The editors of culture.ee have compiled a list of summer music festivals that are worth a visit.
Juu Jääb
01.07-05.07
The international festival of future music is held already for the 19th time. In the course of the festival held on Muhu island, at the yard of the Nautse Mihkli farm, top artists of jazz, electronic and world music will perform in a synergy of ancient trees, stone fences and reed roofs.
The festival programme includes interesting acts from Estonia and the wide world, such as Jazztronik (JPN), TEMU + Big Syd (USA) and Hailey Tuck (UK).
Hard Rock Camp
03.07-04.07
The Hard Rock Camp is a festival dedicated to hard rock and metal, held for 14 years running in Vana-Vigala and is probably one of the most important and largest of its kind in Estonia. Estonian artists include the likes of Metsatöll, Kosmikud, J.M.K.E. and foreign artists include Candlemass from Sweden, Caliban from Germany and Threshold from the United Kingdom.
Schilling
04.07
Schilling is one of the best loved indie music festivals in Estonia. It stands out with a tastefully curated lineup and a varied culinary programme. There is also a special area for children, so you can come with your entire family.
This year, the highlights include the electronic pop duo Peaking Lights from the US and the Danish duo Rangleklods, which was warmly welcomed at the Tallinn Music Week. When it comes to Estonian artists, one cannot fail to mention the much loved Vaiko Eplik & Eliit.
Kultuuritolm
10.07-11.07
Kultuuritolm is an urban festival held in Tallinn, and its activities span the whole city. The centre of the festival is located at the Telliskivi Creative City. In addition to a varied selection of music, the festival also includes figurative, applied and performing arts. There is a fair, a joint bike ride tour d’öö, you can hear poetry and watch films.
The musical programme is still yet to be complete but confirmed artists include the likes of Melting Hearts and Black Lizard from Finland, Adubptors from Russia and Marten Kuningas, Argo Vals and Ans Andur from Estonia.
Lokomotiiv
10.07-11.07
The club music festival Lokomotiiv will be held for the first time at the culture club Katlamaja in Pärnu. The programme spans two nights and one day and boasts 20 DJs from Estonia and abroad. Compared to some other dance music festivals, Lokomotiiv stands out with its fine lineup.
The artists include world famous names like Moodymann and Tensnake. There is also a multitude of excellent local DJs like Raul Saaremets, Madis Nestor, Ats Luik, Heidy Purga, Drummie and many others.
Mõisa Karneval
11.07-12.07
The organisers of the Carnival of the Manor, held in the park of the Mooste Manor, describe it as ‘a perfectly normal, emotional and absurd little hippie festival’. Among other things, you will find a poetry tractor, stardust, coach stable disco, a lake, the main stage in a cattle barn and the village shop.
Confirmed artists include Estrada Orchestra, Üllar Jörberg and Talbot. That is, music for very different tastes.
Viljandi Folk
23.07-26.07
Viljandi Folk obviously needs no introduction. The theme of this year’s folk is freedom, both creative and general. Performers will come from all corners of the world, such as Casey Driessen (USA), Lo Còr de la Plana and Acid Arab from France, German Diaz from Spain, Erlend Viken Trio from Sweden and Norway. And, of course, all local favourites. In addition to music, there are plenty of workshops, a film programme, Night University, handicraft yard and a runo song nest on offer.
Intsikurmu Music Festival
31.07-01.08
The Intsikurmu festival is probably best characterised by its location. It promotes the possibility of intellectual and cultural entertainment in the Intsikurmu park in Põlva. The organisers describe it as an incredibly primal venue with a strong energy.
The musical programme is also quite varied. According to the organisers, the festival specialises in contemporary jazz and art-music, turntable and DJ-culture and pop-indie-stadium music. Highlights of the programme include acts like Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (USA), Ewert and the Two Dragons, Elephants From Neptune, Bendik (Norway) and Odd Hugo.
Viru Folk
07.08-09.08
The Nordic music festival Viru Folk focuses on Danish culture this year. This is the reason the majority of performers are from Denmark, but not only there. As the tradition goes, the six stages will host concerts, there will be a programme of films, the environment and children, as well as a great street fair, watersports, the open gardens of the Käsmu residents and much more.
The highlights of the lineup include Sorten Muld (DK) and Phønix (DK). Local favourites like Metsatöll, Svjata Vatra, Estonian Voices and Maarja Nuut will also perform.
Kukemuru Ambient
07.08-08.08
Kukemuru Ambient, held for the third time in a forest field in the Türi parish, is a symbiosis of nature and organic ambient music, created as concerts in real time. The festival is characterised by a cosy and unique atmosphere.
The programme includes exotic trip hop, profound electronics, acoustic punktronic, avant garde and of course ambient. There will also be a recording of a session of the Night University, bush cinema, lectures and workshops. The lineup includes Ultramarine (UK), Leche (Chile) Chris Watson (UK), Pastacas.
