasi.
- In rainy weather, performances unfortunately cannot be moved indoors or to alternative stages, as there are very few substitute venues available.esiintymisiä ei valitettavasti voida siirtää sisätiloihin tai korvaaville lavoille, sillä vaihtoehtoisia esiintymispaikkoja ei juurikaan ole tarjolla. Thank you for your understanding regarding the unpredictability of the weather — sunny weather has been ordered, and we are waiting for confirmation any moment now!
- Mikäli esiintymisesi peruuntuu esimerkiksi sään vuoksi, voit tiedustella mahdollisia lisäesiintymisiä. Pyrimme järjestämään niitä resurssien mukaan, mutta emme valitettavasti voi luvata niiden järjestymistä.
Additional performance requests and contact information: pelimannit@kaustinen.net
Using Your Own Sound Equipment – IMPORTANT!
On the Kaustinen festival grounds, there are radios used by authorities as well as frequency-coordinated wireless microphones and in-ear monitors reserved for official festival use.
For this reason the use of your own wireless microphones, instrument transmitters and earphones is strictly forbidden..
You are allowed to use your own sound system in Kalliokrouvissa, Kino and Wiljami.
Please remember to set up and take down your equipment within your scheduled performance time. Let’s make sure every performer gets to start their set on time.
Thank you for your cooperation!
New! Costume Changing Tent for Performers
Sometimes there's only a moment to change into your performance outfit before taking the stage. That's why we've introduced
a new Costume Changing Tent. You'll find it behind the Lower Secondary School (Yläkoulu), under the canopy on the side facing Highway 13.
The tent is intended only for changing into your performance outfit. Please note that it is not a storage area, so belongings cannot be left there during your performance.
For help finding the tent, please ask at the Juhlapiha Info Point or the Music Upper Secondary School (Musiikkilukio) Info.
Pelimanni Performes meet over coffee & Kaustinen Massed Play, Monday 13 July – Welcome!
The festival week begins with a meeting over coffee at Mondo from 3:00–5:00 pm.
Come and see who has already arrived, meet old friends, get to know new musicians, and enjoy coffee and sweet pastries in good company!
After the coffee gathering, we continue with the traditional Kaustinen Massed Playing led by Mauno Järvelä on the hillside beside Pelimannitalo.
Haluamme toivottaa teidät tervetulleiksi soittamaan yhdessä kanssamme klo 16.30–17 Pelimannitalon rinteeseen!
Alla on lista soitettavaista kappaleista, ja nuotit löytyvät ns. Kaustisen värivihoista ja Konsta Jylhän nuottikirjasta.
Jos sinulta ei vielä löydy näitä, voit tilata omasi Kansanmusiikkiliitolta.
Finnis Folk Music Accosiation online store - here!
Joining the Kaustinen Massed Play
- Tule klo 16.15 Pelimannitalon rinteeseen soitin viritettynä.
- Tuothan kaiken tarvitsemasi mukanasi. Opettelethan kappaleet ulkoa, nuottitelineet kun eivät pysy rinteessä pystyssä.
- Neljä ensimmäistä kappaletta soitetaan kaikki yhdessä isolla porukalla, jonka jälkeen paikalliset jatkavat vielä muutaman kappaleen verran.
- Alla kappale järjestys, sävellaji ja suluissa tieto, mistä nuotti löytyvät.
Villen marssi F
Konstan parempi valssi D (Konstan nuottikirja)
Vanha jenkka G (vihreä vihko)
Tiltan polkka C (punainen vihko)
Rinnesoiton jälkeen kaustislaiset pelimannit jatkavat KPO-areenalle esiintymään avajaisjuhlaan. Voit siirtyä seuraamaan avajaisjuhlaa istumaan KPO-areenaa ympäröiville penkeille.
Kiitos, että soitat kanssamme!
Festival shuttle bus runs all week!
The festival shuttle bus takes you smoothly from your accommodation to the festival area and back – no parking stress.
Show your Pelimanni performer wristband and travel free of charge on the Kaustinen–Veteli and Nikula–Pelimannitori routes.
Travel to Kokkola costs €8 per one-way trip. kyyti maksaa 8 € / suunta.
An additional festival bus service from Kokkola to Kaustinen Pelimannitori will operate on Sunday 12 July at 16.15.
Buses from Kokkola depart from the bus station (near the railway station), and the festival bus as well as most long-distance express services also stop at the Kokkola railway station stop (about 50 metres to the right when exiting the station building onto the street side).
We recommend purchasing bus tickets in advanceso that the operator can prepare for possible extra capacity needs and ensure sufficient transport resources.
The Halsua bus route runs via Tastula and Köyhäjoki to Pelimannitori.
The trip from Halsua costs €8, matka maksaa 8 €,
but from Tastula, Vintturi and Köyhäjoki travel is free with a Pelimanni performer wristband..
Timetables and routes can be found on the website Kaustinen.net/festival-bus/
Pelimanni – Hungry?
Even the most dedicated fiddler needs to stop for a good meal now and then. A little food and coffee help keep your energy up, your performances at their best, and the journey to the next gig a happy one.
During the festival (13–18 July), fiddlers receive discounts on food and coffee by showing their Fiddlers' wristband at the following locations:
Festival Restaurant at the Primary School
Breakfast Tue-Sun 8-10.00
Hot meals Mon-Sat 11.00-20
Aamiainen pelimannirannekkeella 8,00 € (norm. 8,50 €)
Lounas pelimannirannekkeella 12,00 € (norm. 15,00 €)
Tästä pääset tutustumaan Festivaaliravintolan lounaslistaan.
From the festival arena's food street löytyy monenlaista syötävää aina pikkutunneille asti. Käyhän tutustumassa ruokakujan tarjontaan!
Marjaananville's Cafe under the glass canopy at the Upper School
Mon 19-00
Tue - Sat 9-00
Pelimannimajoitus 2026
Pelimannimajoitus - viralliseksi pelimanniksi hyväksytyt esiintyjät
- Pelkkä esiintyminen juhlilla ei valitettavasti vielä automaattisesti takaa majoituspaikkaa, joten muistathan varata majoituksen hyvissä ajoin.
Pelimannimajoituksen varauslomake on avoinna 14.6. klo 23.59 saakka.
Tästä linkistä pääset pelimannimajoitus 2026 - varauslomakkeelle.
Kaustinen Folk Music Festival järjestää tapahtuma-aikaan pelimannimajoitusta, joka toteutetaan ryhmämajoituksena saleissa, luokkatiloissa ja muissa soveltuvissa kohteissa. Majoitus on tarkoitettu pelimanneille ensisijaisesti esiintymisien välisiksi öiksi.
Muista majoituskohteista lisätietoa nettisivuillamme.
More information on Pelimanni accommodation
Performance times and venues 2026
Contact persons have received their group’s performance schedule by email, along with instructions on what to do if overlapping performances occur.
Performance times can also be found on the Performers 2026 page.
Pelimannihakemuksia tuli satakunta enemmän kuin viime vuonna, joten aikataulun yhteensovittamisen mahdollistamiseksi olemme lisänneet esiintymispaikkoja sekä -aikoja, ja samalla olemme tehneet muutoksen esiintymisten lukumäärään: esiintyjärannekkeeseen oikeuttava esiintymismäärä on tänä vuonna kaksi.
Our goal is to make it possible for every group to perform while keeping major schedule overlaps to a minimum.
Aikataulutettuja esityksiä ryhmillä on siis pääsääntöisesti kaksi tai kolme.
The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival is unique because Pelimanni musicians joyfully play in many different ensembles throughout the week — that is the very heart of the Pelimanni tradition. At the same time, this richness makes programme planning a particularly challenging puzzle, as the same talented musicians often perform in several groups on the same days.
We are doing everything we can to avoid overlaps whenever possible. If some overlaps still occur, we kindly hope that groups can discuss together whether one of the ensembles could perform once without you or another member of the group.
Thank you for helping us build a festival where music, community, and the Pelimanni spirit can flourish together.
Good to know about applying
The form is filled in with the performer's / group's details.
The performer / group of performers information on members (name, year of birth, instrument) collected separately in accordance with the instructions to be sent during the spring.
You need this information to complete the form:
- a total number of performers
- A names of all groups (applying or having applied to the festival) in which members of this group perform. Unfortunately, groups of performers registered after the closing date for applications cannot be taken into account in order to avoid overlapping performance slots.
- the dates on which the performer/group can perform at the festival
- Link to sound sample, music video or performance recording. Please, upload the video on YouTube and add the link to this form.
Performers and groups approved as an official performer will receive:
- Performer wristband which entitles entrance to the festival area and all events on all festival days.
- Free music and dance workshops, seminars and a guaranteed relaxed atmosphere with thousands of friends.
- Shared / dormitory kind accommodation for a low price
- Performer meal for discount price at the Festival restaurant.
- Free instrument storage.
More details about the conditions and benefits will be announced during the spring in the Pelimanni performers letters (Pelimannikirje).
Guestions will be answered from the festival office!
pelimannit@kaustinen.net
tel. +358 40 3582 198
Group Registration Fee
Approved Pelimanni performers pay a registration fee to confirm their participation, which secures their place at the festival.
The registration fee is a small, size-based contribution that supports the sustainable organisation of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival and helps ensure its vitality for years to come. This fee enables the festival to remain a meeting place, a learning environment, and a shared celebration where Pelimanni performers; musicians, dancers, singers and audiences can gather, learn, and pass on traditions together. If a group is not selected as an official performer, the fee will be refunded. Theme groups, international groups, and Master Folk Musicians are exempt from the fee.
After submitting the application, the group’s contact person will receive an invoice via email with a due date of February 15, 2026..
If the group is not selected as an official festival performer, the fee will be refunded.
NOTE: The application will be rejected if the invoice is not paid by the due date.
The registration fee is based on the group size:
1–4 people: €20 / group
5–12 people: €40 / group
13–25 people: €80 / group
Over 25 people: €120 / group
There is no registration fee for international (from outside Finland) groups or groups according to a regional theme.
Criteria for the Regional Theme Groups
A group applying as a regional theme group must either be based in the area of the regional theme, or at least half of its repertoire must originate from that region. The group should also be willing to represent the region as part of the festival programme.
A Kaustinen-based group must operate in the Kaustinen region, at least half of its repertoire must originate from the region’s traditional area, and the group must wish to represent the Kaustinen regional tradition.
Folk dance groups - Better divided
For Finnish Folk Dance groups
Apply for the ”Better divided” section of the programme 31.1.2025 and make it possible for your group to perform in the pulse of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. Folk dance groups that do not have their own band and are ready to jump into a collaboration with musicians can apply.
The software used to apply must be an existing piece (6-10 min), with the possibility to change and adapt the songs to suit the composition of the "Better Together" band.
Application time has ended.
More information can be found on the page kaustinen.net/jaettuna-parempi
Festival themes 2026
The 2026 festival theme "Traditions in Our Hands," highlights the traditions of making by hand: craftsmanship, instrument making, costume making and creative upcycling—everything through which tradition is passed from one maker to another through practical skills and hands-on craftsmanship.
The vitality of folk music and dance depends not only on performers and performances, but also on the skills and knowledge that enable them: the building of instruments, the making of costumes, the use of natural materials, and creative hands-on work. The theme brings visibility to these tradition bearers who often work behind the scenes.
The theme also aims to encourage people to take part in practical, hands-on activities: to make, try, explore materials, participate, and share their knowledge. In this way, the festival becomes both a stage for tradition and a living continuum — a space where everyone has the chance to take tradition into their own hands, literally.
"Traditions in Our Hands" celebrates craftspeople, makers and skilled artisans. It makes tradition visible, tangible and shareable, helping to preserve it for future generations.
The regional theme for 2026 is Northern Ostrobothnia.
Theme of the Folk Music and Folk Dance Promotion Centre 2026 " Strength from the Roots show also in the programme.
The 2026 theme invites us to return to our roots — to explore where we come from and what our own traditions can offer us. Each of us has a story that begins with our roots: the soil of our home region, the tales of our family, and the tunes and dances of our community.
Performers are encouraged to take the themes under consideration if possible, of desinsngprogramming for next summer’s celebrations.
After the Festival
Festivaalin jälkeen fiilistelemme ihania keikkamuistoja, ikimuistoisia hetkiä ja yhdessä oloa - mikä sen parempaa!
Please remember to do the following while reminiscing Teosto's presentation announcement, it takes no time at all for the authors of the songs to receive the compensation they deserve. Thank you!
This link will take you to the application form.
We also want to hear how the festival went from the players' point of view. The festival is evolving year on year, so it's vital to get first-hand information from you, the performers. The feedback survey will be sent to the contact persons after the festival to pass on and will be published on this page. Thank you already at this stage for your feedback!
Pelimanni performer feedpack 2024
A warm thank you to all the performers; dancers, musicians and singers for the happiest days of summer 2024!
We greatly appreciate your feedback and would like to hear how you thought the festival went. Please send us your feedpack by email to info@kaustinen.net by 31 August 2024.
Pelimanni t-paidat
Olemme suunnitelleet aiempien vuosien tapaan, Kaustisen kansanmusiikkijuhlien 2026 virallisiksi esiintyjiksi hyväksytyille pelimanneille, oman paidan!
Nämä ainutlaatuiset vuoden 2026 paidat saatte itsellenne ainoastaan tilaamalla ne ennakkoon. Näitä paitoja ei myydä missään muualla, ei edes festivaaleilla!
Tilatut ja maksetut paidat toimitetaan tilauksessa ilmoitettuun osoitteeseen erikseen ilmoiettavan aikataulun mukaan. Kiitos tilauksesta!

Master Folk Musicians
The Master Folk Musician, the Master Folk Singer and the Master Folk Dancer (Mestaripelimanni) is a title awarded by the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival to a person who, with his or her traditional skills, abundant repertoire or other significant merits, has promoted folk music or folk dance and promote their pursuit. The Masters have been named since 1970.
Applications for Master Folk Musicians, Dancers and Singers can be sent throughout the year. The applications can be sent to matti.hakamaki@kaustinen.fi or give a call to +358 40 574 1917.
Below you will find the registration form for Master Fiddlers appointed in previous years for this summer’s festival. We kindly ask you to complete the registration form by 31 January 2026.
Artists
The festival program is complemented by concerts completed by folk music and folk dance professionals. All festival guests and enthusiasts will be able to participate in a workshops of many professionals throughout the festival week.
Performers applying for an artist gets paid for their performance. The free-form application can be submitted either by e-mail directly to the Program Director firstname.lastname@kaustinen.net or to artists@kaustinen.net. Offers should be sent during August to December.
NOTE! We get so many artist offers that unfortunately not all posts can be answered. However, all applications will be reviewed, and each potential band or group will be contacted in person. Inriquiries can be made either by email or by phone directly from the Program Director.


