Lil Baby to headline Blockfest in Finland
Lil Baby announced as Blockfest headliner in Finland
Blockfest—Nordic hip-hop’s crown jewel in Tampere, Finland—just shook up its August 15–16 lineup. A$AP Rocky had to bow out. But Lil Baby now takes over opening night. Central Cee is set to close the festival. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lauri Haav, Sexyy Red, Ty Dolla $ign, Isac Elliot, and more will also share the stage.
Why This Matters to Fans
Blockfest is a big deal in European hip-hop. The lineup change affects many. Lil Baby brings fresh momentum from his WHAM Tour. Central Cee gives UK fans their fix. And the mix of international and Finnish acts offers something for everyone. Whether you’re at the festival or streaming, here’s what you need to know.
August 15: Lil Baby Headlines Opening Night
Lil Baby is not just replacing A$AP Rocky—he is charging into Tampere with swagger. His WHAM album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in January. He has the hits: “In a Minute,” “Drip Too Hard,” “Yes Indeed.” He just wrapped his North American WHAM Tour. That energy will light up Tampere’s Ratina Stadium.
But it’s not only Lil Baby. The lineup also includes:
- A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
A Bronx star making his Finland debut. Expect “Drowning,” “Swervin,” “Look Back at It.” He brings melodic rap and theatrical flair. - Lauri Haav
A rising Finnish rapper. He adds local flavor and connects with the home crowd. - Additional Finnish artists and surprise guests
A full underground scene lineup keeps it fresh. Expect drum-tight performances and cultural variety.
This first night blends US headliners with local talent. It’s a fast-paced musical journey that goes from cross-Atlantic flows to Nordic rhyme.
August 16: Central Cee Closes the Weekend
Day two hits hard with a UK twist. Central Cee, a drill star from London, has songs like “Doja,” “Loading,” “Let Go” in heavy rotation. He will close Blockfest with sharp lyrics and British swagger.
Other acts that day include:
- Sexyy Red – brash and bold, she brings raw energy.
- Ty Dolla $ign – smoother and more melodic, bridging genres.
- Isac Elliot – Finnish pop-rap star with broad teen appeal.
- More international and local talent – to be revealed.
This final day balances British drill, US hits, and Finnish flavor. It ends the festival on an energetic and diverse note.
Blockfest Guide
Whether you’re a local fan or an international traveler, here’s what to know:
🏙️ Location & Dates
- When: August 15–16, 2025
- Where: Ratina Stadium & Ratinanniemi, Tampere, Finland
- Central location with easy transit, walking distance from the city center.
🏆 Why It’s Major
- Largest hip-hop festival in the Nordics.
- Celebrates both global and Finnish acts.
- Draws crowds from Europe, especially Sweden, Norway, and UK.
⏳ A History of Hits
- Since 2007, Blockfest has hosted acts like Snoop Dogg, Nas, Playboi Carti, 50 Cent.
- After COVID-19 years 2020–2021, the fest bounced back stronger.
- It pioneered cashless wristbands and enforces an 18+ age limit.
Planning Tips
1. Book Early
Hotels fill fast in August. Tampere sees a rush. Plan ahead.
2. Tickets
Several tiers: two-day, single-day, VIP.
Early-bird rounds appear early in the year.
Watch Ticketmaster.fi for presales (usually a January window).
3. Transport
Ratina is easy to reach.
By tram, the festival is minutes away.
Parking is limited—public transit is safer.
4. What to Bring
- Comfort is key—shoes and layers.
- A refillable water bottle (hydration stations available).
- Portable charger for your phone.
- An empty reusable tote or fanny pack for merch.
5. Capture the Moments
- Bring a smartphone or small camera.
- Use festival hashtag: #Blockfest2025
- Share fan photos. Tag artists and Blockfest.
6. Food & Merch
- Expect global street food: burgers, vegan wraps, Nordic treats.
- Merchandise booths with artist merch and limited Blockfest gear.
Understanding the Music
Blockfest is more than a concert. It’s a cultural engine.
- Genre Fusion
U.S. trap has global reach.
UK drill adds fast beats and local slang.
Finnish rap delivers local textures.
The festival blends all three in one weekend. - Artist Journeys
Lil Baby: From Atlanta mixtapes to Billboard No. 1.
Central Cee: Drill star making waves across the UK and Europe.
A Boogie: Bronx star with melodic rap style.
Finnish acts = authentic voices on the rise. - Fan Experience
20,000+ fans in a unified festival space.
Cashless wristbands = quick lines and fewer hassle.
Music, art, fashion, and culture blend under one canopy.
The Finnish Underground & Emerging Stars
Every Blockfest gives the underground a spotlight. 2025 features:
- Lauri Haav – soulful Finnish rapper.
- Isac Elliot – pop-rap singer-songwriter.
- Turisti, Sexmane, Averagekidluke, Bizi, MELO, Senya, Koira, Jore & Zpoppa, Eevil Stöö.
They represent Finnish rap’s new wave. They also show the festival’s commitment to local talent
What to Watch Next
Still more acts expected. Stick around for updates!
International headliners, surprise guests, and emerging stars might join.
Stay tuned to:
- Official Blockfest channels (website, social, newsletter)
- Ticketmaster.fi
- Artist social media
Quick Q&A
Q: Who are the headliners?
A: Lil Baby on August 15. Central Cee on August 16.
Q: Why did A$AP Rocky leave?
A: Scheduling conflicts. Lil Baby steps in.
Q: Who else is on stage?
A: A Boogie, Lauri Haav, Sexyy Red, Ty Dolla $ign, Isac Elliot, plus more.
Q: When & Where?
A: August 15–16, 2025. Ratina Stadium & Ratinanniemi, Tampere.
Q: How to get tickets?
A: On Ticketmaster.fi. Watch for early presales in January. General sale follows.
Q: Any local tips?
A: Stay central, pack smart, explore street food, stay hydrated.
Blockfest 2025 is ready to roar. With Lil Baby closing night one, Central Cee shutting it down on night two, and a slew of hits and local talent in between, it’s one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. If you’re planning to go—whether from Finland or abroad—now’s the time to lock in tickets, travel, lodging, and your must-see schedule. This mix of global beats, Finnish voices, and authentic hip-hop culture will be a defining moment in the 2025 festival season.