What’s going on in Estonia this summer

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Henrik Osula, Viljandi Folk / Aron Urb, 
Ahto Sooaru, Julius Jansson / Unsplash, 
Eiliki Pukk

Fun for the whole family is available at Tallinn Maritime Days.

 

11–14.07 Tallinn Maritime Days

Is one of the largest events of the summer in Estonia’s capital. Concerts, shopping streets, design markets, and much more will take place at Tallinn’s three harbours. Ships from all over Europe will also be in the bay, some of which you can take trips on.

 

23–28.07 Saaremaa Opera Days

This historic courtyard of Kuressaare Castle in Saaremaa plays host to the biggest opera festival in the Baltics. This year’s festival will see the world premiere of Carmen Flamenco.

 

 

25–28.07 Viljandi Folk Festival

The Viljandi Folk Festival is one of the country’s most beloved music festivals, and a highlight of the Estonian summer for more than 30 years. Hundreds of acts from around the world are set to perform.

 

26–28.07 European Disc Golf Festival

The Tallinn Song Festival Grounds will play host to the inaugural European Disc Golf Festival on the last weekend of July. The elite-level competition will see the best disc golfers in the world compete, including Estonia’s two-time world champion Kristin Tattar.

 

 

31.07–05.08 Tartu Love Film Festival

Is the largest open-air film festival in the Baltics. Tartuff, as it is affectionately known, transforms Tartu’s Town Hall Square into an enchanting open-air cinema where you watch more than a dozen movies for free over the course of the 6-day festival.

 

01–04.08 Augustibluus

The annual blues music festival which takes place in the beautiful courtyard of Haapsalu’s Episcopal Castle, will see performances from big names from the United States and Europe, as well as exciting local performers.

 

 

09–10.08 Opinion Festival

The small city of Paide in central Estonia will play host to the annual Opinion Festival. Thousands of people from Estonia and abroad will gather to listen to and take part in discussions about a wide range of topics at the free-to-attend-event.

 

09–11.08 Viru Folk

The idyllic coastal village of Käsmu in Harjumaa is the venue for the 17^th edition of the popular folk festival. Each year the music festival focuses on a specific country or region – this year it is the Alps.

 

18.08-18.09 Tallinn Fringe Festival

The month-long Tallinn Fringe Festival will offer a wide variety of performances from comedy and music to burlesque and dance at various venues around the city.

 

24–25.08 Ironman Tallinn

Thousands of athletes from around the world will compete in the ultimate test of fitness and endurance. Athletes will embark on a 3.9km swim, 180.2km bike ride, before finishing with a 42.2km run. There will also be a half Ironman as well as races for kids.

 

05–08.09 Station Narva

The eastern Estonian city of Narva comes to life for the annual music and city festival. As well as concerts from international and local artists, there will be countless other events from art exhibitions to debates, tours, and much more. 

 

 

26–28.09 Light festival ‘ÖÖvalgel’

The light festival ÖÖvalgel has become an annual institution in Pärnu. Each night the sun sets in the city during the festival visitors will be able to see stories told through light, video projections, and live performances.

 

22–26.10 Tallinn Fashion Week

The event which showcases the best established and upcoming fashion designers in the country has been held since 2007. As well as classic fashion shows there will also be design markets and other events.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Biggest Summer Events in Estonia Events in Estonia Rally Estonia Station Narva Summer Events in Estonia Tallinn Maritime Days Tartuff Viljandi Folk Festival