Chew on this, why don’t you: Ismo Alanko, one of the true greats of Finnish music, first stepped onto the Ilosaarirock stage well over 40 years ago. Since then, he’s taken the stage with Hassisen Kone, Sielun Veljet and Ismo Alanko Säätiö, with the number of appearances reaching exceptionally high. And every time, the Joensuu crowd has welcomed him like a hero. After all, this is where it all began.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Ismo Alanko has sold nearly 700,000 records, picked up numerous Emma Awards, and held his place as one of the boldest and most forward-thinking voices in Finnish rock. His ninth studio album Kevyt ja kohtuuton, released in February, stands as a testament to his ability to stay curious and keep evolving.

This July, Ilosaarirock will once again see a powerful, spine-tingling rock show, with a strong sense of homecoming in the air. Welcome back, Ismo. You’ve been missed.

Neon green and three words every single one of us can shout in our sleep. It doesn’t take many letters to describe Käärijä, one of the biggest Finnish music phenomena in recent decades, before people across Europe know exactly who you mean. The guy who made music history, and whose Eurovision spring will, at least in Finland, be remembered as a true generational moment.

You don’t need to overthink Käärijä’s success. Armed with unmatched charisma, Käärijä makes music that connects in all its bold, unfiltered glory. He doesn’t stick to one lane, he floors it on all of them at once: heavy riffs and pounding electronic beats collide with pop hooks that hit hard and stick instantly. The result is a wild, sharp-edged mix driven by humor and a genuine love of what he does, always landing as more than the sum of its parts.

Live, Käärijä is predictably unpredictable. You know you’re getting a full-on party, but no one sees the route coming or how far it’s going to go. High energy, big moments, and zero holding back!

There are pop artists, and then there’s Isac Elliot – a true superstar who’s built a one-of-a-kind career in Finland over the past 15 years, with an impact on the country’s pop scene that’s hard to overstate. Starting out at just 12 years old, Isac Elliot has grown from child star into Finland’s most-streamed pop artist.

In recent years, Isac’s sound has leaned further into modern pop and R&B, culminating in his sixth album Mansion Music, released in February to widespread acclaim. Packed with one strong track after another, the record captures an artist who keeps raising the bar – and delivering.

Isac Elliot is without a doubt one of the most anticipated Finnish acts at Ilosaarirock this summer. What a time to be in the crowd!

British metalcore heavyweight Architects return to Ilosaarirock on an entirely different scale. Formed in Brighton over two decades ago, the band have travelled a long road from the sharp end of the UK metalcore scene to becoming one of the most widely listened-to and critically acclaimed names in modern heavy music worldwide.

Architects are a textbook example of a band unafraid to evolve, and to push their genre forward in the process. Their recent output has refined the band’s sound into a powerful balance where ferocious metalcore collides with soaring melodies and massive choruses built for thousands of voices singing in unison. The result not only works, but firmly establishes Architects as one of the leading forces shaping modern metalcore.

The band’s previous appearance at Ilosaarirock in 2019 remains a standout moment for many: a performance that proved heavy music can be aggressive, deeply emotional, and ultimately liberating, even cathartic. There is every reason to expect another overwhelming surge of live energy when Architects take to the Ilosaarirock stage in July 2026. Come and witness the next bold chapter in the evolution of this modern metal giant at Laulurinne!

It feels almost unreal that KUUMAA, one of Finland’s most loved and most listened-to bands, is already celebrating a decade of making music together. Since forming in 2016, they’ve grown steadily with each release, yet the heart of the band has stayed exactly where it belongs: joy, friendship and a genuine love for making music.

Maybe that sincerity is what makes KUUMAA and their music so easy to embrace. There’s a closeness to it that carries straight into their live shows. On stage, Johannes Brotherus, Jonttu Luhtavaara and Aarni Soivio turn that warmth into something electric. A KUUMAA concert is always a shared experience: intense, uplifting and built on a real exchange between band and audience. A trio playing with everything they’ve got, and a crowd responding in kind – a feeling that lingers long after the last note fades.

Thank goodness for KUUMAA!

Komiat is bringing the very best of the Finnish summer dance tradition to Laulurinne! Known for their high-spirited energy, accordion-driven groove and straight-ahead playing, the band calls together everyone – seasoned dancers, total beginners and anyone simply in search of a damn good party.

Named Dance Orchestra of the Year countless times, Komiat is schlager at its finest: uplifting, down-to-earth and guaranteed to get even the stiffest of festival feet moving. And really, what could fit a sun-soaked festival day better? One-two-three-four – let’s dance!

If you were to look up Vesala in a thesaurus, the results would read something like this: trailblazer, multitalented artist, distinctive musician, award-winning lyricist, acclaimed performer, uncompromising creator, a true Renaissance figure of the 2000s. And every single one of those would be right on the mark.

Vesala has an unfailing ability to fuse the light with the heavy, the playful with the profound, entertainment with art. If there’s one thing you can trust in Paula Vesala’s solo work, it’s that there are always layers, and that you never quite know what’s about to unfold next.

Vesala stepped away from her solo project for an indefinite break in 2023. That same summer, Ilosaarirock witnessed an emotionally charged performance that drew a crowd to the Main Stage so dense and devoted it felt like a collective exhale the moment the show began. This year, instead of saying goodbye, we finally get to say hello again. Welcome back, Vesala – we have missed you!

Rave withdrawal cured – Sub Focus (UK) brings his high-energy drum & bass to Ilosaarirock this July!

British DJ and producer Sub Focus, aka Nick Douwma, has risen with purpose from jungle and drum & bass underground cult status to become one of the true front-runners of the global dance music scene. Over the years, he’s successfully taken his finely tuned DnB sound into the mainstream without sacrificing the speed, energy or authenticity of his roots.

Live, Sub Focus is all about momentum, movement and an irresistible, instantly accessible energy that pulls everyone to the front – from die-hard genre heads to curious passers-by who just heard there’s a party going on. Whether it’s a club, an arena or a festival stage, Sub Focus’ polished productions, heavyweight basslines and synth-driven drops simply hit different in front of a live crowd. At Ilosaarirock, we’re guaranteed one of the summer’s most energetic, danceable and sweat-drenched shows.

Rap artist, national wordsmith, voice of a generation, or simply a defining force in Finnish music. You can throw any flattering label over ibe’s shoulders and it’ll fit like it was made for him. An artist this successful and widely loved might seem like the product of some kind of music lab, but in ibe’s case, reality is stranger (and much better) than fiction.

The brilliance of ibe’s music lies in its layers. His extensive catalogue offers something for every kind of music lover, without “something for everyone” ever meaning “nothing for anyone.” Uninterested in bowing to pointless subgenres, ibe’s sharp rhymes and glue-like beats paint the picture of an artist who is at once accessible and enigmatic, self-aware yet deeply serious about his craft.

What will ibe do next? Who knows. But next summer, he’s stepping back onto the festival circuit – with Ilosaarirock on the route.

louna0nline is such a singular force among the new wave of artists that instead of riding one current, the music moves through an ocean entirely of its own. Originally emerging from North Karelia, louna0nline’s sonic tides draw from modern rap, hazy pop, and witch house, colliding into something unmistakably, well, louna0nline – innovative, pushing, and wrapped in a misty, internet-born aesthetic.

The recently released WEB EP continues with the same quiet confidence that marked louna0nline’s first steps as an artist. Rumors suggest new music is already in the works, and we’re ready to dive back in whenever it surfaces.

louna0nline’s last summer’s Ilosaarirock debut was widely praised as euphoric, and there’s little reason to doubt that this year’s show will hit just as hard. All the more so with a homecoming set on the horizon!

Finnish rapper MELO can be called many things: an eclectic trailblazer of Finnish rap, the leading force of a new wave, or a genre entirely of his own. And in truth, he really is exactly as significant a musical voice as all those over-the-top superlatives suggest. One thing you should know from the outset: every bit of praise MELO receives is firmly grounded in reality.

MELO’s music doesn’t lean on rules, norms or formulas – it exists entirely on its own terms. His songs feel deeply personal yet instantly relatable, sounding at once familiar and completely unknown. Tying it all together is a dizzyingly sharp production style that makes even the darkest moments unexpectedly danceable. MELO’s wide-ranging catalogue contains multiple worlds, but one thread always remains the same: MELO always sounds like MELO.

On stage, MELO is mysterious yet powerfully present. His shows create the feeling of a shared secret society between artist and audience, one that anyone is welcome to join. And this July, that includes you, dear Ilosaarirock visitor!

Can you spell long-awaited? After a two-year break from the stage, Finnish rapper Costi brings one of his very few summer shows to the Ilosaarirock stage! With steady determination, Costi has worked his way into the top tier of Finnish rap, approaching music-making with the precision of a master builder who has taken the genre apart and reassembled it on his own terms. While traces of trap, drill, and electronic melancholy can be heard under the surface, Costi’s sound ultimately moves in a lane entirely of its own.

In short, Costi makes rap that understands its roots but refuses to be constrained by them. His exceptionally versatile catalogue, strong sense of storytelling, and distinctive voice and flow hit even harder live, where the only thing more powerful than Costi himself is the roar of an electrified crowd. Needless to say, this is one show you don’t want to miss in July.

It would be hard to find a heavy music fan in Finland unfamiliar with Charon, a band whose early-2000s output helped define an era of Finnish metal. That legacy was brought firmly into the present last year, when the band announced their return tour, and surprised fans with brand-new music alongside it. The tour sold out across the board, with demand for Charon live performances still showing no sign of slowing down.

This is no ordinary comeback. After years of silence, Charon have returned arguably stronger than ever – and those who caught the band live in the 2000s know the level Charon were already operating at back then. The band’s trademark blend of versatility, intensity, and dark, melancholic undertones remains firmly intact, now enriched by time and experience. When Charon step onto the Ilosaarirock stage, they do so with a sense of weight and authority that only the years can deliver.

If you were to blend delicately melancholic pop, emotionally resonant melodies, and lyrics that linger long after the song ends, the result would likely sound a lot like Aatulove. Describing his music as Finnish emo schlager, the rising pop artist serves listeners a richly flavoured slice of life inspired by personal experiences and relationships – music that spans the full emotional spectrum, from heartbreak to tears of joy.

Aatulove’s deeply devoted fanbase has been hoping to see him on the Ilosaarirock stage for quite some time, and now the moment has finally arrived. The artist takes over Laulurinne at a particularly sweet spot in his career, as Aatulove is currently working on his third full-length album, set for release in autumn 2026. Catch this unmistakably compelling pop newcomer in peak live form at Ilosaarirock, just before the new album’s defining moment arrives!

Putting Suistamon Sähkö into words is no easy task – and honestly, it doesn’t quite make sense to try. They exist in a world of their own: a wild, breathing blend of techno and folk traditions, where sharp electronic rhythms collide with echoes of old-style melodies, Karelian vocal styles and a strong sense of doing things entirely on their own terms. Suistamon Sähkö doesn’t ease you into it, it goes straight in.

Made up of Anne-Mari Kivimäki, Antti Puumalainen, Reetta-Kaisa Iles and Tuomas Juntunen, the group has been described as a kind of self-generating force of traditional Finnish folk music. You get it the second they step on stage and kick things into full gear: a Suistamon Sähkö show is all about immediate energy and pure performance joy, without ever tipping into mindless chaos.

On Saturday at Ilosaarirock, Suistamon Sähkö will switch on something you won’t be able to turn off. All the way to a full short circuit, dear festival crowd!

Without darkness, there is no light. Drawing from jazz, Josén Pimeä Puoli makes pop that leans into life’s darker corners – sometimes laughing, sometimes breaking, sometimes with a sharp sense of irony. All the while, there’s a restless pulse driving it forward.

Josén Pimeä Puoli’s live shows feel like open-ended journeys, shaped by the band’s raw spontaneity, strong presence and emotionally charged lyrics. On stage, they return to the core of making music – the shared joy of playing together, and passing that feeling on.

The dog, or koira in Finnish, (Canis lupus familiaris, previously Canis familiaris) is a domesticated form of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). It belongs to the class Mammalia and the family Canidae.

The dog is the oldest animal domesticated by humans. In its early days, it served as a guard and a scavenger. Dogs have been used, and still are, for pulling, herding and hunting. Over time, their roles have expanded to include tasks such as drug detection, guiding, allergen detection and search and rescue. Many of these roles rely on the dog’s highly developed sense of smell.

Pets are not allowed inside the Ilosaarirock festival area, but this koira (Finnish for dog) is welcome.

Put your telescopes away and stop your search – the next superstar of Finnish pop is already here! With her acclaimed debut album released in autumn 2025, ELLIMEI has quickly established herself as one of the country’s most promising singer-songwriters: a rare kind of artist whose early steps we’ll one day look back on and remember having witnessed firsthand.

ELLIMEI’s tender, emotionally rich pop doesn’t avoid depth, it leans into it. Strong melodies paired with heartfelt lyrics, along with a vocal delivery marked by quiet confidence, create an intimate sense of pull that draws listeners in and keeps them there. You might wanna experience that glow live at Laulurinne this July!

Nenerchy has wasted no time tearing her way into the most exciting corners of Finland’s alternative scene – and it’s only the beginning. Originally from Jyväskylä, she blows past genre lines, fusing punk, rap and drum & bass into something that feels genuinely new.

With a highly anticipated debut album on the horizon, Nenerchy is a volatile mix of pure energy, unruly rebellion and full-force intensity. Expect a live show that hits hard and digs deep – the kind that gets under your skin whether you’re ready for it or not.

Paint & Wine Joensuu: Festival Edition invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in colour and creativity in the unique atmosphere of the Oho! Bar. This special festival edition skips straight to the fun: creating your own abstract artwork inspired by the colours and energy of Ilosaarirock. No previous experience or grand artistic vision is needed, and you can join in on a walk-in basis. The sessions are led by artist and entrepreneur Noora Hattunen, who is also responsible for the visual design of the Ilosaarirock festival site.

Science Sessions by our future-forward friends at the University of Eastern Finland are back! This summer, leading professors and researchers invite you to dive into the uniqueness of the human voice, current topics in brain health, and the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in a shifting world order. Swing by the Oho! Stage each day to learn something new and get inspired!

Friday 17 July
Science Session: Your voice is unique – but it can also be cloned

Did you know your voice is one of a kind – yet surprisingly easy to clone with AI? Do you think you can tell a real human voice from a synthetic one? Professor Tomi Kinnunen takes you into the fascinating world of speech research and deepfakes. You’ll also get to find out which celebrity shares your voice!

Saturday 18 July
Science Session: Train your brain!

The brain is the centre of our emotions, thoughts and learning. Is exercise the best way to take care of it? Can music enhance the brain benefits of physical activity? And can it actually boost performance? Research Director Eero Haapala explores the latest insights into brain health. After the session, you can test your grip strength – a surprisingly telling indicator of your overall fitness!

Sunday 19 July
Science Session: A shifting world order – how do we protect democracy and human rights?

The global order is in flux. Around the world, authoritarian leaders are openly disregarding international law. How do we protect our shared rules in an age of strongmen politics? Professor of Practice Kaari Mattila shows why democracy, human rights and the rule of law form the very core of security. Safeguarding them concerns every festivalgoer – and the time to act is now.

Hailed as one of the finest examples of contemporary political theatre, Hiljainen ystävä (‘Silent Friend’) is a monologue performance that premiered in spring 2025. Blending rap music, theatre and movement, the piece explores and reflects on the skinhead culture that was prominent in Joensuu during the 1990s and its connection to the present day. The production is a collaboration between Pokka, the Folk Theatre of North Karelia, and an independent group of theatre professionals.

Festival-goers can catch a 30-minute excerpt from Hiljainen ystävä on the Oho! Stage on Sunday. Prepare for a powerful and thought-provoking performance!

Have you always wanted to learn that one TikTok dance but never quite knew where to start? Now’s your chance! In this dance workshop led by Helmi-Lotta and Helinä from Euforia, you’ll get to learn viral dances and iconic moves made famous on social media.

Bereniken hiukset (Berenice’s Hair) is a faint constellation found beneath the Great Bear in the northern sky – and, by happy coincidence, also the name of a Joensuu-based band formed in 2021. Described as fusion rap, the group’s sound blends progressive influences with rock and hip hop, creating a musical constellation unlike anything else in the scene. Catch them lighting up Sunday at Ilosaarirock!

Looking to add some extra laughs to your summer’s best weekend? Yes, please! That’s exactly what Ilosaari Stand Up delivers. Curated by acclaimed Joensuu comedian Janne Hyttinen, the show features Hyttinen alongside a diverse lineup of some of the most exciting names in stand-up comedy, including a few local talents!

Friday 17 July
Performing: Mikko Penttilä, Krista Haataja and Janne Hyttinen

Sunday 19 July
Performing: Helena Pöllänen, Jyri Tumanoff and Janne Hyttinen