WOMEX World Music Expo Finland 2025

Background & History

WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo), founded in 1994, is the world’s leading international music industry event, renowned for its cultural diversity and global reach. Organized by Piranha Arts AG, it brings together over 2,600 professionals from 90 countries annually. Initially held in Berlin, it has traveled across Europe, returning to Tampere, Finland, in 2025 after a successful 2019 edition. WOMEX promotes cross-cultural exchange through music, fostering creativity and industry connections, with a focus on folk, roots, jazz, and global underground sounds.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Over 60 showcase performances across seven stages, featuring artists like Dur-Dur Band, La Santa Cecilia, and Vimma, plus a Club Summit with electronic acts like Jako Maron.
• Special traditions or features: The opening concert, WOMEX Awards, and a trade fair with 700 exhibiting companies from 56 countries.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Conference sessions with 100+ speakers, music documentaries at Arthouse Cinema Niagara, and networking events like virtualWOMEX.

Date & Duration

Dates: October 22 – October 26, 2025

Duration: 5 days

Venue / Location

The festival is held in Tampere, Finland, with key venues including:

• Tampere Hall (Yliopistonkatu 55, 33100), hosting the trade fair, conference, films, Daycase Stage, Theatre Stage, and Northern Connections Stage.
• Tavara-asema (Ratapihankatu 33, 33100), hosting the Tavara-asema Stage and Club Summit.
• Olympia (Satakunnankatu 10, 33100), hosting the offWOMEX Stage.
• Paja Kongressi (Ratapihankatu 43, 33100), hosting the Torni Stage.
• Arthouse Cinema Niagara (Kehräsaari B B, 33200), hosting public film screenings.

Contact Information

Email: womex@womex.com

Phone: +49 30 31861430

Website: womex.com

Ticket Information

• Admission: Paid for delegates; public tickets available for select events.
• Pricing (estimated based on prior years):
  • Delegate Registration: $220–$440 (early to late rates, plus 14% or 25.5% VAT if applicable)
  • 1-Night Venue Pass: $13
  • 1-Night Festival Pass: $52
  • 3-Night Festival Pass: $143
• Special options: Media registration offers a discounted rate ($270) for journalists with valid credentials, subject to approval. Student registration ($170 + VAT) is available with a valid student ID.

Cultural Experience

WOMEX celebrates global music traditions, showcasing genres from Finnish folk to Ethiopian jazz and Brazilian carimbó. Visitors can expect performances by artists like Kankou Kouyaté and The Zawose Queens, alongside Finnish acts like Vimma, highlighting local artistry. The event fosters cultural dialogue through talks, films, and networking, emphasizing tolerance and diversity.

Food & Drinks

Tampere’s culinary scene shines with Finnish specialties like smoked salmon, rye bread, and cloudberry desserts at venue food stalls. Local craft beers and Nordic spirits, such as Koskenkorva vodka, are available, with some venues offering international cuisines to reflect the festival’s global theme.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-friendly: Limited, as WOMEX is primarily a professional event. Public nighttime concerts and film screenings are open to all ages, but no specific children’s activities are noted.
• Accessibility: Tampere Hall, Tavara-asema, and other venues offer accessibility features like wheelchair access. Contact womex@womex.com for detailed information or specific accommodations.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (17 km) or Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (170 km).
• Public transport: Tampere’s train station, a 5-minute walk from Tampere Hall, is connected to Helsinki (1.5 hours). Local buses and trams serve all venues. Festival shuttles may be available for delegates.
• Parking: Limited parking is available near Tampere Hall and Tavara-asema; public transport is recommended due to the compact city center.