Estonian Music & Art News - Week 3, July 2025

Cultural & Music News

🌊 Emajõe Festival Celebrates Tartu’s “Mother River” (July 12):The 12th annual Emajõe Festival drew crowds to Tartu’s riverbank, featuring a colourful boat parade, folk music, and river-themed cultural activities. Celebrating connection to the Emajõgi, it remains the Baltics’ largest inland water festival. err.ee
🏰 Tartu’s Hansa Fair Brings Medieval Market to Life (July 12–13):The historic centre of Tartu came alive with crafts, Baltic food, and medieval music during the Tartu Hansa Fair. Hundreds of artisans from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania recreated a lively Hanseatic market atmosphere. err.ee
🎤 Thousands Sing Aloud at Song & Dance Festival Finale:The XXVIII Song & XXI Dance Celebration continued through the weekend, culminating in three dance performances and mass choir concerts. Despite rain, around 32,000 singers and 11,000 dancers united under the Song Arch—highlighting Estonia’s resilient cultural spirit. Visit Estonia
🎪 Ostrova Festival Launches Amid Summer Challenges (July 11–12):The 15th Ostrova Festival kicked off in Setomaa, showcasing Seto folk artists and mainstream Estonian acts. Organizers noted wet conditions and rising costs but reported strong attendance and community support. err.ee

🎻 KiKuMu Festival in Jäneda (July 18–20):Multidisciplinary arts festival combining music, visual art, and film in the rural setting of Jäneda. euronews
🎪 BALTOSCANDAL Theatre Festival (July 16–20):Estonia’s premier international theatre festival in Rakvere, featuring experimental and political theatre from Estonia and abroad. err.ee
🌾 Beach Grind Festival in Pärnu (July 11–12):Although just passed, note the performances by Wiz Khalifa, Tommy Cash, and Nublu with Pärnu City Orchestra as signifying Estonia’s growing place in international pop and rap. err.ee
🎻 Viljandi Folk Music Festival (July 24–27):Outlining ahead: the nation’s biggest folk music event transforms Viljandi with over 25,000 attendees and a program rich in Estonian and European folk traditions. euronews.com