Flow Festival 2025 opens its gates in Helsinki from August 8 to 10, bringing together a rich program of art, ideas, and performances. This year’s edition is not only about music but also about thought-provoking installations and conversations that explore creativity, technology, and the human experience.
In Suvilahti’s Kattilahalli, visitors will step into an immersive sound art world crafted by Finnish artist Kalle Vainio. His large-scale installation, The Land Where It Always Rains, turns the venue into a surreal audiovisual landscape, blending the sound of rain with monumental projections and spatial design. The piece uses ten reel-to-reel tape recorders running loops of field recordings, umbrellas, and video to create a place where the rain never stops. Ville MJ Hyvönen and Merle Karp shape the visual setting, making the installation a multi-sensory experience.
More artworks for the festival’s visual program will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Flow Talks begins on Friday, August 8, with a session led by Google. The discussion will focus on how artificial intelligence can address real-world problems, foster creativity, and improve productivity and wellbeing. Experts will present tools, ideas, and applications for AI in various fields, while also examining its potential to drive Finland’s growth.
The opening remarks will come from Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture, Mari-Leena Talvitie. She will be followed by Itxaso Araque, Google’s Head of AI for EMEA North, alongside a team of AI specialists.
Saturday, August 9, offers two different talk sessions. The first, Radical Creativity, is hosted by Tietoevry Create and Aalto University. It looks at how individuals and organizations can embrace bold creativity and adapt to constant change. Speakers include Denny Royal of Tietoevry Create, Tuomas Auvinen from Aalto University, Amel Gaily of Cuckoo, and Jussi Herlin from KONE. The discussion will be guided by Eeva Vilkkumaa, an Assistant Professor with a focus on leadership and innovation.
Later that day, Dare to Dream, organized with Nordea, turns attention to money, ambition, and how finances shape the pursuit of personal goals. Hosted by Adile Sevimli and Antti Isokangas, the panel includes Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki, Pia-Maria Nickström of Startup Foundation, and renowned DJ-producer Orkidea.
The final day, Sunday, August 10, features Musta laatikko (Black Box) by Helsingin Sanomat. This journalistic performance mixes personal storytelling with current affairs. Tuomas Niskakangas will examine Europe’s economic future from a Central European angle, Laura Kangasluoma will share reflections on dating through blind date stories, and Maria Pettersson will recount her trip to Antarctica in search of penguins – a journey that took an unexpected turn.
With nearly 150 artists performing, Flow Festival 2025 will see appearances from Charli XCX, Burna Boy, FKA twigs, Little Simz, Air performing Moon Safari, Underworld, Khruangbin, Yung Lean & Bladee, Bicep, Lola Young, Beth Gibbons, Black Star, Veronica Maggio, Fontaines D.C., Montell Fish, Amaarae, Kneecap, Sam Quealy, Autechre, Snow Strippers, Joy Orbison, and Avalon Emerson.
The festival’s partners include Heineken, Cult, the City of Helsinki, Google, Lanson, Lyko, Nordea, Scandic, Tietoevry, and Vaasan. Media partners include Clear Channel, Finnkino, Helsingin Sanomat, and Radio Helsinki, with production support from Creative Technology, Stopteltat, and Sun Effects.
More details and full schedules are available on the official Flow Festival website.
