Music All Summer Long

Text Timo Raussi

Photos Visit Estonia, Leigo Talu, Kairi Voosalu,
Kaur Orgusaar, Karli Saul

For nearly a year, thousands of boys and men of all ages have been practising dance steps for the fifth Men’s Dance Festival taking place on 6–7 June.

 

An old saying warns against putting all your eggs in one basket, or too many events into one weekend. This summer in Estonia, too, you may need luck or a long draw of straws to decide which enjoyable public events you can manage to attend. Here is a music-focused overview, since we already shared food and sports event tips in our January issue, which you can still read online.

 

6 June—Kohila, Raplamaa

Kapa Festival celebrates Estonian light music for the 26th year, featuring artists such as Singer Vinger, Vaiko Eplik, Maria Kallastu and Sadu.

Also worth noting:

• 5–6 June: Festival Itaalia in Haapsalu
• 6–7 June: Men’s Dance Festival in Rakvere
• 5–7 June: Baltica folk heritage festival in Tallinn

 

18–21 June—Hiiumaa

Sõru Jazz invites visitors to hear performers including Sadu, led by former Trad.Attack! member Sandra Sillamaa, as well as Mari Jürjens, née Pokinen.

 

22–23 June—Otepää

Pühajärve Jaanituli is a major Midsummer festival featuring top Estonian artists such as nublu, Terminaator, Smilers and Kermo Murel.

 

26–27 June—Otepää

Retrobest gathers Eurodance fans for nostalgic performances by Melanie C, E-Type, Dieter Bohlen, Basic Element, and many others.

 

2–5 July—Pädaste, Muhu Island

The 30th anniversary of the Juu Jääb festival offers jazz, hip-hop, avant-garde music and even choral performances.

 

 

Other crowd favourites the same week include:

• 1–4 July: Õllesummer in Tallinn
• 2–3 July: Summer Opera Days in Viljandi
• 3–4 July: Hard Rock Laager in Vana-Vigala, Western Estonia
• 3–4 July: Tartu Punch festival in Tartu, featuring alternative pop, indie, blues, soul and electronic music

 

8–18 July—Pärnu

At the Pärnu Music Festival, conductors Paavo, Neeme and Kristjan Järvi lead world-class soloists and the festival orchestra in daily classical concerts for the 16th time.

 

9–11 July—Pärnu Beach

Beach Grind raises the party atmosphere sky-high, with Eurovision favourite Tommy Cash among the headline acts.

 

9–12 July—Jäneda, Lääne-Virumaa

KiKuMu combines film, art and music, with performers from Europe and Africa representing a wide range of musical styles.

 

16–19 July—Illiku, Saaremaa

I Land Sound has been described as Estonia’s “Burning Man,” as EDM artists from Estonia and abroad hypnotise audiences with electronic rhythms.

This is also a super-weekend of five festivals:

• 17–18 July: Käbliku Beer & Rock’n’Roll in Põlvamaa for metal fans
• TAFF:fest jazz festival in Haapsalu
• Ostrova Festival in Setomaa celebrating Estonian music
• Hiiu Folk on Hiiumaa, an alcohol-free and family-oriented event continuing through Sunday

 

18–25 July—Kuressaare

This year’s guest performer at the Saaremaa Opera Days is one of Italy’s oldest opera houses, Teatro Goldoni from Livorno.

 

23–26 July—Viljandi

The theme of this year’s Viljandi Folk festival is “An Instrument for Everyone.” Audience records are expected at concerts by Puuluup and Duo Ruut.

 

24–25 July—Võsu, Lääne-Virumaa

The Võsu Beach Festival attracts young adults partying until dawn. Estonian stars such as nublu, NOËP, Säm and Triibupasta perform on stage.

At the same time:

• Narva-Jõesuu Jazz takes place
• 23–26 July: Saund festival at Sõru Harbour on Hiiumaa welcomes fans of alternative live music and EDM

 

 

31 July—1 August—Tõrva, Mulgimaa

The Võnge Festival lineup mixes local acts such as Duo Ruut and Reket with Estonian and international experimental musicians.

Also worth noting:

• 31 July—1 August: Leigo Lake Music festival in southern Estonia’s magical landscape, featuring Nordic, Baltic and Ukrainian performers and choirs
• Tallinn Rock Festival with The Scorpions and Sepultura continuing through Sunday
• Augustibluus in Haapsalu 

 

 

7–8 August—Käsmu, Lääne-Virumaa

Viru Folk celebrates the Year of Indigenous Peoples in the idyllic festival grounds of the “captains’ village.”

 

7–9 August—Treski, Võrumaa

Treskifest embraces Setomaa spirit while also caring for families and children with cheerful Estonian pop and folk-pop music.

 

Folk celebrations also take place here:

• 5–7 June: Tallinn Old Town Days
• 5–7 June: Viljandi Hanseatic Days
• 23 June: Midsummer celebrations 
• 28–29 June: Tartu City Days
• 3–5 July: Pärnu Hanseatic Days
• 10–12 July: Tallinn Maritime Days
• 10–12 July: Tallinn Medieval Days
• 6–9 August: Kuressaare Maritime Days

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
blues Classical Music events Festivals folk jazz music Rock