This next week is full of festivals and concerts both in the big cities and in the furthest corners of the country. The choice is yours to enjoy the finest music in the company of the president at a concert hall in the capital, or to get out of the city and lay out a blanket in front of a stage under the stars. The opportunities to see new places in Estonia and experience new things are many this week, so get out there and enjoy!
NOTAFE
June 27th-July 16th
Viljandi
NOTAFE is a week-long, annual festival that takes place in Viljandi, this year July 10th-16th. The festival offers workshops focused around the relationship between body and mind, gathering enthusiasts and experts together to exchange ideas. Additionally, Ruth Zaporah will be coming to teach a three-week Action Theater training, starting on June 27th.
XX Muhu Future Music Festival ”Juu jääb 2016”
June 28th-July 3rd
Muhu Island
This summer, the Muhu Music Festival turns twenty. Musicians both local and foreign come together to this little island to perform in the open air no matter what the weather brings. Listeners lay out blankets on the lawn and enjoy a few lazy days and exciting nights of exceptional music.
Great Summer Gathering: Friends
June 30th 20:00
Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves will be hosting a concert featuring the best of Estonia’s classical musicians. Neeme Järvi, one of the world’s most respected maestros, will be conductor, and Silvia Ilves will be featured on the cello.
Saaremaa Summer Folk Dance Party
July 1st 20:00
Mihkli Farm Museum, Viki, Saaremaa
This year will mark the 30th Saaremaa Suvesimman, or folk dance party. Folk dance groups and musicians from across Saaaremaa will be performing, but everyone is invited to dance along. From 16:00 until the start of the performances, there will be open workshops and authentic traditional foods will be served.
Hiiumaa Guitars
July 1st-2nd
Kassari, Hiiumaa
This festival features just the kind of music that suits Hiiumaa best – peaceful, acoustic guitar music with accompaniment provided by the local songbirds. There will be a variety of venues to host these intimate concerts, including the Orjaku village house, Grill Lest & Lammas, the Kassari Community Centre, and the Kassari chapel.
XV Hard Rock Camp
July 1st-2nd
Vana-Vigala, Rapla County
This year will be the 15th annual Hard Rock Camp, Estonia’s hardest rocking festival. Over twenty bands from Estonia and elsewhere will be coming to perform. Headliners so far announced include Blaze Bayley from the band Iron Maiden and Cruachan, a pioneer of folk metal music.
Kabli Sunset Festival
July 1st – 31st
Kabli, Pärnu County
A month of musical, artistic and cultural events will take over the little beach town of Kabli this July. This little gathering place along the coast way down by the Latvian border invites visitors to come enjoy the best of what Estonia has to offer – views of sunsets over the sea, quality music, lively dancing and great company.
Schilling Festival 2016
July 2nd 15:00 – 2:00
Summer Garden, Kilingi-Nõmme, Pärnu County
This music festival has become one of Estonia’s biggest summer events but preserves its intimate boutique feel. Performers cover the spectrum of alternative music, offering everything from indie-rock, shoegaze, and hip-hop, to electronic music and experimental folk. The best of Estonia’s bands will be joined by some big names from elsewhere in Europe. Food, drink, and activities for children will also be available on site.
Our Village Party
Lindi, Pärnu County
July 2nd, 12:00-0:00
The little fishing village of Lindi will be hosting their second ever Our Village Party. Locals will join their island neighbors from Hiiu and Kihnu on stage to perform music and dances. Local handicraft and food will be sold at the fair, and fresh fish at the fish market. In addition, games, films, boat rides, and drinks will be available to all.
Pop Choir Festival 2016
July 2nd 19:00
Festival Arena (Laululava), Tartu
This will be the fifth annual Pop Choir festival where soloists, bands, and choirs will perform a selection of Estonia’s best pop and rock music. The crowd at this festival tends to be alive and doesn’t hesitate to sing and dance along.
