April Jazz Festival

The April Jazz Festival is recognized as the largest jazz event in the Helsinki Metropolitan area and has a rich history of featuring prominent jazz superstars alongside popular vocalists. For 2025, attendees can look forward to performances by notable artists such as Lakecia Benjamin, Dominic Miller, Kannaste4 and Poetic Ways, among others.

The April Jazz Festival in 2024 lineup included various shows throughout its duration, with performances by Shayna Steele, Eve Risser Red Desert Orchestra, Immanuel Wilkins & Espoo Big Band with Linda May Han Oh, and many more.

Noteworthy collaborations and special performances include Club For Five & Rajaton, a Finnish debut by Ledisi with material from her album “Good Life,” and a Flamenco Big Band showcase by UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.

Christian McBride, a bassist celebrated for his contributions to jazz, will present a new project featuring young instrumentalists. Ledisi, influenced by Nina Simone, will perform in tribute to Simone, showcasing her jazz and R&B prowess. Shayna Steele, known for her dynamic vocal range covering jazz, soul, and blues, will also make her debut appearance in Finland during the for the April Jazz Festival.

Throughout its history, the April Jazz Festival has hosted a vast array of jazz superstars including Ray Charles, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, as well as celebrated vocalists like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Schuur, Cassandra Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, and Gregory Porter. Organized by the Espoo Big Band ry, a non-profit association, the festival not only showcases big names in jazz but also supports local talent through its April Jazz Club concerts and the Espoo Big Band performances

Tickets for the festival are available for purchase, and the full program detailing all performances and artists is accessible online, offering jazz enthusiasts a range of musical experiences to enjoy.

How do you get to the April Jazz Festival in Helsinki?

To travel to Helsinki for the April Jazz Festival, you can fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which offers international and domestic flights. The city is also accessible via train, with direct connections from major cities in Finland and Russia.

Buses serve routes from various locations, including other Finnish cities and destinations across Europe.

Additionally, Helsinki can be reached by ferry from Estonia, Sweden, and Germany, and it offers both passenger and car transport services.

Where to stay?

For a stay in Helsinki for the April Jazz Festival, here are some highly recommended hotels based on traveler reviews:

Hotel Katajanokka: A unique hotel in a former prison, offering spacious rooms in a quiet neighborhood. It’s near a tram stop for easy access to the city center and close to the port, shopping, and restaurants. Guests have praised its excellent breakfast and comfortable rooms.

Scandic Grand Marina: Known for its excellent breakfast buffet and cozy accommodations, this hotel is centrally located, making it easy to access Helsinki’s attractions, ferries, and sightseeing spots.

Scandic Simonkenttä: This central Helsinki hotel is praised for its clean rooms, friendly staff, and proximity to shopping centers, the city center, and the ferry to Tallinn. It offers comfortable beds, a rooftop bar, and a friendly atmosphere.

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna: Located near the train station, this hotel features a stylish rooftop restaurant with a wide breakfast variety and city views. It provides easy access to amenities and public transport.

Scandic Paasi: Situated in a quiet spot a short distance from Helsinki’s center, this hotel is known for its spacious, uniquely themed rooms and helpful staff. It offers excellent value for money.

Hotelli Finn: An affordable option near the central station, shopping malls, and nightlife. It features soundproof windows, comfortable rooms, and a unique design, making it a cost-effective choice in Helsinki.