Exciting events in Estonia this week
Photo Visit Estonia / Andres Razik
8 July John Legend: “An Evening of Songs & Stories”, Tartu
One of the rare recipients of the coveted EGOT—having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award—singer, songwriter and pianist John Legend brings his acclaimed “An Evening of Songs & Stories” to Tartu. The concert combines soulful performances with personal stories from his career in soul, pop and blues music.
8 July UEFA Champions League Football, Tallinn
If you’ve had your fill of international football tournaments, Estonia’s top club FC Flora offers a refreshing alternative. In the first qualifying round of the new UEFA Champions League season, the Tallinn side hosts reigning Georgian champions FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi. Wearing green is highly recommended—and tickets cost just €10.
8–18 July Pärnu Music Festival, Pärnu and Laulasmaa
Conducted by Paavo Järvi, this internationally acclaimed classical music festival is regarded as one of Europe’s finest. The programme features 15 concerts in Pärnu performed by five orchestras and around 300 musicians, preceded by opening concerts in Tallinn on 6 July and two performances at the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa on 7 July. Every concert is also streamed live online.
9–11 July Beach Grind Festival, Pärnu
Pärnu Beach, the Düün beach venue and the city’s nightlife hotspots come alive as thousands of festivalgoers gather for one of Estonia’s biggest electronic music festivals. International dance music stars perform alongside leading Estonian pop, rock and rap artists in a lively seaside party atmosphere.
9–12 July KiKuMu Cultural Festival, Jäneda
This four-day multidisciplinary festival combines eclectic live music, independent films from around the world and contemporary Estonian art representing several generations. Visitors don’t have to camp on the manor grounds, however, as convenient bus and train connections operate between Tallinn and Jäneda via Aegviidu until around midnight.
10–12 July Chrome Beauties and Drag Racing, Haapsalu
Fans of classic American cars, relaxed cruising culture and great music gather in the courtyard of Haapsalu Castle for the annual American Beauty Summer Meet. Burnouts and tyre-smoking displays are deliberately discouraged, but on Sunday attention shifts to nearby Kiltsi Airfield, where quarter-mile drag races determine who has the quickest reactions—and the fastest machinery.
10–12 July Medieval Days and Tallinn Maritime Days, Tallinn
One weekend, two major festivals, four harbours and Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Together they create one of the busiest weekends of the Estonian summer, offering historical reenactments, concerts, maritime activities, markets and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
11 July Pajusi Mud Run, Põltsamaa
Bog football, swamp skiing, wife carrying, axe throwing—Estonians and Finns certainly know how to invent unusual sporting events. For the tenth summer running, competitors will once again crawl, climb and splash their way through Pajusi’s muddy obstacle course. Last year’s event attracted 1,342 enthusiastic participants. Watch the video and either cheer from the sidelines or join the starting line—but don’t forget a change of clothes.
11 July Mäetaguse Manor Day, Mäetaguse
This family-friendly event features fun runs ranging from 1.5 to 6 kilometres, children’s races, a science theatre, live music, horse and pony riding, dancing and a lively market. With a spa hotel located on the manor grounds, visitors can easily stay and enjoy the evening programme.
11–12 July Hanseatic Market and Emajõgi River Festival, Tartu
Tartu’s Town Hall Square and Küüni Street once again fill with stalls selling handicrafts, food and household goods during the annual Hanseatic Market. On 11 July, the celebrations also extend to the banks of the Emajõgi River, where the River Festival offers family activities, entertainment, themed river cruises and, at 5:30 pm, a colourful parade of boats, ships and floating saunas.
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