Hauka Fair Returns to Southern Estonia

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Arvo Meeks / Hauka Fair

Estonia’s oldest trade fair has always taken place in Antsla, a small village in Southern Estonia. But which Antsla? There is Old Antsla, New Antsla, and just plain old regular Antsla. The first Hauka Fair was in 1903 in Old Antsla, right up the road from today’s location. Vendors from around the country and neighbouring countries show up to sell their best handicrafts, foods, beverages, and other goods.

Today the Hauka Fair has become somewhat of a cultural institution in Estonia. This means that not only is it a fair where you can buy more or less anything you want, but there is also entertainment. A lot of entertainment. Starting the night before, on 8 August, visitors can enjoy concerts by many of Estonia’s top artists. 5MIINUST, Hellad Velled, Jarek Kasar, and Ewert Sundja will perform, along with others. The next night, 2 Quick Start and several other Estonian artists will take to the stage.

This year will once again also feature a local road rally. The full programme is available here.

Antsla is set in gorgeous Southern Estonia. Within a half-hour drive visitors to the region can visit Rõuge—officially the most beautiful village in the country. Also in the region are Haanja, and Antsla is also not that far from Otepää. This is a wonderful opportunity for a weekend trip to visit what else this part of Estonia has to offer.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Antsla Concerts events in Southern Estonia Hauka Fair Hauka laat Rally