The Captain’s Village Will Be Filled With North American Music

Text Susanna Poikela
Photo Viru Folk

Viru Folk is a beloved music and cultural festival that has become an inseparable part of the Estonian summer. The event takes place 8–9 August, 2025, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, in the charming village of Käsmu, also known as the “Captain’s Village”. Since its founding in 2008, Viru Folk has grown into Estonia’s second-largest folk music festival, drawing around 12,000 visitors annually.

This year, Viru Folk spotlights North American music—from folk, bluegrass, and blues to the rhythmic music of indigenous peoples of the continent. Featured performers include the Leonard Cohen Tribute Band, Willie Nelson, Dan & Claudia Zanes, and Andrian & Meredith. Alongside the American artists, the festival will showcase a wide lineup of European and Estonian performers, such as the Popsid wind orchestra, Smilers, Paul Neitsov, Viveka, Taavi Peterson, and Wiiralt. See the full lineup here.

Viru Folk is family-friendly. The festival area includes a playground, beach, food options, and lots of other entertainment beyond the music. For caravan travelers, it’s possible to stay overnight in the festival parking area. However, there is no electricity available. The nearest full-service camping and caravan site is Lepispea Caravan & Camping, located here along the Käsmu–Võsu road.

Check out the full festival program here.

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