Opening Ceremony – Start of the Grand Rowing Festival

The Grand Rowing Festival begins on Thursday afternoon with the opening of the market area and the first wave of festival atmosphere in Sulkava.

International guests are welcomed to a special Get Together event at the lakeside setting of Lempeä Sauna & Design Hub. Held in the backyard and terrace area, this relaxed gathering introduces visitors to Finnish traditions, culture, and the unique spirit of the event.

Throughout the evening, visitors can explore different areas of the festival:

• Walk through the lively market
• Experience the lakeside sauna
• Enjoy food, drinks, and summer atmosphere

As the evening continues, the program features cross-art performances, combining music, culture, and visual elements.

The opening day sets the tone for the entire festival – a celebration of summer, culture, and community on Lake Saimaa.