Tampere – The Home of Finnish Rock  Finnish Rock Week | 1–9 August 2026 

Finnish rock's biggest week kicks off on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with the Manserock at the Stadium concert at Tammela Stadium. Finnish rock music can also be enjoyed the following day at the Puistofiesta in Hämeenpuisto. The week culminates at Ratina Stadium on August 6–8 with Eppu Normaali’s farewell concerts, which are expected to attract nearly 100,000 concertgoers.

─ The idea for Finnish Rock Week was born out of an exceptionally busy summer of events and inspired by the 70th birthday celebrations of Pauli ‘Pate’ Mustajärvi. Mustajärvi’s life’s work is a testament to the strong roots of Finnish rock, which extend all the way to Tampere. Finnish rock songs are part of the collective memory of Finns, says Saara Saarteinen, Event Manager for the City of Tampere. 

Tampere will host a particularly large number of other events during the Finnish Rock Week. For example, the same week will feature the Tampere Theater Festival and the Night of Events, as well as street floorball, basketball, and ice hockey. Tampere Hall will host the "Moomin—The Grand Celebration Day” event on Saturday, August 8. At the same day there will be the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra´s traditional park concert at Sorsapuisto Park. Major events, including the FIVA World Event and "Kuninkuusravit – The Royal Races in Finland", will attract large crowds to the city from late July onwards. 

Sing along to Manserock in Koskipuisto 

During Finnish Rock Week, you’ll have the chance to sing Manserock songs together with others. Koskipuisto, on the banks of Tammerkoski Rapids, will be transformed into a communal sing-along area for the entire city community: the Manserock Sing Along. The area will feature a sound system and a large screen displaying the lyrics, allowing everyone to sing along to a selection of Manserock classics. You can come sing along throughout the entire week of August 1-9, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
 
─ This summer, Tampere isn’t just a city of events. It's a place where people come together. These are cultural moments that unite generations that will become part of Tampere’s history. There will be plenty of events and people. Let’s make the most of the summer atmosphere and the festive buzz, says Saarteinen. 

The roots of Finnish rock and the birth of Manserock 

Tampere holds a unique place in the history of Finnish rock. Epe Helenius’s legendary record store, Epe’s Music Shop, opened in 1972, and the record label Poko Rekords followed a few years later. The label’s roster included artists such as Eppu Normaali, Popeda, Yö, Ismo Alanko, and J. Karjalainen. 

Yle's TV2 music programmes, an active music media scene, and an exceptionally vibrant live music culture have made Tampere one of Finland's most important music cities. 

─ Finnish rock in Tampere isn’t just a thing of the past; Tampere is home to many new artists, and the next generation has carried the tradition forward. This phenomenon is also visible here in museums, theaters, and the cityscape, Saarteinen explains. 

The name “Manserock” became established in 1975 following a joint tour by Juice Leskinen's Coitus Int and Alwari Tuohitorvi. It wasn't just about the music; it represented a new way of creating, writing, and performing Finnish-language rock. 

Visitors interested in the history of Finnish rock can explore Tampere's musical heritage at the Manserock exhibition at Vapriikki Museum Centre and along the Manserock Trail, which stretches from Kaleva to the city centre.