Kihaus Folk Festival – Authentic Folk Music in Finnish Lakeland

Kihaus Folk Festival is a long-running summer event celebrating the living folk music traditions of North Karelia. The two-day festival takes place each July in the lakeside village of Rääkkylä, in the heart of Finnish Lakeland by Lake Saimaa.

Founded over 35 years ago as a local initiative, Kihaus has grown into a respected cultural event while preserving its intimate village atmosphere. The programme features leading Finnish folk artists, contemporary Nordic ensembles and distinctive regional traditions, including pelimanni music and kantele performances.

Concerts are held both outdoors by Lake Saimaa and in atmospheric venues such as the historic wooden church of Rääkkylä. Visitors can experience high-quality live music combined with genuine North Karelian hospitality and close interaction between artists and audiences.

The 2026 programme includes Auri, Frigg, Antti Paalanen, Maria Kalaniemi & Timo Alakotila, Lauri Schreck, Veila, Ilja Teppo and Kiertolaiset, as well as the traditional Great Folk Musicians’ Parade. The line-up reflects the diversity of today’s Finnish folk scene, from lyrical soundscapes to rhythm-driven contemporary interpretations.

Kihaus is known for its relaxed pace and strong community spirit, with around 80 local volunteers contributing to the festival each year.