Too many festivals in Finland, says Helsinki organizer selling half-price tickets

Finland’s summer festival market is oversaturated, with too many events chasing too few attendees, according to organizers. The glut is driving up artist fees and ticket prices, forcing some to slash prices to avoid cancellation.

Kalle Keskinen, CEO of Loud’s Live—which runs five festivals this summer—estimates that fewer than half of Finland’s festivals are financially viable. Yet many serve as key local events, offering value beyond mere profitability, he notes.

His company has cut ticket prices for Helsinki’s Downtown Calling festival by 50% to boost sales. Earlier, it offered two-for-one deals. Without the discount, the event risked cancellation. Keskinen says the move ensures artists keep their gigs and fans avoid disappointment.

This weekend alone sees dozens of festivals, including Ruisrock, Ilovaari-Rock, and the new Kipinä Festival in Helsinki. The latter, co-organized by football club IF Gnistan and United Festivals, launched Thursday with a free family event in Oulunkylä.

United Festivals’ Henri Kulmala acknowledges the oversupply but emphasizes community value. “People come in groups, and we want to keep prices low,” he says, citing rising costs and responsibilities for organizers.