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Ilosaarirock 18.–20.7.2025 • JOENSUU

About Us

Ilosaarirock is, without a doubt, the best weekend of the summer – 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 70,000 joyful, open-hearted festival-goers each year for a weekend like no other – unforgettable and unmatched in spirit.

INDEPENDENT SINCE 1971

Ilosaarirock and its organising body, 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 fire to offer a stage for artists and audiences who believe in their craft remain the guiding forces behind both Ilosaarirock and the association.

For over 50 years, Ilosaarirock has remained proudly independent and self-sustaining, and we plan to keep it that way for the next 50 years. As an independent festival organiser, we stand firmly on our own terms and values.

Ilosaarirock has no private owners. Any surplus is channelled directly back into activities that align with our values. Festival profits go toward funding the Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association’s grant programme, which supports popular culture in North Karelia. Three times a year, grants are awarded to local musicians and music enthusiasts, and to date, the programme has distributed over 400 000 euros in grants.

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.

At our core, Ilosaarirock is guided by values that cherish music and culture, protect nature, and work to make our home region, Eastern Finland, a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

All our operations are guided by our strong values, which we share with our parent organisation, Joensuu Pop Musicians Association.

  • All music is valuable – Ilosaarirock exists because of and for the love music.
  • The festival is for its audience – our festivalgoers make Ilosaarirock the best weekend of the summer.
  • We strive to make Eastern Finland a better place to live – the best festival city, Joensuu, deserves the best festival we can possibly offer.
  • All are welcome, and everyone is equally important – Ilosaarirock does not discriminate against anyone and we treat people with the same respect and kindness regardless of their status, background, race, gender, sexuality, or age.
  • We stand on the side of good – our actions are transparent and honest, and we communicate openly about all aspects of the festival.
  • We take responsibility – Ilosaarirock is designed to minimise its impact on the environment, people, and society.
  • We work fairly, ethically, and safely – we uphold the highest standards of responsibility.
  • We leave behind an even better Ilosaarirock – a festival that will continue to amaze for years to come!

We require every single member of our staff, artists, partners and sponsors to adhere and commit to our values.

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.

We are proud members of LiveFIN ry and YOUROPE – The European Festival Association.