Summer on Lake Saimaa is about more than relaxing by the water. It is also a season of festivals, markets, concerts and exciting events across South Karelia. Staying at Saimaa Lakeside lets you combine a peaceful holiday in your own lakeside cottage with trips to Ruokolahti, Imatra, Lappeenranta, Puumala and Savonlinna.
Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake. Spend the day visiting a local market, attending a festival or exploring Savonlinna. In the evening, return to your cottage for a sauna, a swim, dinner outdoors and a peaceful sunset by your private pier.
We have put together a selection of events taking place from May to September 2027, with approximate distances from Saimaa Lakeside cottages.
Please note: the 2027 event calendar is still taking shape. For events whose dates have not yet been announced, we have included the expected season or information from the previous year. We recommend checking the latest details with the organisers before travelling.
Lake Saimaa Events Calendar — Summer 2027
| Month | Event | Distance | Dates / status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–August | Lake Saimaa cruise season | Across the Lake Saimaa region | Usually begins in May or June; check operators' schedules |
| May–August | Summer market in Ruokolahti | Approx. 34 km | 2027 dates to be confirmed |
| May–August | Markets and harbour in Savonlinna | Approx. 113 km | Summer season |
| June | Juhannus — Finnish Midsummer | Celebrate at the cottage | 25–26 June 2027 |
| July | Saimaa Cycle Tour | Approx. 43 km to Imatra | 9–11 July 2027 |
| July | Savonlinna Opera Festival | Approx. 113 km | 3–31 July 2027 |
| July | Imatrankoski rapids shows | Imatra | Summer season; schedule to be confirmed |
| July | Mustan ja Valkoisen Teatterifestivaali | Approx. 43 km | 20–24 July 2027 |
| July | Lappeenranta Wine Festival | Approx. 75 km | Usually late July; dates to be confirmed |
| All summer | Fishing and local competitions | Ruokolahti and Lake Saimaa | Various dates |
| August | Hayride Jamboree, Puumala | Approx. 45–55 km | August 2027; exact date to be confirmed |
| August | Saimaa Folk | Approx. 113 km | Date to be confirmed |
| Late August | Sataman Valot, Lappeenranta | Approx. 75 km | Date to be confirmed |
| September | South Karelia Cultural Heritage Days | Ruokolahti and the surrounding region | Dates to be confirmed |
May — The Beginning of Finnish Summer
The Start of the Lake Saimaa Cruise Season
As the weather warms up, the boating and cruise season begins on Lake Saimaa. Sightseeing boats usually start operating in May or June, connecting towns and scenic destinations across the lake region.
Choose a short boat trip or a longer cruise to admire the islands, forested shores and fresh spring scenery from the water.
Schedules, routes and departure points depend on the operator and weather conditions. Check the latest information before setting off.
Summer Market in Ruokolahti
Location: Ruokolahti town centre
Period: Late May to August
Distance: Approx. 34 km from Saimaa Lakeside
A Finnish tori, or market square, is a wonderful way to experience summer in a small Finnish town. You may find seasonal produce, local products and handmade goods, with a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to meet local vendors.
In 2026, the summer market season ran from 22 May to 28 August, with market days on Fridays. The 2027 schedule will be announced by the local organisers.
You can combine a visit to the market with a walk around Ruokolahti and a visit to its historic church.
Summer Markets and Harbour in Savonlinna
Location: Savonlinna Market Square and harbour
Period: May–August
Distance: Approx. 113 km from Saimaa Lakeside
Savonlinna is especially picturesque in summer. The market square offers seasonal produce, local goods and handicrafts, while the harbour fills with sightseeing boats and visitors.
Combine a visit to the market with a waterfront walk, lunch at a local restaurant and a trip to the famous Olavinlinna Castle.
June — Midsummer by the Lake
Juhannus — The Finnish Midsummer Celebration
Location: Throughout Finland, including the Lake Saimaa region
Dates: 25–26 June 2027
Distance: Celebrate right at Saimaa Lakeside
Juhannus, the Finnish Midsummer celebration, is one of the country's most beloved holidays. People traditionally head to their summer cottages and lakes, gather with family and friends, enjoy barbecues and saunas, and make the most of the long, light evenings.
At Saimaa Lakeside, you can celebrate Midsummer in the traditional Finnish way: in your own lakeside cottage, with a sauna, a swim in the lake and dinner on the terrace.
If you prefer concerts and public celebrations, check the event programmes in nearby towns in advance.
July — Festivals, Culture and Sport
July is one of the busiest months of the summer season around Lake Saimaa. Major cultural and sporting events attract visitors from Finland and abroad.
Saimaa Cycle Tour
Location: Imatra and the Lake Saimaa region
Dates: 9–11 July 2027
Distance: Approx. 43 km to Imatra
Saimaa Cycle Tour is one of the region's most exciting cycling events. The main route, approximately 300 km long, takes riders through the beautiful lake landscapes of South Karelia and South Savo.
The route starts and finishes in Imatra, passing through Lappeenranta, Taipalsaari, Savitaipale, Mikkeli, Puumala and Ruokolahti. Shorter routes of approximately 150 km and 90 km are also available.
For guests staying at Saimaa Lakeside, it is especially convenient that the route passes through Ruokolahti. After an active day, you can return to your own cottage, relax by the lake and enjoy the sauna.
More information and registration: Saimaa Cycle Tour.
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Location: Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna
Dates: 3–31 July 2027
Distance: Approx. 113 km from Saimaa Lakeside
The Savonlinna Opera Festival is one of Finland's best-known cultural events. Its unique setting makes it particularly memorable: performances take place inside the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, surrounded by the waters of Lake Saimaa.
In 2027, the festival celebrates the 115th anniversary of its founding. The anniversary programme includes well-known operas such as The Barber of Seville, The Magic Flute, Andrea Chénier and Carmen.
Even if opera is not usually your first choice of entertainment, an evening performance in this historic castle can become one of the highlights of a summer trip to Finland.
Advance booking is recommended for popular performances.
Programme and tickets: Savonlinna Opera Festival.
Imatrankoski Rapids Shows
Location: Imatrankoski, Imatra
Period: Summer 2027; schedule to be confirmed
Distance: A trip to Imatra
Imatrankoski Rapids is one of the best-known natural attractions in South Karelia.
During special summer shows, the dam gates are opened and a powerful flow of water rushes through the rocky gorge. The sound and force of the water make this a memorable spectacle that attracts visitors every year.
You can combine a visit to Imatrankoski with a walk around Imatra city centre and a stop at local cafés and shops.
Check the official schedule for summer 2027 before your visit.
Mustan ja Valkoisen Teatterifestivaali — Black and White Theatre Festival
Location: Imatra
Dates: 20–24 July 2027
Distance: Approx. 43 km from Saimaa Lakeside
This international theatre festival in Imatra brings together a variety of performing arts.
In previous years, the programme has included drama, contemporary dance, street performances, music, opera, ballet, puppetry, circus and acrobatics.
It is an excellent opportunity to discover contemporary international performances during your summer holiday by Lake Saimaa.
Lappeenranta Wine Festival
Location: Lappeenranta Fortress
Period: Usually late July
Distance: Approx. 75 km from Saimaa Lakeside
This summer wine festival combines food, music and the atmosphere of Lappeenranta's historic fortress.
In 2026, the event took place on 24–25 July and opened the Lappeenranta Festival Weeks programme. The 2027 dates will be announced by the organisers later.
Make a day of your visit by exploring the fortress, walking around the harbour and enjoying the summer atmosphere of Lappeenranta.
Between Festivals — Fishing on Lake Saimaa
Location: Ruokolahti and Lake Saimaa
Period: Throughout the summer season
Distance: You can fish right by your cottage
Fishing is an essential part of life in Finland's lake region. Local fishing competitions and themed events take place across South Karelia throughout the summer.
However, you do not need to enter a competition to enjoy fishing on Lake Saimaa.
Guests at Saimaa Lakeside can fish right from their cottage's lakeside setting. A boat with an electric motor is included in the accommodation price, while a 40 hp motorboat is available to rent for an additional fee.
Before fishing, check the current local regulations and any fishing permit requirements.
August — Music, Classic Cars and Long Summer Evenings
Hayride Jamboree — Classic Cars in Puumala
Location: Pistohiekka, Puumala
Period: August 2027; exact date to be confirmed
Distance: Approx. 45–55 km from Saimaa Lakeside
Hayride Jamboree is a summer event for fans of classic cars and automotive culture.
At the scenic Pistohiekka area, classic car owners, motoring enthusiasts and festival visitors come together. The emphasis is not so much on speed or results as on the atmosphere, meeting people and enjoying the event.
The event's return in August 2027 has been announced by the organisers. The exact date will be published later.
Saimaa Folk
Location: Savonlinna
Period: August 2027; date to be confirmed
Distance: Approx. 113 km from Saimaa Lakeside
Saimaa Folk is a music event bringing together folk traditions and contemporary musical styles.
The first festival took place in Savonlinna in August 2026. Details of the next event and its programme will be announced by the organisers.
You can combine a trip to Savonlinna with a walk through the historic town centre and along the waterfront.
Sataman Valot — Harbour Lights in Lappeenranta
Location: Lappeenranta Harbour
Period: Late August; 2027 date to be confirmed
Distance: Approx. 75 km from Saimaa Lakeside
Sataman Valot, meaning “Harbour Lights”, is a festive way to round off the summer season in Lappeenranta.
The event combines music, family activities and a lively harbour atmosphere. One of its most memorable highlights is a procession of boats decorated with lights on Lake Saimaa.
In 2026, the festival took place on 28–29 August. The dates for the next event will be announced later.
It is a lovely opportunity to spend a summer evening in Lappeenranta and see Lake Saimaa illuminated by the festive atmosphere of the harbour.
September — South Karelia's Cultural Heritage
South Karelia Cultural Heritage Days — Etelä-Karjalan Kulttuuriympäristöpäivät
Location: South Karelia, including Ruokolahti
Period: September 2027; dates to be confirmed
Distance: Depends on the event location
September around Lake Saimaa is a quieter time for enjoying beautiful landscapes and discovering the region's history.
South Karelia's cultural heritage events focus on historic buildings, architecture, local traditions and cultural landscapes.
In 2026, themed events took place in different parts of South Karelia during September.
For guests at Saimaa Lakeside, these events offer a chance to explore the history of Ruokolahti and nearby towns while enjoying a peaceful early autumn holiday by the lake.
Where to Stay During Festivals around Lake Saimaa
You do not need to stay in the town where a festival takes place. If you are travelling by car, many summer events across South Karelia can be enjoyed while staying at Saimaa Lakeside.
Saimaa Lakeside is a complex of six spacious holiday cottages on a private peninsula on Lake Saimaa in Ruokolahti. It is an ideal place for a summer holiday that combines festival trips with relaxing time in nature.
Each cottage features:
- Four separate bedrooms;
- A fully equipped kitchen and dining area;
- A living room with a fireplace;
- A private sauna;
- A terrace for outdoor relaxation;
- Private lakeside access and a pier;
- A boat with an electric motor.
Bed linen, final cleaning and the use of a boat with an electric motor are included in the accommodation price.
This is especially convenient for families and groups of friends. Enjoy a festival together, then spend the following day at your own pace — swimming, fishing, boating or simply relaxing by the lake.
Planning a summer holiday on Lake Saimaa? Choose the events you would like to visit, check availability and book your cottage directly through the official Lakevill website.
Explore Saimaa Lakeside cottages and book your stay
Distances are approximate. Before travelling, check your route, event dates, schedules and admission details on the organisers' official websites.
FAQ
