Formosa : Finland : Fest brings top rock acts from Taiwan and Finland to Helsinki on July 11

Last year’s debut edition proved that the connection between Taiwan and Finland goes far beyond diplomacy. On July 11, Formosa : Finland : Fest. returns, this time to Helsinki’s Narinkkatori, once again bringing together music, food and culture in a free and all-ages celebration.

Part of the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026 initiative and organized by the National Cultural Association of Taiwan (NCAT), the event builds on the strong reception of its inaugural edition. While the 2025 event focused heavily on metal, this year’s lineup shifts towards rock, presenting a diverse mix of artists from both countries.

Representing Taiwan are cyber-taike outfit Amazing Show, Golden Melody Award-winning act Lilium, DJ and producer Dungi Sapor, and Taiwania, one of Taiwan’s notable indigenous music groups. Finland’s contribution comes from internationally acclaimed hard rock band Shiraz Lane, while Jussi69 closes the festivities with a special DJ set.

Beyond the music, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture through authentic street food, market stalls and traditional night market games. Attendees can try their hand at activities such as mahjong bingo and the Shibazai dice game, adding another layer to the cultural exchange.

A key figure behind the event is Taiwan’s ambassador to Finland, Freddy Lim, who is also widely known as the frontman of extreme metal pioneers ChthoniC. Having spent nearly a year in Finland, Lim sees the festival as an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

“We are bringing Finland its first-ever Taiwanese open-air market. It may not be huge, but it will certainly be warm, vibrant and full of atmosphere. Come enjoy Taiwanese street food and cultural products, and celebrate together with great music,” Lim says.

This year’s visual identity also highlights the blend between the two cultures. Illustrator D3C created two mascots inspired by Finnish forest spirits and Taiwan’s mischievous mó-sîn-á folk creatures. Equipped with guitars and Taiwan’s iconic traditional mesh shopping bags, the designs symbolize the connection between the two nations.

According to NCAT Secretary-General Lee Hou-Ching, the possibilities for cultural cooperation between Taiwan and Finland continue to grow.

“We decided to organize this year’s festival as an outdoor event during the bright days of July so that even more people can discover Taiwan through this cultural exchange.”

Formosa : Finland : Fest. 2026

July 11, 2026
11:00 – 19:00
Narinkkatori, Helsinki
Free entry – all ages

Line-up:

• Amazing Show (TW)
• Shiraz Lane (FI)
• Lilium (TW)
• Jussi69 (FI)
• Dungi Sapor (TW)
• Taiwania (TW)

Blending live music, street food and cultural experiences, Formosa : Finland : Fest. once again aims to create a vibrant meeting point between Taiwan and Finland in the heart of Helsinki. Go find the galleries of the first edition here: