Turku Jazz Festival Named Festival of the Year 2025

In their statement, the board notes:

“Each March, downtown Turku comes alive as its concert stages, clubs, and Logomo event center fill with fresh, energetic music. The Turku Jazz Festival has become a key stage for contemporary jazz, daring to experiment, launch new initiatives, spotlight emerging artists, and bring to the stage some of the most exciting names in international jazz. Around the festival, a broader jazz community has been built with determination, where the Flame Jazz concert series and the Turku Jazz Orchestra play an integral role. Additionally, the festival’s organizing body, Jazz City Turku Association, has been instrumental in creating the innovative Archipelago Sea Jazz concept, connecting four summer festivals across the archipelago and developing creative models for cultural tourism partnerships.”

First held in 1969, the Turku Jazz Festival is Finland’s second-oldest recurring jazz event, after Pori Jazz. With its deep roots, even by European standards, the festival has evolved from casual student gatherings and jam sessions into a professionally produced event. Though the festival annually features international jazz superstars, it has retained an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, making it a springtime highlight for true music lovers. Local flavor is central to its charm, with a focus on Turku-based artists, including the title of Turku Jazz Artist of the Year.

The next Turku Jazz Festival will take place from March 3-9, 2025. The complete program and the 2025 Artist of the Year will be announced on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Since 1999, Finland Festivals has regularly named a Festival of the Year, with the exception of the pandemic years. The five most recent winners are:

• 2024 – Kaustinen Folk Music Festival
• 2023 – Mikkeli Music Festival
• 2020 – Tampere Film Festival
• 2019 – KUULAS – Children’s Theater Festival
• 2018 – Tampere Biennale

More information at Finland Festivals

Photo: Ilkka Arola