The 28th edition of the Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, held in February, 2026, was a great success. Over 5,000 people from youngsters to adults and seniors attended the festival, which featured 35 different concerts during the eight day event.

Concerts were held at five venues in Kokkola, Finland: Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory, Guild Bar, Kallentori, Rosso and the Music Centre Snellman.

The festival opened on February 14th with a performance by the Dallapé Orchestra which is the oldest entertaining orchestra in Europe, vocalist and conductor Juha Hostikka.

The Dallapé Orchestra was established in 1925 by accordionist Masa Jäppilä, and another famous accordionist associated with the band’s history is Viljo Vesterinen.

The Guardia Nueva orchestra (conducted by Raimo Vertainen) played two sold out concerts with leading vocalists Waltteri Torikka and Oona Airola in Finland.

Harri Kuusijärvi entertained on an electronic hybrid accordion. His program included the world premiere of a new accordion concerto (composed by Sampo Kasurinen) with the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Tomas Djupsjöbacka.

Other performers included the MäSä Duo, which consists of Lauri Kotamäki (accordion and vocals) and Kyösti Järvelä (violin and vocals), accordionist Jonna Pirttijoki, Brazilian music by Aqueca and the Harmonia quartet Sväng.

The MTV3 Good Morning Finland program included a story about the festival.

The 29th edition of the Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival will be held from February 13th to 20th, 2027.