About Us
Ilosaarirock is, without a doubt, summer's best weekend – a unique celebration of carefree fun, a vibrant sense of community and the finest live music. With over 50 years of history, our festival is Finland’s second-oldest rock event and one of the country’s largest modern music festivals.
Held traditionally in mid-July at the stunning Laulurinne park in Joensuu, Ilosaarirock brings together around 65 000 joyful, open-hearted festival-goers each year for a weekend like no other, unforgettable and unmatched in spirit.
Ilosaarirock is a completely independent and self-sufficient festival. As an independent organizer, we operate on our own terms, standing firmly on our own feet. The festival is run by Ilosaarirock Oy, which is entirely owned by Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association, a nonprofit dedicated to live music.
ILOSAARIROCK'S VALUES
Ilosaarirock exists because of live music, and to bring a touch of magic to the world. Each year, we strive to create moments that make you feel the electric connection between artist and audience – those moments when everyone in the crowd experiences the same spark, the same emotion, in harmony with the performer on stage.
Ilosaarirock is built for music, made possible by its audience, and guided by responsibility. The festival’s unique atmosphere is created by people, experiences, and the long-term work we do to build our event for the future. These values guide everything we do.
Ilosaarirock exists for music
Live music is what brings Ilosaarirock to life and the very reason the festival exists. Everything we do is for music, and because of music.
Ilosaarirock's audience is the heart of the festival
Our festival-goers are the heart of Ilosaarirock. They create the festival’s unique atmosphere and give the event its meaning. Together, we create summer's best weekend.
A sustainable future for Ilosaarirock in Eastern Finland
We build Ilosaarirock with the long term in mind. Every decision we make contributes to a sustainable future for the festival in Eastern Finland.
All our operations are guided by our strong values, which we share with our owner, Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association. We require every single member of our staff, artists, partners and sponsors to adhere and commit to our values.
INDEPENDENT SINCE 1971
Ilosaarirock and the owner of Ilosaarirock Oy, the Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association, came to life in July 1971 in the back room of a local bar. There, the founding members, concerned about the lack of live music opportunities and collaboration among local musicians, decided to take action. That same summer, they organised their first event, held at Joensuu’s Ilosaari, marking the birth of Ilosaarirock. Known at the time as Rockrieha, it was the start of something special and is recognised today as the very first Ilosaarirock.
Ilosaarirock was founded out of a deep passion for music, and the launch of the Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association was driven by the desire to share stories through live music and create a magical connection among people. That original spirit of 1971 has stayed central to Ilosaarirock’s purpose for over 50 years. A love of music, a commitment to making the local community a better place, and a burning desire to offer a stage for artists and audiences who believe in their craft remain the guiding forces behind both Ilosaarirock and the association which owns the festival.
Any profits from Ilosaarirock are used not only to develop the festival but also to support initiatives that align with our values. Festival revenue helps fund the Joensuu Pop Musicians’ Association’s grant program, which supports North Karelia’s popular culture by awarding scholarships to local music enthusiasts three times a year. To date, the fund has distributed over 500 000 euros in grants to local musicians.
SUMMER'S BEST WEEKEND
Ilosaarirock is known far and wide for its laid-back vibe, welcoming Eastern Finnish spirit, and dedication to sustainable event production. Our open, genuine atmosphere gives festivalgoers, crew, artists, partners, and suppliers the freedom to be themselves and express themselves in their own way. Everyone is welcome here, exactly as they are.
Those who have worked with Ilosaarirock for years or attended the festival many times will tell you that the sun always shines on Laulurinne during Ilosaarirock. Maybe it’s that sunshine, along with the festival’s uniquely warm and inclusive atmosphere, that truly makes Ilosaarirock the best weekend of the summer, year after year.
Ilosaarirock is a proud member of LiveFIN ry and YOUROPE – The European Festival Association.
CONTACT US
Got questions about Ilosaarirock, its arrangements or the opportunities it offers? Drop us an email!
General Inquiries & Information
[email protected]
Sales Points
[email protected]
Volunteering
[email protected]
Ilosaarirock Festival is organised by
Ilosaarirock Oy
P.O.Box 240
FIN-80101 Joensuu
Finland
Ilosaarirock, including all related names, logos, symbols, icons, and graphics, is a trademark owned by Joensuun Popmuusikot ry and administered by Ilosaarirock Oy. It or any part of it may not be used by any other party in connection with any product or service without the express written permission of Joensuun Popmuusikot ry or Ilosaarirock Oy granted in each individual case. The mark may not be used in any manner that could cause confusion among consumers, or in connection with any service or product not sponsored, endorsed, or produced by Ilosaarirock. Any person who, intentionally or through negligence, infringes upon Joensuun Popmuusikot ry’s or Ilosaarirock Oy's trademark rights is liable to pay reasonable compensation for the use of the mark, as well as damages for any loss caused by the infringement.