Kaustinen Folk Music Festival is preparing for its 59th folk music celebrations with an impressive lineup of Finnish and international performers. On Saturday, July 18, the main stage will feature singer-songwriter, visionary and artisan Vilma Jää. Her modern expression is deeply influenced by Karelian roots and her significant role in Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence.
Appearing at Kaustinen for the first time is the always eye-catching Finnish band Steven’s Seagulls, known worldwide for their broad instrumental arsenal. The band performs bluegrass versions of well-known hard rock and metal classics. The stage will also welcome one of indie folk’s most promising new rising stars, singer-songwriter Helmi Marleena.
International performers will once again arrive in July from all around the world. Toronto-based Moskitto Bar draws inspiration from diverse cultures, while virtuosity is brought by Norwegian violinist Johanna-Adele Jüssi’s trio. A joint concert will feature Germany’s Brunsviga Folk Orchestra and Denmark’s Trolska Polska, whose collaboration began nearly ten years ago at the Kaustinen festival. Canada’s energetic young fiddlers, the North Shore Celtic Ensemble, will join the hundreds-strong Näppärit youth fiddlers.
Celebrating 30 years are South Ostrobothnian polka powerhouse Kiharakolmio, children’s music group Orffit, master folk singer Liisa Matveinen, and singer-violinist Tellu Turkka. The band Barlast, celebrating its 10th anniversary, combines influences from Nordic folk music, contemporary music, jazz, and art rock. Cult band Nypykät from the 1990s will also appear in Kaustinen for their final summer of performances.
Kaustinen Music High School has educated a remarkable number of musicians and actors who have found success both in Finland and internationally. Former students will gather for a large alumni concert celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary.
Application for Folk Performers Ends January 18
In 2025, approximately 700 instrumental and dance groups from 25 countries performed at the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, with total attendance exceeding 54,000 visits.
The application for folk performers for 2026 is currently open and will close earlier than usual on January 18 at 6:00 PM. According to Executive Director Valtteri Valo, more time is needed to build the festival programme and overall experience.
“We have the pleasant problem that both performers and audiences are coming in increasing numbers. In recent years, we have also seen a clear rise in young audiences. We hope this trend continues,” Valo says.
This year’s rotating regional theme focuses on Northern Ostrobothnia. With the Oulu region serving as a European Capital of Culture, Kaustinen will welcome a strong presence of performers from the area. Danceable and fresh contemporary folk music will be represented by Oulu-based band Nope.
Pelkkä Poutanen, known for throat singing and pop aesthetics, hails from Raahe. In their art, Northern Ostrobothnia is not merely a geographical starting point, but a deep current shaping humanity, music, and tradition.
The world’s northernmost flamenco will be performed by Flamenco Duo Murtola & Widenius.
Ensemble of the Year: Hilja Grönfors & Latšo Džinta
Vuoden yhtyeeksi Kaustinen on nimennyt romanimusiikin pitkäaikaisen vaikuttajan, Hilja Grönforsin ja hänen Latšo Džinta -yhtyeensä. Tämä tunnettu romanimusiikin laulaja ja vaikuttaja on taiteen akateemikko, Taideyliopiston kunniatohtori ja mestarikansanlaulaja. Yhtyeeseen kuuluvat myös Valtteri Bruun (kitara), Kiureli Sammallahti (harmonikka), Matti Pitkänen (viulu, mandoliini) ja Sara Puljula (basso).
With this selection, the festival wishes to highlight the central importance of Romani music and culture in Finnish folk music.
“Hilja Grönfors’ life’s work as a preserver, transmitter, and expert of living tradition is exceptional. The choice also strongly reflects the festival’s theme Traditions in Our Hands. We honor how she carries her tradition with dignity through skilled craftsmanship that emphasizes identity and community,” says Programme Director Anne-Mari Hakamäki.
The Traditions in Our Hands theme is also embodied by kantele player and singer Maija Kauhanen, whose art and performances feature craftsmanship in every detail. The theme is further reflected in the work of Vilma Jää and singer-songwriter Hannaeerika, whose artistry lives equally in music and in garments and jewelry made by their own hands.
Showcase Applications Open
Kaustinen Folk Music Festival once again highlights emerging and internationally oriented folk music acts through its established showcase concept. Applications for showcase artists are open until February 15. Music Finland provides selected artists with coaching in marketing, networking with international delegates, and building international contacts.
The most prestigious competition in folk music, the Konsta Jylhä Competition, will take place early in the festival week, organized by Pelimannitalo and the Folk Music Institute. Before festival week begins, the Finnish Folk Music Association’s international Ethno Finland camp for young folk musicians from around the world will be held for the sixth time.
Dance fills Kaustinen from morning until night every day. Social dancing, traditional audience dances, dance halls, and large nighttime communal dances include the massive Yökatrilli, the youth-oriented Iltavilli, and the more restrained Menuettien yö. Children’s programming in the children’s tent is provided by the festival’s own Tradilinnut group.
UNESCO intangible cultural heritage phenomena can be explored at the Living Heritage Point and in the popular sauna village. Kaustinen ICH Academy welcomes international guests to open lectures and seminars.
The region’s UNESCO-listed tradition is visible every day throughout the week, with hundreds of local musicians, dancers, and singers. Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will be held July 13–19, 2026.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INTERVIEWS:
Anne-Mari Hakamäki, Programme Director, +358 40 358 2446
Valtteri Valo, Executive Director, +358 40 358 2413