The Aaltoja! Festival in Kotka, Finland is a bustling light and sound city festival held annually in October. The Aaltoja!Festival has gained popularity for reasons that combine artistic innovation, community engagement, and festive atmosphere.
What and where?
Aaltoja! (which translates into waves) is centered around light and sound installations that transform the urban landscape of the city of Kotka into a playground for senses. These installations are often interactive, engaging, and visually stunning, offering a way to experience public spaces during the dark autumn evenings. The festival route changes annually, keeping the experience dynamic.
The festival is free of charge, making it accessible to a wider and audience. It is designed to be family-friendly, with installations and events suitable for all ages. This inclusivity contributes to its growing attendance—over 30,000 visitors in recent years.
Organized by the City of Kotka in collaboration with local artists, associations, and businesses, Aaltoja! reflects the city’s commitment to culture. It strengthens community ties through local partnerships.
National recognition and economical impact
Each year, more artists apply to participate, and the festival expands to new locations beyond the city center on the Kotkansaari Island. This growth reflects its increasing national recognition and appeal beyond the local community.
In 2025, the Aaltoja! Light and Sound in Kotka festival was estimated to have generate approximately € 500,000 in regional economic impact.
- Food and beverage sales
- Accommodation services
- Participation of local associations and businesses
- Image impact of the festival
Photo credit: Petra Kuitunen
Festival Overview
- When? October
- Where? Mainly in the city center of Kotka, with additional venues in surrounding areas like Sunila, Kyminlinna, and Kymi Church.
- What? Celebrating the darker autumn evenings with breathtaking light and sound art installations.
- To whom? Family-friendly and open to all, with over 30 000 visitors.
Program Highlights
- Fire shows, trapeze performances, and LED flow art
- Sound baths, poetry sessions, and interactive installations
- Underground rave meets dance art at Vellamo canopy
- Light characters, circus acts, and acrobatic performances
- Local food market at Kotka Market Square
- Art installations in Sapokka Water Park, Kyminlinna ramparts, and Kymi Church
Featured Light & Sound Art Installations
- Teosreitti (Art Route): A curated path of light and sound installations across Kotkansaari and other parts of Kotka.
- Sapokka Water Park: A central location for immersive light art.
- Kyminlinna Fortress: Hosts dramatic soundscapes and visual projections.
- Kymi Church & Langinkoski Church: Illuminated façades and indoor performances.
Live Performances & Interactive Events
- Church Program: Activities for children, promenade concert with junior orchestra, organ fairy tale, vocal performances, and sing-along hymns, late-night mass.
- Circus & Dance Acts: Including trapeze artists, LED flow performers, and acrobats
- Underground Rave & Dance Art: Held under the Maritime Centre Vellamo canopy
Market & Food
- Kotka Market Square: Local food stalls and crafts
- Pop-up cafés and food trucks: Scattered throughout the festival route
Sound Experiences
- Sound Baths & Poetry Sessions: Relaxing and immersive audio experiences
- Interactive Sound Installations: Visitors can engage with sound-reactive art
Locations
Photo credit: Petra Kuitunen
Photo credit: Petra Kuitunen
Photo credit: City of Kotka/Jari Pitkäkangas
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