Aaltoja! Light and Sound Festival Fills Kotka with Light, Sound and Experiences

Organised by the City of Kotka’s Culture and Event Services, Aaltoja! has established itself as one of the largest light and sound events in Southeastern Finland. Each year, the festival attracts between 25,000 and 35,000 visitors, inviting them to experience the city in a new and inspiring way.

This year, the art trail runs through the Kotkansaari area in central Kotka and is approximately 1.7 kilometres long. Along the route, visitors can explore 13 light and sound artworks that combine technology, environmental themes and participatory forms of art.

Beginning at Palotorninvuori, passing through Kotka City Hall and ending at Toivo Pekkanen School, the trail offers experiences ranging from imaginative worlds to thought-provoking reflections on contemporary social issues. The art trail is open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm.

New: Free Aaltoja! Club Nights

The festival evenings are complemented by Aaltoja! Club Nights, featuring performances by Helsinki-based electronic music artist Forces, synth-pop duo Modem, and genre-blending artist Keiju. The artist behind Forces, Joonas Siren, also has an artwork featured on the festival route.

Fun for Children and Families

In addition to the art trail, families are encouraged to visit Shopping Centre Pasaati and the Kotka City Theatre.

During the festival, Shopping Centre Pasaati hosts Merkillinen Skidipeli by the Children’s Cultural Centre Laivuri, a giant free exhibition game that invites board-game enthusiasts of all ages to join in.

On Friday and Saturday, the HUI! Story Adventure at the theatre’s Naapuri venue encourages children to create their own exciting, funny and imaginative characters. The programme is produced in cooperation between the Kotka City Theatre and the Children’s Cultural Centre Laivuri.

Artist Meet-and-Greet and Positive Kotkan Citizen Award

On Saturday, 17 October, festival visitors can meet the artists behind the event at an artist meet-and-greet at Shopping Centre Pasaati from 4 pm to 5 pm.

Immediately afterwards, at 5 pm, the Kotka Junior Chamber International will present its annual Positive Kotkan Citizen Award, recognising a person who has made a positive contribution to the Kotka community and helped create a positive spirit in the city.

Also During the Festival

• On Friday, visitors can enjoy performances by the cycling pianist Aarno.
• Market stalls will be serving visitors at Kotka Market Square and Isopuisto Park throughout the festival.
• The café of the Orthodox Church of Kotka will also be open during the event.

Aaltoja! Light and Sound in Kotka | 15–17 October

• Free family-friendly urban festival
• Art trail open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm
• 13 light and sound artworks across Kotkansaari
• Free Aaltoja! Club Nights on all three evenings
• Additional programme, artist meet-and-greets and experiences for all ages

More information:
https://www.kotka.fi/aaltojafestivaali/aaltojafestivaali-in-english/