The historic Karkkila–Högfors Workers’ Museum will transform into the stage of the Fagerkulla Folk Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The full program is now published!
Festival’s artistic and executive director Aino Ruotanen shares how the event came to life:
“In early May, together with Lauri and Juho Häme from the Fagerkulla Folk working group, we visited the Workers’ Museum for the first time to think whether it would be possible to organize something there. Folk music is my musical home field, which I see as communal and open to everyone. These are things I want to promote in the world, and that’s why creating this festival has felt both natural and meaningful. I’m truly happy with how versatile the program turned out and how most of the performers, artists, and contributors were found right here in Karkkila or nearby.”
The festival opens with KaPeKa – Karkkila’s Folk and Traditional Music Ensemble, whose rhythmic swing and traditional drive invite audiences into the world of pelimanni tunes. Nohevat, a youth kantele ensemble, will delight with the bright sounds of kantele, while Duo HK Noir from Loppi brings earthy Häme folk music as a family performance. Hiiden pelimannit combine Western Uusimaa influences with fresh arrangements, and Elias Savisalo’s accordion and jouhikko tunes promise surprises and joyful energy.
More modern takes on folk music will be heard from Aino & Miihkali, who weave traditional sounds into folk-prog and world music rhythms through original, story-driven compositions. Paleface will add the power of Finnish rap along with Finnish-American workers’ songs, accompanied by Aino & Miihkali. The day program will conclude with renowned names Kreeta-Maria Kentala and Timo Alakotila, offering a profound and skillful duo performance where shades of baroque and classicism meet modern folk music.
The evening program takes place at Pub Pikkupässi, where the festival culminates in a communal Karkkila Quadrille, inviting the audience to join in the joy of folk dance and music. Dance teacher Saara Mikkola-Ylitolva from Tanssiopisto Vinha will guide the lively “huutokatrilli” steps. Before the evening jam session, visitors can also learn the steps of the sottiisi dance—no previous experience needed. The “Karkkilan Katrilli” tune can even be learned in advance via sheet music on the festival website, and everyone is welcome to join in playing it. The evening program is free of charge.
Music, art, and experiences for the whole family
Fagerkulla Folk offers much more than music. On the museum’s own “Yes, Öhmanska Knows” tour, visitors are taken on an experiential time journey into the everyday life of a 1920s ironworks community, guided by the foundryman’s wife, performed by Milla Malmberg. At the tour’s starting point, the Pakari, an exhibition of new woven tapestries by Soile Hovila is displayed, where birds, water, and woven imagery merge into touching, thought-provoking stories.
For children and families, the program includes pony rides with Shetland ponies organized by Hevoslaakso Riding School and a magical Elf Path, guiding adventurers into the world of mysterious elf characters around the museum grounds.
A drawing competition is also underway to imagine Fagerkulla Folk’s very own festival elf. Submissions are due at the Karkkila Library by August 20, 2025. The top three entries will be awarded festival ticket packages, and selected works will be exhibited during the festival at the Pakari. Full details and rules are available on the website. The competition is judged by Ulla Phillips.
This year also marks the 140th anniversary of the Finnish national costume, and the festival is an excellent opportunity to bring them out! In the beautiful surroundings of the Karkkila–Högfors Workers’ Museum, with folk music as accompaniment, these stunning garments will truly shine.
Stalls and local treasures
The festival area will host stalls both outdoors and inside Parvi House, where the Karkkila Karelian Society will also present its activities. Among the vendors are Grrreen! (Ulla Phillips’ clay plaster works), Mohawk Farm (soaps and natural products), Kandyville Arts & Crafts (jewelry and postcards), and Ekovekotin (household items made of natural materials). Food is provided by Ravintola Noki from Karkkila, serving warm meals, and the Kuttu-Mobiili from Linnankoski Goat Farm, offering sweet treats and café products.
Easy and ecological travel
The festival ticket includes bus transportation from Helsinki to Karkkila and back, in collaboration with Einbus Oy. The route adapts to participants’ needs and offers a communal travel experience. Stop requests can be made when purchasing tickets.
Fagerkulla Folk offers a unique opportunity to enjoy folk music, community spirit, and the atmosphere of a historic industrial setting with the whole family. Welcome to experience Karkkila’s very own folk music festival!
The festival is supported by the City of Karkkila, partner Einbus Oy, and pelimanni sponsors DeejaVuu and Tekopa Oy.
📍 More info: fagerkullafolk.net
✉️ fagerkullafolk@gmail.com