Finland sees record-low Midsummer festivals this year

Only 11 Midsummer festivals will take place in Finland this year, the lowest number on record outside the pandemic years, according to public broadcaster Yle.

Festival researcher Maarit Kinnunen estimates attendance will drop below 80,000, citing economic hardship as the primary cause. In 2019, Midsummer festivals drew nearly 130,000 visitors, but last year numbers fell below 100,000.

Major events like Raumanmeren Juhannus (RMJ) have been cancelled. Kinnunen expects a rebound once the economy improves.

Nummirock, a long-running metal festival in Kauhajoki, South Ostrobothnia, aims for 20,000 attendees this year. Organisers report a surge in volunteer applications, with many seeking free entry in exchange for work. Promoter Tero Viertola attributes the festival’s longevity to its niche focus on metal music and its unique atmosphere.

A 2024 survey by LiveFIN, an advocacy group for live music, found that visitors to the four largest Midsummer festivals spent a median of €545 each. Costs were driven by multi-day stays, accommodation, travel, and alcohol, with an average of €100 spent on food and drinks per person.