29 April 2025 15:23:35 | Cultural Office Palovaara & Ruusila Ltd | Press Release
The idyllic Galärparken on Stockholm’s Djurgården will be transformed into a festival ground during the Eurovision Song Contest from 15–17 May. Bara Bastu is a tribute to Finnish sauna culture, the electric atmosphere of Eurovision, and joie de vivre. This all-ages event welcomes everyone to enjoy the warm steam, watch the live Eurovision broadcasts, and take part in a diverse program including Sauna Talks, DJ performances, a playful “Finnkampen” whisk-beating contest, and much more.
After KAJ’s victory in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen with the catchy song “Bara bada bastu,” sauna fever has spread across Sweden like never before. As the grand Eurovision final approaches, the heat rises even higher: the Sweden-Finnish Bara Bastu festival will take over Galärparken on Djurgården from 15–17 May. Over three days, six different Finnish saunas will offer steam sessions for up to a thousand bathers, alongside Eurovision camaraderie and a bustling Finnby village by the water. The site will also feature pop-up shops from Finnish brands and cities, as well as food and drink stalls. The entire park doubles as a picnic area.
In Bastuby, guests will find changing rooms, lounge areas, warm showers—and for the adventurous, “Viking showers,” with invigorating cold-water buckets to douse yourself. The event’s visual identity is crafted by award-winning Finnish graphic designer and author Sanna Mander. Sauna tickets are sold via Billetto’s online service.
Beyond the saunas, music lies at the heart of Bara Bastu. The specially built ESC Tent, accommodating up to 400 people, offers free admission for anyone wishing to follow the Eurovision semi-finals and final. Four distinct Finnish DJ collectives will make their Swedish debuts at the event.
Bara Bastu is organized by TILA Creative House, a new Stockholm-based outfit founded by designer Tiia Vanhatapio and producer-musician Tom Hakava. Through events, collaborative projects and creative initiatives, TILA promotes contemporary Finnish culture in Sweden. As a private venture, TILA receives support from, among others, the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
Media Partner and Special Guest Talk
Sauna from Finland serves as the event’s official media partner, bringing Finnish sauna culture to an international audience. On Saturday, May 17, from 14:00 to 14:45 in the ESC Tent, Titta Pervis—invited by Sauna from Finland—will give a presentation on the essence of the Finnish sauna experience and how it has become a global trend. Pervis’s talk will explore why sauna embodies relaxation, community and top-level design, and how these elements have put the Finnish sauna tradition on the world map.
“The Bara Bastu festival creates a once-in-a-lifetime arena to cheer on KAJ and Erika Vikman toward a historic double victory. At the same time, it’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in modern Finnish culture—from sauna and music to design, cuisine and travel destinations. We’re making it happen together with numerous Finnish companies and cities, in close cooperation with the Royal Djurgården Administration,” says Tiia Vanhatapio.
Bara Bastu
15–17 May 2025, Galärparken, Stockholm
Program Highlights:
- Sauna Village: Six distinct saunas—including an army-tent sauna that accommodates up to 50 people at once—plus shower facilities and relaxation areas.
- Family Day (Thursday): Special programming for families, including Skidit Disko, Moomintroll appearances, and a surprise visit from Rovaniemi.
- Friday, 16 May: All about ice hockey! Hockey-themed activities and surprise guests from the hockey world.
- Saturday, 17 May: Full focus on Eurovision. Finnish La Perse Club Kids make their Swedish debut.
Admission to the festival grounds and ESC Tent is free. Sauna tickets are available via Billetto here: https://billetto.se/e/bara-bastu-folkfest-biljetter-1272631
For the latest program updates, follow Bara Bastu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tilabarabastu/
For more information:
Elna Nykänen Andersson, Press Officer
+46 733 498 055
[email protected]
