Authentic Events All Year Round
In North Karelia, various themes such as sports, music, art, cultural heritage, and food deserve to be highlighted through year-round events. Our region hosts nationally and internationally significant events, such as Koli Gravel Carnival, Lieksa Brass Week, Ilosaarirock Festival and the Kihaus Folk Music Festival. The Biathlon World Cup almost annually brings the sport’s brightest stars to the Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium. Explore the current event offerings in North Karelia on this page and head to where the action is!
Koli Gravel Carnival
Koli national park – 24 May 2025
Join this friendly and relaxed gravel bike event in Koli national park’s magnificent scenery. Choose a distance from 40km, 90km or 150 km.
Picture: Christer Ådahl
Kihaus folk festival
Rääkkylä – 27-29 Jun 2025
The festival is Finland’s only event dedicated solely to showcasing the rich folk music and cultural traditions of North Karelia.
Nurmes Summer Music
Nurmes – 5-13 Jul 2025
The most delightful summer classical chamber music festival will be celebrated for the 27th time on the shores of Lake Pielinen, in the heart of historic Wooden Nurmes! You can experience unspoken connections and meaningful verses in concert halls, the cozy atmosphere of cottages, churches, and the town square. Music will also be discussed: at the lectures and workshops.
Lieksa Brass Week
Lieksa – 25 Jul -2 Aug 2025 & 24 Jul -1 Aug 2026
Lieksa Brass Week is the biggest brass music festival in the Nordic countries and 2025 is its 44th year. Lieksa Brass Week includes music courses, international competition and the classical concert series as well as open air performances.
East Finland Wool Festival
Nurmes – 23 – 24 August 2025 & 22 – 23 Aug 2026
East Finland wool festival is known of its unique atmosphere. Crafters gather to enjoy yarn market, lectures and knitting, spinning or crocheting together! Event is held next to the lake Pielinen which offers most beautiful setting for craft enthusiasts to enjoy knitting.
Bear Festival
Ilomantsi – 14-16 Aug 2025 & 13-15 Aug 2026
One of Finland’s largest and the easternmost chainsaw carving event in Ilomantsi where artists around the world compete to create different bear sculptures out of wood.
Koli marathon
Koli national park 3-4 Oct 2025 & 3-4 Oct 2026
Join one of Finland’s most scenic running races in Koli national park, suitable for different levels of runners. Choose a trail race from 7km, half or full marathon, extreme 65 km or ultra 130km.
Winter garden & Visual festival
Joensuu – 27 Dec 2024-31 Mar 2025. Visual Festival late Nov/early Dec 2025
Experience magical winter wonderland at Botania’s Winter Garden with Finland’s longest ice slide, a massive snow labyrinth, stunning ice sculptures illuminated by atmospheric lighting and a lush tropical paradise inside Botania’s greenhouses.
Picture: Risto Takala
Kontiolahti
biathlon
Kontiolahti – 3-8 March 2026
Experience world class sporting event in Kontiolahti when world’s best biathletes compete in snowy North Karelia. Combine thrilling races with a stay in Koli national park or Bomba’s luxurious lakeside hotel.
Sustainability certificate:
EcoCompass environmental management system.
