KOKONG Festival discusses the 2026 edition on the Åland Islands and unique qualities

KOKONG has become one of the most unique events in the Nordicregion, taking place under the Dome in the middle of the Ålandcountryside. What was the original idea behind the festival, and did youalways imagine it growing into what it is today?

The idea came about after a one-off evening of ambient and electronica atthe very same location by some of the founding members of what laterbecame the STRÖM association, which produces KOKONG. That eveninglit the spark to do something more substantial, and the idea of an actualfestival took shape. The people making STRÖM and KOKONG happen allhave quite diverse backgrounds and experiences, from old 90s ravers toyoung folks with fresh new musical references. The idea has always beento lift local talent and invite outside artists, curating a small but cozyelectronic music event in a unique location. We are happy to see it growsteadily! Growth is natural, but we like to do things as slowly andorganically as possible.

The Åland Islands feel like a huge part of the experience. For thosewho've never visited, what is it about the landscape, pace of life and senseof isolation that makes it such a perfect home for KOKONG?**

I think the answer lies in the question here. It is the unique landscape, theslow pace of life, and the sense of isolation that together bring a veryspecial mood to KOKONG. The Åland Islands have always had a large,eccentric art and culture community, and it's really not a coincidence thatKOKONG works well here. The spirit of DIY has also always been strongamong Ålanders, so the combination of these two elements is what makesKOKONG truly special.

One thing that stands out about KOKONG is how naturally local artistssit alongside international guests. How important has it been for you tobuild a festival that celebrates the Åland creative community while alsobringing new voices to the islands?**

Åland has always had a large art community, and the understanding of artas a truly important pillar in society means that it comes naturally to us.The quality of our local acts also speaks volumes — we're just modestabout it. Creating bridges between art forms is crucial to us. We also relyheavily on cultural sponsorships, so we are thankful that we are located in an environment where this is present. It would not be possible otherwise.

The programme moves between ambient, experimental electronics,electroacoustic performances and more dancefloor-focused moments.What connects all of these different sounds under the KOKONG umbrella?

Originally we wanted to focus on the very slow-moving stuff, but ambient and electronica rarely works at 11 in the evening. We Ålanders also like to party. It's really that simple.

Every festival talks about community, but KOKONG genuinely feelslike a gathering of artists, friends, curious listeners and local characters.How much of the festival's identity comes from the people who return yearafter year?

A lot! And the fact that we run an association, STRÖM, that producesKOKONG, means that we take this seriously. The association also has aloaner library of instruments, so members who are curious about creatingtheir own music, or just want to explore sound and be creative, can do justthat! STRÖM also produces smaller events — ambient concerts in churchsettings, party cruises, and workshops for both kids and adults. We're alsoslowly building up our own sound system.

The Dome itself has become almost synonymous with the event. Howdoes that space influence the way you curate the programme, and arethere any performances over the years that felt completely transformed bythe setting?

We did have plans to move the festival at one point, but it seems we'll havea hard time doing so, as the Dome is, as you say, synonymous with theevent. We love it, and it's likely we'll be at that location for as long as wecan. Every performance at both the Dome stage and the Swamp stage ismagical — impossible to pick one!

This year's lineup once again brings together artists from across theNordic region and beyond. Are there any performances or collaborations inthe 2026 programme that you're particularly excited for people toexperience in that environment?**

All the acts we present this year — and every year — are equally excitingfor us. We want to leave it to the audience to decide.

KOKONG often feels less like a conventional festival and more like atemporary world that appears for one weekend each summer. Whenpeople step back onto the ferry home after the festival, what do you hopethey're taking away with them?

That they will return — both to future KOKONG festivals, and also off-festival. Åland is a special place; there is nothing in the world like it. Wehave heard of people even moving here...

Daniel Troberg
Board Member
STRÖM CULTURAL ASSOCIATION

https://www.kokong.ax/