FinnFest USA 2017

FinnFest USA 2017 returns to Minneapolis, Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 21-24, to create a national gathering for all to commemorate Finland’s 100th anniversary of Independence. FinnFest will use the downtown Hilton Hotel, 1001 S. Marquette Ave, and Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, as its anchor locations for its Friday and Saturday events. Right across the street from the Hilton, Orchestra Hall’s foyers and hallways will become the site of the traditional Finnish exposition known as the “Tori,” the Finnish word for “market.” Music, food, and artisans will together create a pop-up town where Finnish products and information will define a colorful, free event during the day and each evening before the Minnesota Orchestra concerts.

Events include: All-day Genealogy Forum that will feature keynote speakers, presenters, and workshops; Finnish choral music symposium occurring at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave; Unannounced guest appearances by Finnish and Finnish cultural heroes and celebrities, Finnish-defined sports events, All-Finnish composers concert where FinnFest registrants will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets; Family day at the American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave; Lecture opportunities; Contemporary pop concert featuring an ensemble of professional Finnish and Finnish American musicians and ensembles; Singalongs; Folk dancing; All-day forum featuring Finnish America’s rich labor history at the East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul and more.

Reservations to stay at the Hilton Hotel at the special FinnFest price of $139 can already be made. Use aws.passkey.com/go/Finn2017. Registration for the festival itself will be made available in mid-winter. Purchase of discounted tickets for registrants to attend concerts will be available in mid-July. For more information visit, finnfestusa.org, or finnfest.us.