Saturday 11.7.2026

Piälava / Main Stage

11:00 Children’s Kihaus
Featuring Orffit, the beloved children’s music group celebrating its own 30th anniversary!

The programme also includes My Song / Min sång with Usi and Mammu, a Puppet Workshop hosted by the Kalevala Women of Central Karelia, and face painting for children

14:30 Singing Heritage Route!
Kihaus Folk Festival is proud to be part of the Singing Heritage Route, recently certified by the Council of Europe. The cultural route connects significant singing traditions from Norway, Finland, and the Baltic countries.

Offering a glimpse into the route’s rich heritage are the Karelian Besoda Group, the Lummo Kati Leelo Choir from Setomaa (Estonia), and researcher and poem-song singer Pekka Huttu-Hiltunen from Kuhmo.

16:00 Feresis and Sarafans
Discover traditional Karelian folk costumes with presentations by Leena Jääskeläinen, Päivi Lemmetyinen, and the Kalevala Women of Joensuu.

20:00 FRIGG!
Experience one of the leading ambassadors of Nordic contemporary folk music live at Kihaus Folk!

Tsaiju

11:00 Kärhämä and Susirekka
Vocal ensemble Kärhämä and folk dance group Susirekka open the Saturday morning programme with song and dance.

12:00 Grand Folk Music Parade
Featuring Rääkkylä’s Pelimannis, Kihaus Pelimannis, the Folk Music Group of Central Karelia Adult Education Centre, Haipale, and Joen Sottiisi. Hosted by Master Folk Musician Pentti Ojajärvi.

15:00 MOTORA: The Joy of Folk Dance
Founded in 1968,  Motora has been one of the Finland’s most influential folk dance innovators, combining respect for tradition with bold artistic renewal.

The concert features Motora’s young adult groups Riehakat and Vinhakat, awarded Folk Dance Ensemble of the year 2024. Musical accompaniment is provided by the folk music group Rälläkkä. The event concludes with dancing open to everyone!

18:30 Se on rillumarei! 
Born in Rääkkylä, Esa Pakarinen remains one of the most beloved figures of Finland’s rillumarei tradition.

Kihaus Folk pays tribute to Severi Suhonen and contemporary rillumarei and kupletti traditions. The concert features Duo Riitta&Petra, Riäkkyteatteri and Ilja Teppo Trio.

21:30 Takatukka! Antti Paalanen
Saturday’s headline artist is none other than accordion virtuoso Antti Paalanen, runner-up in Finland’s UMK competition 2026!

23:00 Kiertolaiset
Kiertolaiset’s songs are heartfelt and direct celebrations of love and life. The energetic trio brings the festival’s Saturday programme to a vibrant close.

Käspeli

11:00 Let’s Meet Through Stories!
In honor of the anniversary theme, we revisit memories and stories from the many years and decades of Kihaus Folk. Hosted by Marja-Riitta Topcu.

12:30 Learn to Play Kantele
Open for all ages and players, Marjo Smolander will teach the secrets of Finnish National Instrument, kantele.

14:00 A Brilliant Kantele Concert
Featuring kantele students and ensembles from the Central Karelia Music Institute.

17:30 Let’s Meet Through Stories!
In honor of the anniversary theme, we revisit memories and stories from the many years and decades of Kihaus Folk. Hosted by Marja-Riitta Topcu

21:00 Kantele Meditation
Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the timeless sound of the kantele with Marjo Smolander.

Heritage Courtyard

Activities and programme throughout the day.

Rääkkylä Church

17:00 AURI
The music of Auri is renowned for its fairytale-like, dreamy, and atmospheric qualities. Rääkkylä Church provides the perfect setting for the band of Johanna Kurkela and Tuomas Holopainen. Join us for this unique concert experience.

Tickets: 49€