WOMEX 2025 will open in Tampere, Finland, with performances by Värttinä, Kimmo Pohjonen, Áššu, and local group Ne Lintuizet. WOMEX is a leading world music conference and showcase that will take place 22 – 26 October 2025.
Värttinä brings Karelian song traditions to the stage, while Pohjonen is a renowned accordion innovator. Áššu represents Sámi music, and Ne Lintuizet adds a hometown perspective to the bill.
Tampere, Finland’s second-largest city, offers an environment of industrial heritage with a contemporary arts and technology scene. Its lakeside setting, modern infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere make it a fitting host for the 31st edition of WOMEX.
Opening partners include the City of Tampere, Visit Tampere, the Ministry Of Education And Culture, Oulu2026 European Capital Of Culture, Music Finland, and Tampere-talo. Rockadillo Production Oy serves as the opening producer.
(hadline image: Áššu – photo by Oda Wenaas Torget)
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central