Mikkeli will host its first wine festival next summer in the city's central park. The event called Wiinijuhlat will take place July 3-4 at Mikkelipuisto park.
The festival is a collaboration between Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo and event organizer Klubi Events. This marks the festival's expansion beyond its previous locations in Kouvola and Hamina.
Ten Finnish artists have already been confirmed for the adults-only event. The lineup includes Viivi, Elastinen, Teflon Brothers, NeljÀ Ruusua, Bee, and Hugo.
More performers will be announced later this fall and early winter. The festival targets all adult age groups with diverse musical programming.
What can visitors expect beyond music? The event will feature wine tastings, wine yoga sessions, and beverage service provided by Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo.
Sami Kovane, department manager at the cooperative, said this is the right moment to bring something new to Mikkeli's festival summer. The organization will focus on its areas of expertise through this partnership.
Entrepreneur Matti Lindholm explained they initiated the Mikkeli expansion. The company already has a working concept that proved successful in other cities.
Why choose Mikkeli among southeastern Finnish cities? Lindholm said the city stood out as the right location for their expansion plans.
The organizers promise minimal queueing as a key advantage. They plan to exceed legal requirements for restroom facilities to improve visitor experience.
What about the wine selection? Previous festivals in Kouvola and Hamina featured over 30 different wines. Lindholm guarantees the same quality level for Mikkeli.
Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available alongside wine and other alcoholic drinks.
This summer's wine festivals in Kouvola and Hamina attracted 13,500 visitors combined. Organizers expect 6,000 attendees for Mikkeli's inaugural event.
Advance tickets are already on sale through the official website mikkelinviinijuhlat.fi.
The expansion shows confidence in Mikkeli's event scene despite economic uncertainties. While wine festivals aren't entirely new to Finland, this represents a strategic growth move for both the organizers and the city's summer offerings.