The FINNS Are Coming!

The DECC and the whole city of Duluth is gearing up to host the 40th edition of FinnFest from July 26-30, 2023.

The festival promises an immersive journey into the heart of Finnish culture. Panels will be happening throughout the fest on topics from education, architecture, happiness, literature, arts and more.

 

TORI Marketplace (FREE TO ATTEND): A key of FinnFest is the bustling Finnish marketplace, Tori, which opens its doors at the DECC to the public at noon on Thursday, July 27th. Here, visitors can explore and purchase an assortment of Finnish-inspired products, ranging from handmade crafts to commercial imports.

Panels will be happening throughout the days on topics from education, architecture, happiness, sustainability, literature, arts, spirituality, and more.

FULL SCHEDULE HERE

NOTABLE SPEAKERS: 

Friday, July 28th, 2-3 pm, DECC’s Superior Ballroom: Finland’s Ambassador to the United States, Mikko Hautala, will give a keynote address on Finland and NATO.

Saturday, July 29th, 9 -10 am, DECC’s Lake Superior Ballroom: What’s the Secret to Finland Being the Happiest Country in the World? Finland has been once again named the World’s Happiest Country: When work-life balance, support for family, education and healthcare are the norm and people feel heard and seen, it can lead to contentment that has nothing to do with monetary riches and everything to do with interpersonal relationships and an individual’s belief of their own importance as a part of the society. What lessons can we apply to our personal and professional lives? Presenter: Erica Tukiainen, MD, MPH; Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Physical Wellness Advocate & Researcher, Former Professional Athlete.

ARTS 

Friday, July 28th, 7:30 pm DECC Symphony Hall:  An all-Finnish classical music night by the FinnFest Symphony Orchestra led by Craig Randal Johnson and featuring pianist Mackenzie Melemed.

Saturday, July 29th, 8om, DECC Symphony Hall: Finnish pop singer Samuli Edelmann will dazzle audiences with performances on Saturday, July 29th, and Sunday, July 30th.

FinnFest is also hosting the Finnish American Film Festival at the Zeitgeist theater, screening a variety of Finnish works, including the Emmy-nominated documentary of 2022 “Women of Standing Rock.”

WELLNESS

Wellness seekers can look forward to daily sauna and cold plunge sessions at Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna starting on Thursday, July 27th. Furthermore, the festival introduces the Asahi Wellness practice, a revolutionary mind-body routine from Finland.

TOURS

Enriching visits and workshops will explore the narratives of Finns in the region with trips up the shore, the Iron Range and farms. Additionally, workshops offering a hands-on experience of Nordic traditions like himmeli (Finnish Christmas decoration) making, woodcarving, rosemaling, and Finnish instrument making will be held throughout the festival.

FinnFest is more than just a festival; it’s a cultural exchange and an immersive journey into Finnish life and values. So, mark your calendars for this incredible event!

For more information, tickets, and a full schedule visit 2023.finnfest.us