“Finland’s Warmest Metal Community”
Dark River Festival is an annual heavy music event in Honkala, Laajakoski, Kotka, known for its unique vibe. It has grown into one of Finland’s most distinctive metal festivals. Our mission is to create Finland’s warmest, safest, and most unique gathering for metal fans—a summer highlight that draws people from across the country and beyond. The festival is Finland’s most respected “small but mighty” metal tradition, known for uncompromising quality and the special Honkala community. We are a small but mighty family, a safe space for every metalhead, and always put music first while committing to top-notch quality.
The festival grounds are located at Honkalantie 30, 48720 Kotka. The festival and the entire site are strictly 18+. Gates open at 2 PM on both festival days. The music kicks off shortly after and keeps going until midnight. Bars close at 12:30 AM, and gates shut at 1 AM. Coat check will close shortly afterward, once everyone has been gently guided out to recharge outside the festival grounds.
Getting There
You can reach the festival by paid festival bus or by car (carpooling recommended). Trains stop at Kymi rail stop — about a 550 m walk to the bus transfer at Korkeakoski School, then 2.5 km along Laajakoskentie to the festival.
The festival is set in forests and fields at a biathlon stadium, so expect some walking from parking, bus, and taxi areas. The site itself is compact and cozy. While not fully accessible, there are solid paths and gravel areas, and movement with wheelchairs or mobility aids is possible.
Tickets
Tickets are sold exclusively at Tiketti.fi
Available options are:
2 DAYS — Metal Friend (2 tickets)
2 DAYS PRIORITY — Metal Friend (2 tickets)
2 DAYS
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2 DAYS PRIORITY
FRIDAY PRIORITY
SATURDAY PRIORITY
Priority tickets include a dedicated entrance lane, a quiet lounge-style reserved area with partial views of the stages, private restrooms, their own bar and food stall, and snacks available throughout the festival day.
Festival Ticket Sales
Tickets are also available at the festival entrance if the event is not sold out. A paid and supervised cloakroom is available in connection with festival ticket sales.
Parking
Next to the festival is a small paid day parking lot (€20) with very limited spaces—festival bus or shared transport is recommended. A free satellite lot is at Korkeakoski School, about 2.5 km from the festival along Laajakoskentie. You can also take a paid festival bus from the school. Overnight stays in vehicles are not allowed for safety reasons.
Festival Bus
A paid festival bus service is available to the festival area. The bus will operate according to a schedule to be announced later, stopping both ways at Ravintola Kairos on Kotkansaari, Karhula town center, Korkeakoski School (satellite parking), and Honkala.
Stages
Music will alternate between two stages. The main stage is located on the lower field, and the secondary stage is on the upper field. The distance between them is short, but the path includes a gentle incline or decline depending on the direction of travel.
Priority Area
The Priority area is located on the upper field, offering a good view of the main stage and also the secondary stage. The Priority area has seating and table spaces, its own bar service, dedicated restrooms, and an accessible restroom. Access to the Priority area requires a Priority wristband.
Beverage Service
There are several beverage points on both the lower and upper fields, near the Food World, and in the Priority area. Alcohol service is permitted throughout the festival grounds. Accepted payment methods include cash, domestic bank cards, and MobilePay. A can deposit system is in use: the deposit is always refunded when purchasing the next drink (maximum 5 intact cans per person per purchase).
Water Point
There is a drinking water station on the festival grounds. Upon entering, you may bring one empty, transparent bottle (max. approx. 0.5 L) or horn cup, which can be refilled for free at the water station.
Food and Vendor Stalls
There are several food vendors on the festival grounds, offering options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. In addition, there are stalls selling festival-themed products.
Toilets
There are several portable toilets and urinals on the festival grounds, as well as accessible toilets for persons with disabilities, located at easily reachable points.
Personal Assistants, Assistive Devices and Service Dogs
A companion may enter the festival free of charge with a ticket-holding person with a disability, provided the guest presents an EU disability card or other official proof of the need for a companion. Bringing assistive devices, such as canes, crutches, etc., is allowed for those who need them, but decorative or non-essential items are not permitted. Official, identifiable service dogs may be brought into the festival area, although we kindly advise against it due to the loud music and the risk of being stepped on.
First Aid
There is a first aid station on the festival grounds. If needed, assistance can be requested from security staff or festival personnel, who will either direct you to the first aid station or call the first aid team to your location. In case of an emergency, dial 112.
Photography
Mobile phone photos and videos are allowed. Professional cameras are only for media-accredited personnel to respect performers’ copyrights.
Hashtags
Use the official Dark River Festival hashtags:
#darkriverfestival
#darkriverfestival2026
#drf2026
#morethanmetal
Media Accreditation Requests
Official media accreditation applications can be submitted here: HERE.
UGC and Influencer Accreditation
Applications for UGC (user-generated content) and influencer accreditation can be submitted here: HERE.
Street Team Accreditation
Applications for street team accreditation can be submitted here: HERE.
Accommodation & Camping
Next to the festival grounds, Camp Dark River is for tents and Camp More Than Metal for caravans. Both are paid camping areas, open from 10 July, 11:00 AM, to 12 July, 2:00 PM.
For hotels, special rates for Dark River Festival visitors are available at:
Hotel Seurahuone Kotka – use code BDARKRIVER2026
Hotel Jokipuisto – use code DRF26
Rooms are limited and must be booked directly with the hotels using the codes above.
Security & Prohibited Items
Trained security staff, wearing yellow or orange vests, handle safety at the festival. Everyone goes through a bag and bottle check at the entrance.
Bringing your own drinks is not allowed, but you can bring one empty plastic bottle or horn to refill at the water station. Small snacks like fruit or protein bars are fine.
Prohibited items include weapons, knives, glass bottles, cans, selfie sticks, professional cameras, umbrellas, folding chairs, prop sticks, and anything else considered dangerous.
Have fun with your festival outfit, but make sure it’s safe and doesn’t put you or others at risk. Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds, parking, or camping areas.
Lost and Found
During the event, lost and found inquiries can be made at the Ticket Sales. After the event items can be requested from the festival production office, and subsequently from the local police lost and found office.