In Pirkanmaa, the festival season kicks off already in January with the Tampere Chamber Music festival. Now held for the tenth time, the anniversary edition of the Tampere Chamber Music Festival explores the theme “Dancing with Colours and Light”, delving into the core of music and well-being through concerts, workshops, and lectures. The festival blending art and science brings together leading Finnish and international chamber music artists across Tampere from 19–25 January.
During the Tampere Chamber Music festival week, 15 events will be held, eight of which are free to the public. Festival venues include Tampere Hall, Tampere University, Tampere Old Church, Tuulensuun Palatsi, Fazer Café, Pirkanmaan musiikkiopisto, and TAMK’s Satamakatu Hall.
The festival season continues in Pirkanmaa in March with the Tampere Film Festival (4–8 March) and the 20th anniversary of the Tampere Kuplii Comics Festival (25–29 March). The Tomatoes! Tomatoes! Stand-up Comedy Festival, which has delighted audiences normally in January, will exceptionally take place this year, 20–23 May.
Anniversaries and long-awaited returns
In addition to the Tampere Chamber Music Festival and the Tampere Kuplii Comics Festival, many other events will celebrate milestone anniversaries during 2026.
The Musiikkia! Ruovesi chamber music festival (24–28 June), known for its spectacular concert series, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, Finland’s largest early music event, Sastamala Gregoriana (15–19 July), and the oldest flamenco festival in the Nordic countries, Tampere Flamenco Festival (17–20 September), both mark 30 years.
There is also cause for celebration with the return of biennial events. Pirkanmaa’s cultural offering will be enriched by the Tampere Biennale (15–19 April), showcasing contemporary Finnish art music, Annikki Poetry Festival (6 June), one of Finland’s most significant poetry events, the Backlight Photo Festival (1 September–11 October), one of the oldest photography festivals in Northern Europe, and MUKAMAS 2026 – International Puppet Theatre Festival (16–20 September), focusing on modern puppet theatre.
Article image: Matias Ahonen
