UMK takes over Tampere this week – a record number of side events in the city

News item

23.2.2026 14.38

Finland's biggest music show, Contest for New Music (UMK), will be held at the Nokia Arena in Tampere on February 28. The competition has established itself as one of Finland's most significant live events. Tickets for the event sold out in no time, and this year's songs have broken records. Tampere is proud to be the home city of UMK again in 2026.

– We warmly welcome UMK back. Tampere has always been an interesting city for culture and events, and it will continue to be so. In the coming years, we will focus on developing the conditions for the music industry, says Ilmari Nurminen, Mayor of Tampere.

The City of Tampere and the local communities are organizing a memorable UMK event week for city residents and visitors under the theme "Hello Europe, it's Tampere Calling." A diverse program will get everyone in the mood for the Contest. In addition, the theme colors of pink and purple will be visible throughout Tampere. Even if you don't have tickets to the arena, there are many other ways to participate in the event atmosphere.

– This year's program is record-breaking, and we are very grateful to the entire community for this. There are also lots of exciting new things this year! Side events are often announced during the event week, so it's worth following our channels, says Saara Saarteinen, Event Manager for the City of Tampere.

Check out the event tips and celebrate Finnish music!

The program of events, offers, illuminations, and tips have been compiled on Visit Tampere's regularly updated theme page. In addition, the Tampere event calendar lists various UMK-themed events. Links to the websites can be found at the end of this news item.

The city's most famous buildings and places will be illuminated in the colors of the event. The illuminations will be visible after dark from Thursday to Saturday, February 26–28, 2026. In addition, pink bows can be spotted above well-known Tampere statues in the city center. Pink bows will also be visible on the city's public transport drivers.

On Saturday, February 28, starting at 11 a.m., the Tampere Calling! music container will get passersby in the mood at Sori Square. DJs will be playing iconic songs fitting to the theme from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. to midnight. In addition, the UMK atmosphere will be brought to the tram by DJ music on Friday and Saturday.

The music festival can be seen and heard throughout the city: choirs and DJs will be performing at various events, and this year the audience will also be able to sing along at a UMK-themed sing-along event. The UMK songs have inspired local restaurants to create their own special offers and themed drinks, and there will also be a wide range of viewing parties on offer.

– Tampere is once again proving itself to be the home town of UMK. Every year, this phenomenon has also received international praise. This year, many fans from Finland and several other countries will be traveling to the event. The event is also attracting the interest of international media and influencers. We are really excited about the upcoming week, says Tuomas Paloniemi, PR and Media Manager at Visit Tampere.