

Since 1969, the Turku Jazz Festival has been a cornerstone of Finland’s jazz scene, bringing light and energy to the late winter season. From March 3 to March 9, 2025, jazz enthusiasts will gather in Turku’s central venues and restaurants to experience an exciting lineup of artists. This year, the festival has been honored as the Festival of the Year 2025 in Finland, solidifying its reputation as one of the country’s premier cultural events.
A Diverse and Dynamic Program
The festival's lineup features a blend of international jazz icons, contemporary Finnish talents, and top-tier local musicians. Among this year’s international stars are pianist-vocalist Francesca Tandoi and renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein. The program also includes numerous all-ages concerts, jam sessions, and culinary experiences, ensuring that jazz lovers of all ages can participate.
For the first time, the festival will extend its reach to Art House Turku, a vibrant hub for the artists in Turku. Meanwhile, this year’s Turku Jazz Artist of the Year, singer-flutist-composer Josefiina Vannesluoma, will be prominently featured in multiple events throughout the week.
A Week of Jazz, Culture, and Community
The festival opens on Monday, March 3, with a jam session at Rica Bar. Tuesday offers a record-listening session with Josefiina Vannesluoma at Forum Kortteli in the city center.
Wednesday highlights emerging musicians with free concerts at Logomo Teatro. Art House Turku will host:
Valjakka & Vannesluoma: En Soufflant – a fusion of classical and jazz elements.
Joona Toivanen Trio – presenting music from their album Gravity.
Thursday features an electrifying double-bill album release party at Utopia Club with:
Ilkka Arola Sound Tagine (Flame Jazz Records)
Muscular (Drink Tonight Records)
A Grand Weekend of World-Class Jazz
From March 7 to 8, the festival moves to Logomo’s Teatro Hall:
Friday, March 7:
Mortal Lease in Chamber by Josefiina Vannesluoma.
Manuel Dunkel Quintet feat. Peter Bernstein (FI/US).
Saturday, March 8:
Francesca Tandoi (IT).
Turku Jazz Orchestra feat. Adele Sauros & Paleface.
Saturday also features a Jazz & Wine Tasting with Jussi Kannaste & Jori Huhtala at Saaristobaari and a late night jam session at Bar Fredrik.
Closing the Festival
On Sunday, March 9, the festival ends with:
A jazz brunch at Art House Turku featuring guitarist Héctor Lepe.
A family concert, Megasakki – Lentoliskoseikkailu, at Children’s Cultural Center.
A Festival with a Green Mission
Beyond its musical offerings, Turku Jazz Festival remains committed to environmental sustainability. The festival proudly supports Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association, an organization dedicated to keeping Finland’s coasts and waterways clean. Visitors can contribute to this important cause by donating when purchasing their festival tickets.
Turku Jazz Festival 2025 | March 3–9, 2025
Mark your calendars and join us for a week of world-class jazz, unforgettable performances, and a celebration of Finland’s vibrant jazz culture!
www.turkujazz.fi/in-english