Finland, renowned for its multitude of metal bands and passionate rock music aficionados, boasts a festival scene that rivals any in the world. From the raw energy of rock to the thunderous roar of metal, and even the soulful strains of blues, Finland’s festival calendar has something to offer for every discerning ear.
Welcome to our guide of the finest European rock and metal festivals, Finland edition. It’s time to uncover your next festival destination and add another epic experience to your rock festival bucket list! ⚡
Grand Blues Festival
When: April 15th
Where: Lahti
Genres: Blues
The Grand Blues Festival may span just a single day, but this event promises an unforgettable experience steeped in the rich tradition of Scandinavian blues. Headlining at the renowned Möysän Musaklubi, you’ll have the opportunity to witness blues music legends in action, delivering performances that will stir your spirit and ignite your passion for the genre. Conveniently located within easy reach of the capital city Helsinki, there’s no excuse to miss out on this blues-infused celebration.
Read more about Grand Blues Festival
Nummirock
When: June 19th-21st
Where: Kauhajoki
Genres: Metal
Midsummer holds a special place in the hearts of every Finn, and when it comes to celebrating amidst the enchanting Finnish forests, Nummirock stands out as the ultimate midsummer bash for metalheads. Picture this: surrounded by lush greenery, the air filled with the thunderous sound of metal music—could it get any more Finnish?
The atmosphere at Nummirock is simply unbeatable, pulsating with the raw energy of metal enthusiasts coming together to revel in their shared passion. And rest assured, the lineup of artists never fails to deliver, ensuring that fans of pure metal are left nothing short of electrified.
Provinssi
When: June 27-29th
Where: Seinäjoki
Genres: Rock, alternative, pop, indie
When the Finnish summer reaches its zenith, Provinssi emerges as a beacon of musical brilliance in Western Finland. Established in 1979, this festival has evolved into a legendary event, drawing famous artists and loyal attendees year after year.
Today, Provinssi stands tall as one of Northern Europe’s largest and most traditional music festivals. While its roots lie in rock ‘n roll, the festival has embraced a diverse range of genres in recent years. Nevertheless, the spirit of rock and metal still thrives here, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere throughout the three days of festival celebrations.
And Provinssi isn’t just about the music—it’s also about the vibrant community where the festivities spill over into the camping grounds, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and jubilation that’s simply irresistible and worth experiencing.
Rockfest
When: TBA
Where: Hyvinkää
Genres: Rock, metal, alternative
Rockfest is a relative newcomer to the festival scene, making its debut in 2017. Yet, in its short existence, Rockfest has swiftly risen to claim the title of the biggest rock festival in Finland, capturing the hearts of all who revel in the unadulterated essence of rock. At Rockfest, you can get lost in the quintessential rock ‘n’ roll festival ambiance where legendary artists and beloved Finnish favorites take the stage to deliver dynamic performances that will leave you craving more.
Tuska
When: June 28-30th
Where: Helsinki
Genres: Metal, rock
From its humble beginnings as a modest 2-day gathering in 1998 at the iconic Tavastia Club, Tuska has blossomed into the titan of metal festivals in Northern Europe. Held over three fiery days in Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, Tuska boasts an eclectic lineup that caters to every metal enthusiast, featuring both international stars and beloved Finnish acts.
What truly sets Tuska apart is its unique venue—an urban industrial and cultural center nestled alongside the trendy districts of Sörnäinen and Kallio. Here, amidst the beating heart of Helsinki’s metal scene, Tuska not only delights your ears with its thunderous music but also immerses you in the coolest corners of the city’s alternative culture. This festival is the go-to destination in Finland for every fan of heavier tunes!
Hässäkkä-päivät
When: July 5-6th
Where: Oulu
Genres: Punk, hardcore, alternative
Hässäkkä-päivät is a vibrant DIY punk and hardcore festival arranged in the northern city of Oulu. Here’s your golden opportunity to enjoy the largest punk and alternative music festival in Northern Finland.
Featuring a dynamic lineup of both Finnish and international bands, along with festival-related pre-party and after-party clubs, Hässäkkä-päivät promises a complete alternative music experience. It’s not just about the music—it’s also a fantastic reason to journey to the North and soak in the magic of Finland’s luminous summer nights, all while enjoying explosive music performances.
Read more about Hässäkkä-päivät
Puistoblues
When: July 6th
Where: Järvenpää
Genres: Blues
Since 1978, Puistoblues has been celebrated as a charming blues picnic festival nestled in a park. But don’t be deceived by its cozy image; this festival is renowned for attracting some of the biggest names in blues music, ensuring an impressive experience for blues enthusiasts.
Puistoblues spans five days of festivities, culminating in the main concert held on Saturday, July 6th. Moreover, the infectious blues rhythms will reverberate through popular clubs and the bustling Blues Street district in downtown throughout the week-long celebration.
Metallivuori
When: July 12-13th
Where: Turku
Genres: Metal
In the picturesque city of Turku, surrounded by nature’s embrace next to the sea, park, and forest, the fourth edition of Metallivuori awaits in 2024. True to its name, Metallivuori promises an exciting showcase of metal in all its diverse forms.
This festival is not only an opportunity to revel in the thunderous sounds of metal but also a chance to discover and appreciate the immense talent within the Finnish metal scene. From renowned artists to rising stars, Metallivuori offers a platform for both established acts and promising newcomers to shine. So, don’t miss your chance to experience the raw power and passion of Finnish metal at Metallivuori!
John Smith Festival
When: July 18-20th
Where: Laukaa
Genres: Rock, metal
John Smith is a rock festival situated in the small town of Laukaa, Finland, since 2016. This festival proudly boasts the title of the best rock festival in Finland, and it’s not hard to see why. Renowned for its impeccable organization, vibrant atmosphere, and stellar lineup of rock and metal artists, John Smith promises a memorable experience for festival-goers.
Read more about John Smith Festival
Kuopiorock
When: July 25-27th
Where: Kuopio
Genres: Rock, metal
Kuopiorock is the rock festival that sets the city of Kuopio in Eastern Finland ablaze with the sounds of over 40 rock artists. Dedicated exclusively to rock music, this festival is a haven for rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts, boasting a dynamic lineup of both international and Finnish artists.
Jytäkesä Go-Go
When: July 26-27th
Where: Helsinki
Genres: Indie, rock, pop
Jytäkesä Go-Go is a true haven for alternative music enthusiasts eager to discover the coolest and most intriguing Finnish bands, especially within the indie genres. With international guests joining the lineup alongside Finnish alternative music heroes, this festival offers a diverse and fierce experience. Conveniently situated in the middle of Helsinki’s trendiest area, Jytäkesä Go-Go provides the perfect setting for indie lovers to immerse themselves in a world of unique sounds and vibrant energy.
Read more about Jytäkesä Go-Go
Puntala Rock
When: July 26-27th
Where: Lempäälä
Genres: Punk
Puntala Rock is the ultimate destination for punk rock enthusiasts. Making its debut in 1982, this festival has been a beacon of punk rock energy in Finland. After a brief hiatus in the 1990s, Puntala Rock returned with a vengeance in the 2000s, reclaiming its title as the biggest punk rock festival in Finland.
Featuring a lineup dominated by Finnish punk acts with a sprinkling of international additions, Puntala Rock promises an exhilarating experience like no other. The legendary camping atmosphere adds to the festival’s allure, so pack your tents and battle jackets as you prepare for an extraordinary journey to Lempäälä! What’s more, Puntala Rock welcomes punk fans of all ages, ensuring that even the tiniest rebels can join in the festivities.
Saarihelvetti
When: August 2nd-2rd
Where: Tampere
Genres: Metal
In 2024, Saarihelvetti marks its monumental 10th year anniversary. Set against the backdrop of Tampere, one of Finland’s rock ‘n’ roll capitals, this festival is conveniently accessible from anywhere in the country. For those who revel in heavier sounds, Saarihelvetti is an absolute must-attend. What sets this festival apart is its unique location—true to its name, this metal extravaganza takes place on an island, just a 20-minute boat trip from the center of Tampere!
Dark River Festival
When: August 8-10th
Where: Kotka
Genres: Metal, rock
Year after year, this smaller yet mighty metal festival continues to shatter records with its growing number of visitors. Located in the charming seaside town of Kotka in Southern Finland, Dark River Festival has become a favorite among metal fans, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide.
Described as the most alternative and unique festival in its category, Dark River Festival offers an intimate and captivating experience surrounded by nature, true to Finnish style. With a lineup featuring both Finnish and international metal acts, Dark River Festival promises a special experience for all who seek the raw energy of metal.
Read more about Dark River Festival
Punk ja Yäk Festival
When: August 9-10th
Where: Turku
Genres: Punk
Punk ja Yäk Festival is a rising star among punk rock festivals in Finland. Making its debut in 2023, this newcomer has already left a lasting impression, and by popular demand, the festival saga is set to continue! With its inaugural year nearly sold out, Punk ja Yäk Festival garnered praise for its unique setting, capturing the hearts of both attendees and media.Attend this vibrant punk gathering to experience a blend of new and old Finnish punk bands and be part of an exciting new chapter in the world of Finnish punk rock festivals.
Read more about Punk ja Yäk Festival
Hellsinki Metal Festival
When: August 9-10th
Where: Helsinki
Genres: Metal
If you’re passionate about metal music, the Helsinki Metal Festival is tailor-made for you. Despite its recent debut in 2023, this event is already making waves and is a must-attend for any metal enthusiast visiting Helsinki.
Over the course of two exhilarating days, Helsinki Metal Fest showcases a lineup dominated by international metal bands, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees. During the festival, be sure to explore the Brutal Bazaar Expo area, where you can admire the craftsmanship of artisans as they bring their dark visions to life, infused with the spirit of metal.
Read more about Hellsinki Metal Festival
Rauma Blues
When: August 15-17th
Where: Rauma
Genres: Blues
Rauma Blues is an annual blues spectacle on the picturesque west coast of Finland. Since its inception in 1986, this festival has been a go-to destination for blues enthusiasts, promising three days of soul-stirring music and thrilling blues msic experiences throughout the city. As the festival reaches its crescendo, the main stage of the traditional blues tent in the center of Rauma will come alive with performances by top blues musicians from the US, Europe, and Finland alike.
John Smith Rock Frozen
When: TBA
Where: Jyväskylä
Genres: Rock, metal
Escape the winter chill and warm yourself up with heavy tunes from both Finnish and international bands in the heart of the Finnish town of Jyväskylä. John Smith Rock Frozen is the winter edition of the beloved John Smith Rock Festival and one of the few winter rock festivals in Finland, if not the only one. This 2-day rock festival festivity proudly declares itself as the most rocking little Xmas party in the country.
Read more about John Smith Rock Frozen
Spread the festival love with your rockin’ crew! Share this awesome lineup of metal and rock festivals in Finland with your festival buddies. ⚡
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