Get a taste of FinnFest 2024 and join us for the official opening of the festival, filled with music and entertainment.

Welcome to this celebration of and introduction to FinnFest 2024! You’ll hear music played by Finlandia Foundation’s 2015 Performer of the Year, Sara Pajunen, violinist and composer. We’ll celebrate the US Library of Congress’s 2024 addition to its National Recording Registry, the first ever recognition of Finnish American music and musicians. Teresa Aho, accordion, and Carl Rahkonen, violin, will perform “Kauhavan Polkka,” the recording made in 1928 by Viola Turpeinen with John Rosendahl. We’ll all join in singing Finland’s quintessential song of Summer, “ Suvi Virsi” We’ll see and hear Salolampi campers singing and Arne Vainio will share some stories from his Finnishanaabe experiences. Sheila Packa, former Duluth Poet Laureate of the Year, will recite a poem. You’ll be introduced to our special guests and welcomed to FinnFest. A brisk buoyant event for everyone to enjoy.