Imatra Big Band Festival

View on map
MusicImatra
DatesDates TBA · Usually JulyCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsImatra Big Band Festival's origin, growing
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: EUR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Imatra Big Band Festival in Imatra

Imatra Big Band Festival grew from big band music courses held in the city since 1975, developing into a standalone festival in 1983 after musician Aarno Raninen proposed the idea at a 1976 sauna gathering. The festival ran continuously until a 2014 bankruptcy ended a three-decade run, before making a comeback in summer 2024 after a ten-year gap.

Imatra Big Band Festival grew out of annual big band courses that had been held in the city since 1975 during a dedicated Imatra music week, courses that culminated each year in concerts by course participants before eventually developing into a standalone festival in 1983.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Imatra Big Band Festival's origin, growing organically out of annual music courses held since 1975 rather than launching as a standalone event from the start, ties the festival directly to Imatra's own long tradition of big band jazz education

02

The mystery stays covered

Its 2014 bankruptcy, following the accumulation of roughly 250,000 euros in debt without city financial support, ended more than three decades of continuous operation, making the festival's 2024 comeback after a full ten-year gap a genuine revival rather than a routine annual return

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival grew out of big band music courses held annually since 1975

Water and renewal

Living ritual

culminating each year in concerts by course participants before the festival became a standalone event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually July

Getting around

Plan the trip into Imatra around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.

What to wear

Smart casual attire suited to jazz concert venues, comfortable shoes for a multi-day music event.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Imatra.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map61.17 N, 28.75 EOpen in Google Maps

Imatra, South Karelia, Finland

Nearest airportLPP — Lappeenranta
TransportPlan the trip into Imatra around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Imatra.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Imatra via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Imatra, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual attire suited to jazz concert venues, comfortable shoes for a multi-day music event.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Finland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Imatra Big Band Festival?

Imatra Big Band Festival is listed for July · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Imatra Big Band Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Imatra, Finland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Imatra, South Karelia, Finland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLibbf.fi
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually July
Source statusOfficial source linked
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