40th Annual ‘Finn Fest’ Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– For forty years now, the Finn Fest at the DECC has connected the northland with both old, and modern Finnish cultures and customs.

Guests can immerse themselves with everything ranging from art & music, food, and simply language.

“‘Fin Fest’ is all about celebrating all things Finnish and Finnish American, and bringing modern Finland with Finnish America and what we’re doing here and bringing everyone
together,” said Kyle Gray Young, Music Coordinator Finn Fest 2025.

“It is important, you know, we should, I think all know about each other. You know, the more we know about each other, the better everybody is,” said Arne Vainio, a Finn Fest attendee.

One of the attendees, making Finn Fest a tradition since it first began.

He said, returning year after year is like a family reunion.

“I look forward to seeing people that I haven’t seen since last year. Again, the food, coffee, community sessions on genealogy. We went to Finland in 2010 and again in 2019 and met family that, you know, we didn’t know we even had,” said Vainio.

To have the opportunity to share, and sing everything there is to being Finnish, it speaks volumes for some of the organizers.

“I get to, you know, get people from all over the world to come in and perform and explain what, what they’re passionate about. And it’s, it’s just, it’s an incredible honor,” beamed Young.

Finn Fest will continue its festivities until August 3rd.