Known for its rich cultural offerings, Estonia never fails to deliver. This summer offers a fun-packed schedule of festivals and events taking place throughout the vibrant country. If you still need an excuse to spend your summer holiday in Estonia, then check out this list of most famous summer events and festivals in Estonia including sports, concerts, folks, etc. From marathons to music and film festivals, these events are for holiday lovers.
Major Summer Events and Festivals in Estonia
1. Ironman Tallinn
Ironman Tallinn
In the capital of Tallinn, Ironman is part of the summer triathlon festival. The main competitions take place on two consecutive days. Over the years, the Ironman competition has attracted almost a thousand participants to Estonia from around the world. The race leads through Tallinn’s unforgettable Old Town and the wonderful Harju County. Tallinn’s Old Town is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This popular summer festival in Estonia also includes an IRONKIDS competition and charity competitions. A sporty weekend offers fun for all ages!
Where: Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa
When: 7-8 July 2021
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2. Estonian Aviation Days
Estonian Aviation Days
The largest outdoor aviation event welcomes young and old aviation fans at the Estonian Aviation Museum in Tartu County (and beyond). It is possible to visit parachutists or sightseeing. Various attractions are open, e.g. simulators, catapults, parachute simulators, trampoline beds, and more. Two days with state-of-the-art flight equipment and an interesting program both on land and in the air.
Where: Tartu maakond, Lange küla
When: 7-8 July 2021
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3. Tallinn Old Town Days
Tallinn Old Town Days
Tallinn Old Town Days are the largest festival in the Old Town, dedicated to the local cultural heritage and community. Over five days, a variety of musical, theatrical, artistic, and sporting events are held for both locals and visitors. Old and young guests can climb into the courtyard of the Old Town, learn about Tallinn’s long and fascinating history, and take part in various activities.
Where: Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa
When: 12-15 July 2021
4. Jazzkaar
Jazzkaar
Jazzkaar brings the best local performers and newcomers as well as big jazz names and rising stars from all over the world. More than 3,000 foreign artists from 60 countries performed at the festival. Over the years, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Gregory Porter and Angélique Kidjo have performed at Jazzkaar. This big summer festival in Estonia is experimenting with new formats and venues, taking music from concert halls to the city square and inviting families with children to enjoy jazz as well.
Where: Harju maakond, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa
When: 23-31 July 2021
5. Tallinn Music Week
Tallinn Music Week
Tallinn Music Week (TMW) is one of the largest indoor music festivals in the Baltic and Nordic region, showcasing the line-up of about 200 Estonian and foreign performers, representing various music genres. The number of participants in this best summer festival from Estonia and elsewhere reaches 25 thousand. In addition to the main program of the festival, which takes place in Tallinn’s most important clubs and concert venues, you can also explore lesser-known parts of the city during Tallinn Music Week. City Stage concerts take place all over Tallinn; you can also take part in the TMW Talks talk series, the TMW Tastes restaurant festival, and the TMW Arts contemporary art program.
Where: Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa
When: 29 July to 3rd October 2021
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6. Võhandu Marathon
Võhandu Marathon
The Võhandu River, one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in southern Estonia, hosts an international rowing marathon in the early morning at Lake Tamula in Võru and in Võõpsu in Põlva County. Participants cover 100 km in one day, experiencing extreme conditions. The river offers fantastic views of ancient forests, meadows, and sandstone bluffs. Over the years, seven watermills have been built over the years, some of which have since collapsed into ruins. However, crossing the barricades of the mills is sure to give participants an extra adrenaline shot!
Where: Võru maakond, Võru
When: 12th July 2021
7. Seto Folk
Seto Folk
Seto Folk is a festival where the experience is born and the inspiration comes from the fusion of music and nature. The festival brings together travel and music lovers from all over Estonia and expands the boundaries of performing arts culture. At this festival, vendors sell local handicrafts, serve original Seto dishes, taste homemade beer, and enjoy Seto hospitality. A truly seto kirmas terrain is open, full of the spirit of the village festivities, allowing festival-goers to relax from the raging crowd and enjoy cheerful company, good music, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Where: Võru maakond, Värska alevik
When: 25-26 July
8. Medieval Days in Tallinn’s Old Town
Medieval Days in Tallinn’s Old Town
Medieval Days has been one of the most important annual events of the Estonian Folk Arts and Crafts Association since 2000. The medieval days take place every year in the Old Town of Tallinn during the first full week of July, from Thursday to Sunday. In the medieval days, you can feel the atmosphere of a flourishing Hanseatic Circle. A large medieval market with merchants and workshops will be created in Town Hall Square. Musicians and dancers from near and far will take the stage. A medieval parade opens the event, followed by various workshops, excursions, and theatrical performances. The children’s area is located on Niguliste Hill, where children can take part in workshops, knightly competitions, and other exciting activities.
Where: Harju maakond, Tallinn
When: 8-11 July 2021
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9. FIA World Rally Championship Rally Estonia
FIA World Rally Championship Rally Estonia
For the second time in the history of the rally world – the FIA Rally World Championship arrives in Estonia. The Estonia Rally will host the world’s first drivers of WRC teams on the winding and bumpy roads of Southern Estonia. In addition to the competition, the best competitors from the Baltics, Russia, and Scandinavia will also take part in the event. The 3-day event will entertain the whole family with unbeatable fan experiences in the rally world. By using innovative solutions, the rally becomes even more comfortable and safe for spectators to watch from the auditorium. The start and finish ceremony will take place at the Estonian National Museum, which also houses the Service Park and Rally HQ, and will host a Special Stage for 2 days.
Where: Tartu maakond, Tartu linn
When: 15-18 July 2021
10. Saaremaa Opera Days
Saaremaa Opera Days
The most popular opera festival in the Balaton states is the Saaremaa Opera Days, which take place in the middle of summer in the historic courtyard of Kuressaare Castle. For this occasion, an opera house will be set up that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Over the years, the Saaremaa Opera Days have hosted many famous theaters, including the Moscow Helikon Opera, the Black American Opera on Broadway, the Hungarian State Opera, the Shanghai Opera in China, and much more. Due to the location and the high-quality program, the Saaremaa Opera Days are an exotic festival that has become a great privilege to visit.
Where: Saare maakond, Kuressaare linn
When: 20-24 July 2021
11. Viljandi Folk Music Festival
Viljandi Folk Music Festival
This most popular summer festival in Estonia takes place every July in the castle park and in the center of Viljandi. This is the strongest expression of a particular way of thinking from the early 1990s. This way of thinking values tradition, heritage, and local identity and seeks to adapt the spiritual values accumulated over hundreds and thousands of years to modern lifestyles – all in order to keep traditions alive and thus strengthen our national specificities. The Viljandi Folk Music Festival has become one of the largest such festivals in the Baltic and Nordic countries over the years.
Where: Viljandi maakond, Viljandi
When: 22-25 July 2021
12. Seto Kingdom Day
Seto Kingdom Day
On this important day, the people of Setomaa will decide who will be the earthly representative of the mythical King Peko for the next 12 months – the seat of Bohemia. On festival day, they introduce themselves and stick to the traditional format: the set anthem is played, people select the best artists and craftsmen, and elect a new leader. Improvisational singers and dancers compete with each other, making sets of dishes and crafts. The Seto army is visible at the end of the day. Visitors are then invited to kirmas, a set party with instrumental music, leelo singing and dancing.
Where: Võru maakond, Lobotka küla
When: 7th July 2021
Hope you enjoyed the brief list of the top 5 summer festivals in Estonia that offer umpteen beach sports and fabulous scenic views of the city. There are various famous spots at the mentioned Festivals of All Seasons Celebrated in Estonia which delivers many attractions. For more engaging blogs like these head on to our other blogs and ping us in the comment sections below if you hold any queries regarding the travel destinations. For more engaging information regarding the best summer vacation ideas, destinations, places, festivals & more, visit our Adequate Travel blog
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