Flag Day Parade in Kuopio on 4 June

The national parade on the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces will be held on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 in Kuopio. Karelia Air Wing, in cooperation with the City of Kuopio, is responsible for organising the event. The parade is part of Kuopio's celebrations marking its 250th anniversary this year.

In addition to the review of troops and pass-in-review, the programme will include flight demonstrations by Hornet multi-role fighters and the aerobatic team Midnight Hawks, the MILjazz 2025 Defence Forces summer tour concert, and a static display at the harbour area. All events are free of charge.

Troops participating in the parade represent the Air Force, Army, Navy, Border Guard, veterans' and national defence organisations, as well as emergency and security service partners. Approximately 1,500 personnel, over 40 vehicles, and about 15 aircraft will take part. All Air Force units will be represented.

The parade will be reviewed by Commander of the Finnish Air Force Major General Timo Herranen. A field devotional service will be conducted by Chief of Air Force Chaplains Janne Huikko, and the parade commander will be Brigadier General Aki Puustinen, Chief of Staff Air Force Command Finland.

The troop review ceremony will take place at the Väinölänniemi field at 12:00. The pass-in-review begins at the intersection of Kirkkokatu and Satamakatu at 13:15, proceeding northwards along Satamakatu. The reviewing stand for the parade is located at Satamatori. Music during the event will be provided by the Air Force and Navy Bands.

Flypasts during the pass-in-review will feature Air Force Hornet multi-role fighters, Hawk jet trainers, and Army helicopters. Noise from the flypasts and aerial displays is expected in the Kuopio harbour area.

A joint static display by the Defence Forces and other authorities will be held at the harbour area, open to the public from 09:00 to 16:00.

Additionally, the MILjazz concert will take place at Satamatori from 18:00 onwards, featuring performances by the Air Force Big Band, Navy Band, and the Conscript Band’s Show Band.

Preparations and rehearsals for the Flag Day begin on Tuesday, 3 June in the Väinölänniemi area and Satamatori. Further details regarding event arrangements and their impacts will be communicated two weeks prior to the event.

Preliminary Schedule for Flag Day 4 June:

Ceremonial flag raising, Satamatori 08:00 – 08:15 
Wreath-laying ceremony, Sankaripuisto 09:00 – 09:15 
Church service, Kuopio Cathedral 10:00 – 11:00 
Parade review, Väinölänniemi 12:00 – 12:30 
Pass-in-review and flypast, Satamakatu 13:15 – 13:45 
Static display, harbor area 09:00 – 16:00 
MILjazz 2025 concert, Satamatori 18:00 – 20:30

For further information, please contact Karelia Air Wing:
Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Samuli Tanttu 
Administrative Officer Captain Marko P. Leinonen 
Tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces switchboard)