Calendar of cultural events in 2013 in Estonia Updated 31.01.2013 Estonian Tourism Board. In cooperation with the tourism center's, event organizers and Estonian Institute. Date Location Event Description Web-page February 2013 1.-9.02.2013 Tallinn, Jõhvi, Pärnu, Tartu Mustonen Fest This series of baroque music concerts initiated in 1989 by Andres Mustonen and Hortus www.concert.ee Musicus has over the years grown into a substantial festival, under different names, and has opened the borders to another era, bringing many renowned musicians from abroad to Estonia. The festival has been known as the MustonenFest for the past two years. The director and artistic heart of the festival is violinist, conductor and multifaceted musician and personality Andres Mustonen. 2.02.2013 Ida-Viru County The Winter Ash Plateau Dance The Winter Ash Plateau Dance is a unique and traditional event, which brings together www.rahvakultuur.ee dance troupes from different counties, to dance and have a nice winter day in ida-Virumaa, in the Kohtla Mining Park. Guests can enjoy the party and take part in the procession, but also visit the underground museum and participate in workshops. The party ends with a fire show and a party in the community centre. 8.-10.02.2013 Lähte, Tartumaa International Gymnastics Competition Miss Valentine is the biggest international gymnastics tournament in Estonia. Miss www.vkjanika.ee Miss Valentine Valentine 2013 is the 19th tournament in a row. Long traditions and great atmosphere have made this one of the most popular gymnastics competitions worldwide. First time in history Miss Valentine will be hosting the World Cup competition in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

9.02.02013 Ida-Viru County The Alutaguse Marathon The Alutaguse Marathon is part of the Estoloppet series and will be held for the 15th time www.tartumaraton.ee/01-01-2013- this year. The marathon is in the classic style with distances of 20 km and 40 km. This ski estoloppet race has become increasingly popular over the years both with the locals and skiiers from abroad. The ski tracks traverse the area covered by the Kurtna Lakes, Estonia's largest lake system. 10.02.2013 Otepää Otepää Sauna Marathon This sauna marathon, being held for the fourth time, sees registered teams attempting to www.otepaa.ee experience as many of the saunas in and around Otepää as possible over a period of 6 hours. Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Centre is the ‘starting line’ at midday, with teams being given orienteering maps. All of the members of a team must be in each sauna for at least 3 minutes, with bonus points for dips in ice holes and cold water pools and use of other attractions provided by the sauna owners. The team that visits all of the saunas in the shortest time wins, with awards presented to them with the sauna owners at Pühajärve Spa and Holiday Centre. Bring your friends and join in on the fun!

15.-17.02.2013 Tallinn 22nd International Travel Fair Tourest TOUREST is the only international travel fair in Estonia and will take place on 15.- http://tourest.ee/ 17.02.2013 for the 22nd time in the Estonian Fairs’ exhibition center. 15.-17.02.2013 Pärnu Ice Sculptures Symposium ICICLE 10 sculptors from Estonia, Latvija, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. www.icefest.eu 15.-24.02.2013 Otepää Leigo Ice Music Festival Leigo Music Farm is presenting an exciting and exclusive event which will see a temporary www.leigo.ee concert hall erected on the central square in Otepää for one long weekend - whose stage, seating and decorative elements will be created from ice! The icy concert hall will also have an ice bar offering warming drinks. The concert has been arranged and the concert hall designed so that those attending in appropriately warm clothing will not feel the cold. The hall will host a series of concerts over three nights, and each intermission will see fire and ice rituals performed before the audience.

16.02.2013 Viljandi Golden Fish Fishing Competition The Kuldkala Fishing Party has become a regular and self-evident part of the Estonian www.kuldkala.ee winter. It is the second largest fishing event in the world. It is no longer just a fishing competition, but rather an event for the whole family with performances by renowned Estonian bands, fish dish competitions, a genuine fair, sale of fishing gear, fishing workshops, presentations of winter equpiment and of course the fishing competition. The entire festival takes place in one area. 16.-24.02.2013 Pärnu Pärnu Ice Festival 2013 Come to Pärnu and enjoy some winter fun! Pärnu attracts families from around the world www.icefest.eu in winter when the sea and river are covered in ice and you itch to put on your skates and skis. The Pärnu Ice Festival brings the excitement of summer back to this snowy resort town and offers a diverse schedule of events. The heart of the festival is the winter park and ice village with a skating rink, snowtubing, adventure park, ski trails, ice gallery and sculptures, ice research workshops, evening performances, ice cinema, ice restaurant, handicraft market and winter spa. The highlights of the festival include the fire and ice show, ice hockey show and open air concert Eesti Pidu (Estonian Party).

17.02.2013 Otepää 42nd Tartu ski marathon The Tartu Marathon is the best known and most popular skiing event of its kind in Estonia. www.tartumaraton.ee It is held every year on the third Sunday in February and forms part of the international Worldloppet and Estonian Estoloppet cross-country series. The full marathon course through Tartu and Valga counties covers a distance of 63 km, with the shorter route covering 31 km. The marathon is traditionally contested in classic style. Its rules comply with the competition regulations of both the FIS (International Ski Federation) and the ESL (Estonian Ski Association). 21.-24.02.2013 Pärnu 'The Blue Icicle' winter blues festival in The 2013 Ice Festival is inviting music lovers to the yacht club for a series of blues evenings. www.parnublues.ee Pärnu Renowned musicians from Estonia and abroad will be entertaining audiences. Andres Roots & Roundabout, Jüri Rosenfeld & Bluesband and Famous Boogiemen from Finland are just some of the performers who will be warming up the crowd at the festival. There will also be a free stage. Come and enjoy the festival and warm up your soul!

March 2013 3.-9.03.2013 Pärnu Conductors Masterclass Leonid Grin The Järvi Academy offers a winter masterclass for conductors in co operation with Pärnu www.jarviacademy.ee/en/leonid- 2013 City Orkester from 3rd to 9th of March 2013. grin-2012 During the masterclass the selected participants will conduct Pärnu Linnaorkester under guidance of teacher, conductor Leonid Grin. Leonid Grin is an international well know conductor and teacher of many young talented conductors (such as Paavo Järvi) making career at the moment. He was teaching together with Neeme Järvi and Paavo Järvi in the Neeme Järvi Summer Academy for Conductors since 2009. The masterclass class will focus to classical and neoclassical repertoire. After the masterclass in March, most talented participants will be selected to take part in the summer academy 2013! Several students will be selected by Leonid Grin to concert in the final concert on 9th of March in Pärnu Concert Hall. NB. All music masterclasses will be open to the public. 9.03.2013 Haanja 41st Haanja Ski Marathon The 41st Haanja Ski Marathon will be held on the first weekend of March. The skiers will ski www.haanjamaraton.ee 40 or 20 km using the classic style. In addition to that a children's skiing competition will be held on the previous night. You can find more information about registering and the marathon from the home page of the Haanja Ski Marathon. 10.03.2013 Kääriku The 19th Kekkonen Ski Race This now traditional winter event will be held for the 19th time at Kääriku Sports Centre, www.kaariku.com covering the 14 km of the Kekkonen ski track in classic style. The track was named after former Finnish president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, who visited Kääriku during his now legendary state visit to Estonia in March 1964. The president completed a 17-km course on skis and spent the night at Kääriku Sports Centre. His visit is also immortalised in the Kekkonen sauna, which is open to all competitors after the race.

15.-16.03.2013 Tartu Tartu Russian Ball Tartu Russian Ball continues the tradition of the last century Russian balls. www.concert.ee/vanemuise- kontserdimaja 16.-17.03.2013 Tallinn Simpel Session Simpel Session is a weekend full of spectacular experiences from around 200 top cyclists www.session.ee and skateboarders from all over the world. Among other things, Simpel Session will allow onlookers to vicariously enjoy top-ranking international and Estonian skateboarding and BMX stars. 18.-24.03.2013 Tartu 'World Film' - 10th Festival of Visual Tartu's 10th Festival of Visual Culture, which this year takes on the theme of 'World Film', www.worldfilm.ee Culture will show a selection of anthropology and ethnography documentaries from around the globe. The films will be shown to audiences on every continent in the space of one week, with the focus being on a large number of 'foreigners' who viewers will have the chance to meet. A total of almost 50 documentaries will be shown during the festival. There will also be special programmes, exhibitions, workshops and meet-and-greets with film makers.

April 2013 4.-6.04.2013 Tallinn Tallinn Music Week Tallinn Music Week is one of the biggest indoor music festivals in the Baltic-Nordic region www.tallinnmusicweek.ee that has the ambition of showing the world what an incredible pool of talent Estonia has to offer. The fifth edition of Tallinn Music Week, taking place in 4-6 April 2013, will present a line-up of around 200 artists from Estonia and across Europe, so it is a perfect weekend to visit early springtime Tallinn during three days and nights full of good music in Tallinn’s best clubs, concert venues and the unexpected pop-up stages in cool and cosy book stores, galleries, cafés and vintage shops. The festival’s music menu covers the whole wide spectrum of the best that the region has to offer: from folk and indie to jazz and punk, from classical music to metal and anything in between. All of this is available with a festival pass that welcomes you to around 20 of the town’s most happening locations, filled with exhilarated young crowds and friendly locals. “Scandinavia has long been the source of some the most interesting new music around. As acts such as Sigur Rós and Ane Brun have moved into the mainstream, maybe it's now time to set our sights on the Baltic states. The Estonian capital seems to feature all sorts of art in the most unexpected places. As one promoter visiting the festival put it: "I think Tallinn can be the next Reykjavik – there's enough craziness here." -- The Guardian

10.-13.04.2013 Pärnu V Pärnu County Traditional Music The traditional spring festival includes concerts and music workshops, both for beginners www.rannarada.ee Days and experienced musicians! There are music and singing workshops throughout the entire festival, with the main emphasis on the heritage of Pärnu County and instructors are musicians-teachers active in this field. There are also concerts in community centres, schools and kindergartens. 11.-13.04.2013 Haapsalu Contemporary Dance Festival „Uus The festival is an Estonian contemporary dance platform and a review festival, and it’s http://tantsuliit.ee/new-dance Tants 11“ purpose is to present Estonian choreographer’s and dancer’s most interesting performances that have premiered in the last two years. The program consists of 6 performances, 2-3 work-in-progress performances and 2 children’s performances. In addition to the performances there will be seminars / paneldiscussions and festival club.

19.-21.04.2013 Paide 'Winds of Time' festival The 'Winds of Time' festival seeks to provide audiences with as authentic an Order-era www.paide.ee experience as possible. The theme for 2013 is 'The Time of Kings' - there will be a range of events showcasing this era, including a special open air performance, fascinating talks, a cultural programme, a handicraft fair and workshops and much more.

19.-28.04.2013 Tallinn International Jazz Festival Jazzkaar The spring festival presents the best Estonian and world jazz musicians. Jazz is performed www.jazzkaar.ee in concert halls and in open spaces. Estonian jazz awards are presented. 20.04.2013 Võru, Võhandu river VIII Võhandu Canoing Competition 100 Võhandu Marathon is one of Europe's toughest and most beautiful canoeing marathons - www.vohandumaraton.ee km 100 kilometers of interesting and extreme river. It's an awe-inspiring challenge for all canoeing friends. 24.-28.04.2013 Haapsalu IIX Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film This festival is designed to showcase horror, fantasy and cult films for movie buffs from www.hoff.ee Festival HÕFF Estonia and neighbouring countries. It offers a wide range of the latest films, special focus features, retrospectives and infamous extreme screenings. There are also special events and much more. 26.-27.04.2013 Mooste 14th Estonian Folk Music Industry The 14th Estonian Folk Music Industry Festival will revive the country's folk music through www.folkfest.polvamaa.ee Festival "Moisekatsi Elohelü 2013" a range of modern musical projects. The vocal and instrumental talents of performers (as well as their imagination and technical skills) will be put to the test in a competitive concert. The event is designed to promote and foster Estonian folk music as a part of the musical culture of the country, creating ties between old and new that never let us forget our roots. 29.04-5.05.2013 Tartu Tartu Spring Days Tartu Student Spring Days is a week-long student festival taking over the whole city and its www.studentdays.ee people. Come take part in student life traditions and the spirit of one of the oldest North European university towns! For seven days, the town masters give power to students so that both locals and visitors could rest their spirit at a couple of hundred original events, including a boat race on the River Emajõgi, Night Song Festival and Walpurgis procession.

May 2013 1.05.2013 Viljandi 84th Lake Viljandi Fun Run This event, one of the biggest on the sports calendar in Viljandi County and a symbol of the www.viljandimaa.ee/jarvejooks continuity of sporting life in the region, is popular among runners throughout the country. It offers a stunning course with diverse scenery that makes the fun run even more memorable. Over the years the race has attracted some of Estonia's very best runners. Competitors must complete a circuit of Lake Viljandi - choosing their own route around it. An enjoyable springtime event, it is eagerly awaited every year. 5.05.2013 Viljandi 13th Mulgi Cycling Marathon This marathon, organised by the Viljandi Cycling Club, has years of tradition behind it. It www.rattaklubi.ee follows a variety of routes in and around Viljandi. The number of participants it attracts is almost always one of the highest in the series. 8.05.2013 Kuressaare Kuressaare 450 - Jubilee concert, historic Performing at this jubilee concert will be the Estonian Defence Forces orchestra with www.kuressaare.ee parade and fireworks soloists. Premiering at the event will be a choir piece whose words were inspired by the city's coat of arms. The audience will be taken back in time during the concert, which will take place in the medieval market. There will be merchants and traders, fire-eaters and jokers, musicians and emissaries and more... The concert will be followed by an open-air party and fireworks. 9.-12.05.2013 Jõhvi Jõhvi Ballet Festival The festival takes place at the Jõhvi Concert Hall and its aim is to develop ballet education www.concert.ee/johvi in Estonia, promote world class dancing in Ida-Viru County and to introduce Estonian dancers, who are well-known in Europe. This year, the chief guest is one of the most singular ballet groups in the world — the ballet dancers of St. Petersburg's Mikhailovsky Theatre! 12.05.2013 Tartu SEB 31st Tartu Marathon (23/10 km) The SEB Tartu Marathon is one of the four events in the SEB Tartu series. The main event, www.tartumaraton.ee the 23 km distance, is the most popular of its kind in Estonia. You can also run the 10 km course, or cover either distance by Nordic walking. The 23 km event starts at Tehvandi Sports Centre in Otepää, while the 10 km even starts in Elva. The finish line is at the Tartu County Sports Centre in Elva. Children's races are also held as part of the event in Tartu, Otepää and Elva. 15.-19.05.2013 Tartu Festival of Archaic Creation REGIÖÖ The theme of this year’s Regiöö festival is ‘Land of wonders’, taking in both those of the www.tartu.ee/regioo 2013 world of folk lore and those of different peoples and different countries. People have passed on their traditions from generation to generation through folk songs and poetry. Masters of music, song, dance and handicraft from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Scandinavian countries, Poland and Russia will be giving their own interpretations – ancient and modern alike – at this year’s festival. 15.05-1.09.2013 Tallinn Rooftop Cinema The Rooftop Cinema is Estonia's first regular outdoor cinema, offering a unique www.katusekino.ee opportunity to watch a selection of highly regarded classics, banned films, documentaries and cult movies as well as the latest releases up among the clouds in the centre of Tallinn.

17.05.2013 Tallinn Eric Whitacre in Estonia Eric Whitacre, the world's most popular conductor and composer, is coming to Estonia to www.ericwhitacreinestonia.ee introduce his work and share his knowledge of musical design. Whitacre is a 42-year-old musician from the USA, who is widely renowned as both a composer and conductor. He has received several awards and titles, most recently a Grammy at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012. It is safe to say that Eric Whitacre is the best known and most recognised conductor and composer of his generation. At Whitacre's concert, the Estonian Voices vocal group will perform together with Karolis Kaljuste (soprano) and a specially assembled choir. 17.-19.05.2013 Türi Türi XXXVI Flower Fair As it has for decades, the start of the peak season of spring gardening in Estonia is marked www.lillelaat.tyri.ee by the Türi Flower Fair, held on the fields on Kalevi Street in Türi. This year's fair will be the 36th in its history. Represented at the fair will be gardening companies, forestry schools and private gardens, all with special offers designed to help gardeners improve their gardens. There will also be a traditional fair programme.

18.05.2013 Tallinn SEB May Run The SEB May Run is a spring sports event for women. Taking place at Tallinn's Song Festival www.jooks.ee Grounds, the event comprises a 7 km timed race, an untimed race and a walking/Nordic walking event. There are also events for children: the course for those between the ages of 2 and 12 is shorter and located on the grounds. The day culminates in a spring concert. Everybody taking part receives a memento of the race, plus surprises. 11,600 runners and walkers participated in 2011. 18.05.2013 All over Estonia The Night of the Museum The Night of the Museum is celebrated all over Estonia and hundreds of museums and oo.muuseum.ee memory institutions are open free of charge from 18.00 to 23.00 or even later. 18.05.2013 Tõstamaa RäimeWest 2013 herring festival People measure time in these parts by the herring catch - which breathes new life into the www.rannatee.ee village after a long and tiring winter. The smoke rising from ovens, the boats puttering through the water and the calls of seabirds are inseparable parts of the landing of the catch. The festival that accompanies it showcases coastal fishing and local fish culture for fishermen, locals and visitors alike. 18.-19.05.2013 Pärnumaa Dandelion festival in the Romantic The Dandelion festival invites you to welcome spring. There are many workshops about www.rannatee.ee Coastline dandelions: making dandelion coffee, canning workshop, making an herbarium. Dandelion is the star of many workshops and there are many more interesting activities. You can listen to lectures about dandelion wine, the innovative use of local natural resources and improving tourism products. There are musicians performing on both days and a retro bus will take the participants to pick dandelions and see the surrounding nature.

19.05-2.06.2013 Narva International Mravinski Festival in To commemorate the stay of E.Mravinsky in Narva and Narva-Jõesuu, the Department of www.narva.ee Narva Culture has been organizing the annual fesrival since 1995. 24.-25.05.2013 Haapsalu Fairy Tale Festival "The Power of Fairy On the first day there will be a conference by theme "Tell Me a Story”. On the second day http://muinasjutt.haapsalu.ee/ Tale" there will be a lot of magic events and activities organised everywhere in Haapsalu, that will bring joy to both children and adults, the main focus being on performing arts that involve children themselves. 24.-25.05.2013 Narva, Põhjaõu Baroque Smithery Blackmith's festival The Northern Yard Season begins with VI International festival of blacksmiths' art. During www.narvamuuseum.ee three days blacksmiths form Estonia and neighbouring countries share their experience and make iron red-hot in front of viewers eyes. Blackmiths compete with each other demonstrating their skills in candlesticks making contest. During three days traditional exhibition of blackmiths' works is open as well as various workshops, there also will be conducted lections for blackmiths and all interested. 24.05-24.08.2013 Tallinn The Tallinn Flower Festival The Tallinn Flower Festival is designed to give participants the chance to design their own www.lillefestival.tallinn.ee eye-catching gardens and to promote themselves in doing so. Visitors can marvel at their flights of fancy, discover the latest trends in garden art and follow the growth of the gardens from spring to autumn. Once again the festival will take place in the park around Tower Square, close to Snelli Pond. It will be open from May until the end of August.

25.05.2013 Valga Valga antiquity and handicraft fair An antiquity and handicraft fair takes place in the yard of the Valga Military History www.isamaalinemuuseum.ee Museum. We welcome you, if you sell antiquities, handicraft and homemade food products. The fair also has a cultural programme and guests can visit the museum. Come and bring your friends! 29.05-2.06.2013 Tallinn International Festival of Oriental Orient Festival artistically directed by Peeter Vähi is an event comprising any kind of ritual, www.festivalorient.com Music folk and traditional classical music of Asian origin. Most of the festival performers are chosen in their natural environment during the numerous visits to the Asian countries. Orient festival aims to be diverse, representing the most important cultural regions of Asia: Arab countries, India, Tibet, Siberia, China, Indo-China, Japan, etc.

30.05-2.06.2013 Tartu Estonian Composers Festival Estonian Composers Festival brings to listeners a first-rate programme of contemporary www.composer.ee Estonian music including the premieres of around a dozen new works by our younger generation composers. In addition to orchestral concerts and master classes, interdisciplinary street and club programmes. The heart of the festival is Tartu’s most dignified concert site, St John’s Church. June 2013 June-August (Dates will Haapsalu Haapsalu Summer Music 2013 In resort hall, bandstand and the dance pavilion on the promenade it is possible to enjoy www.kultuurimaja.ee be specified) high-level jazz and classical music during the summer. 1.06.2013 Võru 3rd Võro Song and Folk Festival This song and folk festival celebrates the Võro language and can be considered the meeting www.umapido.ee point of Võro people from all over the world. It is held one year in Võru and the next in Põlva. The festival's repertoire includes traditional folk songs as well as specially composed pieces. During the day there is a handicrafts fair, a variety of performances on the public stage and a folk song workshop. In the evening the Võru Kubija song stage hosts a massive performance featuring around 3500 singers. All local choirs are welcome to join in, as well as anyone from further afield who has an interest in songs and folk culture.

1.-8.06.2013 Tallinn Tallinn Old Town Days The leitmotif of this cultural event – which is becoming more and more international – is a http://vanalinnapaevad.ee unified European cultural space and a common spiritual home for all European peoples. German, Danish, Russian, Swedish and Finnish influences and cultural artefacts can be found in the architecture of this ancient city. The lavish programme includes concerts, performances and the ‘Tallinn Treff’ theatre festival, sports events and other fun activities, while a classical music and church day will bring thousands back to the font of high culture. Held since 1982, this traditional summer festival is one of the red-letter events for the people of Tallinn, with plenty to do for children, teens, adults and seniors alike. There are events that will touch your heart, make you laugh with joy, and provide you with pleasant moments spent alone between the city walls, in the ambience of times long since past.

2.06.2013 Tartu Estonian Cycling Weekend - SEB Tartu Tartu Cycling Rally is the most popular road cycling event in neighbouring countries. In www.tartumaraton.ee Cycling Rally addition to professional cyclists, the 135 km and 60 km distances attract thousands of amateur sportsmen. The race starts and ends in Tartu city centre and mostly takes place on the winding South Estonian roads. Short distances for youngsters and children.

2.06-2.09.2013 Pärnu XX International Nude Art Exhibition The international nude art exhibition “MAN AND WOMAN” is as inseparable a part of the www.chaplin.ee "MAN AND WOMAN" Pärnu summer as the golden sun and the sandy beach by the warm sea gulf. Works by artists from Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the autonomous Åland islands and Estonia keep and eye on the ties that make us, the local men and women, similar on all the shores of the Baltic Sea. 6.-9.06.2013 Tartu Estonian Composers Festival Estonian Composers Festival brings to listeners a first-rate programme of contemporary www.composer.ee Estonian music including the premieres of around a dozen new works by our younger generation composers. In addition to orchestral concerts and master classes, interdisciplinary street and club programmes. The heart of the festival is Tartu’s most dignified concert site, St John’s Church. 6.-9.06.2013 Järvamaa Türi Spring Festival Türi Spring Festival will provide a rich cultural contribution to the unique spring www.kevadfestival.tyri.ee atmosphere in Türi. The festival brings together classical music and nature. Alongside the many concerts and recitals there will be guided walks, movies, readings and exhibitions. The concert programs will emphasize musical works which have been inspired by nature and will include music from the baroque up until the present day. 6.-10.06.2013 Tallinn Tallinn Treff Festival Since 2007 Estonian Puppet and Youth Theatre has organised a yearly festival called Tallinn www.nuku.ee Treff Festival. It's an interdisciplinary festival that celebrates all performing art forms. The programme includes dance, drama, puppet theatre performances and music concerts that attract different kind of artsits and audiences to participate at one festival. The main goal is to bring theatre to places where street culture often doesn’t reach. The outdoor performances take place in Lai and Pikk Street near the Puppet Theatre and are free of charge for everyone. 6.-12.06.2013 Pärnu PromFest 2013. Pärnu International The festival originated as the Klaudia Taevi International Young Opera Singers Competition www.promfest.ee Opera Music Festival that is still one of the main events of the festival today. The festival will bring 30 young singers from 17 countries to Pärnu. The greatest crowd-pleaser is the original opera production. This year will feature "The Tsar's Bride" by Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov. In addition to the opera production there are also various concerts, master classes and film screenings. The festival was created to provide young opera singers with an opportunity to develop their art and to expose the younger generations to opera.

7.-8.06.2013 Pärnu Grillfest - the Festival of Good Food Welcome to Grillfest in Pärnu! The Festival of Good Food looks forward to its thousands of www.grillfest.ee visitors - entrance is free of charge. You will enjoy the Good Food Fair, the national fishing championships and three food preparation competitions for young and old alike. There will be theme restaurants from different countries and exciting attractions for the kids in the festival's play area. Performances will be given by artists from Estonia and abroad. Come by land, sea or air! See you there! 7.-9.06.2013 Viljandi Viljandi Hanseatic Days The Hansa town of Viljandi gives itself over to medieval customs for one weekend each hansa.viljandi.ee June during the Hanseatic Days. There is something for everyone, with a fair, a variety of concerts, fascinating workshops and competitions in which everyone can exhibit their sporting prowess. 7.-9.06.2013 Narva Narva Days 2013 Narva Days is the biggest and most exciting event in the city in June. It includes a festive www.narva.ee street parade, sports competitions, cultural events, exhibitions, trade fairs, a handicrafts fair and all sorts of other entertainment. 7.06-9.08.2013 Pärnu XI Pärnu Organ Festival Musicians offer lovers or organ music a diverse and enjoyable festival. The performers www.eliisabet.ee include musicians from Estonia and guests from abroad. 8.06.2013 Tartu Festival “Motheriver Blues” The second edition of the Festival “Motheriver Blues”. Festival concerts will take place in www.emajoebluus.com the club “Pahad poisid” (“Bad Boys”), Küüni 2. 8.06.2013 Lake Võrtsjärv Lake Võrtsjärv Fish and Handicraft Fair Authentic Estonian handicraft and fish of any form from lake Võrtsjärv. Lake Võrtsjärv Fish www.vortsjarv.ee and Handicraft Fair takes place every year in Jõesuu recreational area in the beginning of June. During this unique day You will enjoy Fish of any form, have a look at creative artisans or take the tour at lake Võrtsjärv with traditional sailing boat "kale". The fairground atmosphere will be created by diverse musicians and folk groups; Artists making pictures of reed and mussels and Happy Rock paintings. You have the opportunity to take part in kitchen which prepares fish food: go for fish gutting championships, have a look how to serve Baltic herring and potatoes in picnic basket, learn how to prepare the mysteries of the fish soup, and do not miss to take part of making the largest sprat sandwich and try to eat it. 8.06.2013 Võru Võru County Dance and Song Festival Võru County has held on to its Song & Dance Festival tradition for many years. Choirs of www.werro.ee singers young and old take to the Kubija song stage each year, joined by brass bands, dance groups and gymnastic troupes. 9.06-11.09.2013 Haapsalu Nargenfestival www.nargenfestival.ee 9.–15.06.2013 Tallinn 8th Tallinn Guitar Festival This festival offers a wide range of music as well as encounters with the people who make www.kitarrifestival.ee it - including leading guitarists from Spain, Brazil and other countries. 15.-16.06.2013 Vastseliina XVIII Vastseliina Market Vastseliina Country Fair is held in the second and third weekend of June. The fair is mainly www.vastseliina.ee/linnus for trading, but it's also a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to introduce their products and find new contacts. Both local and foreign sellers offer their goods at the fair. The fair also has a cultural programme. 15.-16.06.2013 Pärnu Estonian Line Dancing Festival This year’s festival will be taking place in the garden of the Youth House – but the dancing www.estonianlinedance.com won’t be fenced in! Pärnu locals and visitors alike will be able to take part in a number of events around the town. 15.-16.06.2013 Otepää Otepää Tour 2013 motorcycle The Otepää Tour is a traditional international gathering of motorcyclists at the Annimatsi campsite www.annimatsi.ee gathering just outside of Otepää. It draws bikers from Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Germany and even further afield, not to mention Estonian enthusiasts. There is a parade of motorcycles at midday on the Saturday on the main square in Otepää, while a range of strongman events and a concert are held at the campsite. So then - on your bike! 15.-16.06. 2013 Hiiumaa Sõru Jazz Festival Sõru Jazz has grown out of the the performances at the Jazz Salon of the café Teatri www.kaunismuusika.ee/soru- Puhvet. The frequent performers at the salon also play at the Sõru Jazz, which takes place jazz/tutvustus/ in the Sõru Harbour in Hiiumaa from 2008. You can enjoy the performances of the best Estonian jazz musicians during the two day event. 17.-23.06.2013 Suure-Jaani Suure-Jaani Music Festival This festival is taking place for the 16th time and will culminate, as ever, with the lighting of www.muusikafestival.suure- a midsummer bonfire. Although there is music for every taste, the focus of the festival is jaani.ee classical and Estonian music. The musicians and composers will talk about their work during afternoon workshops. Concerts will take place in the morning, at lunch time, in the evening and at midnight. For many years the most keenly awaited event in the festival programme has been the sunrise concert on Hüpassaare bog island, which takes place at 3.00 am on 23 June. 20.-23.06.2013 Pärnu The WATERGATE Water Festival The festival features large and small concerts, top sports events and fun activities both for the young and old. The festival has venues all across the town. 21.06.2013 Pärnu Hello, Pärnu summer Opening summer in Pärnu, celebrations. www.parnu.ee 22.06.2013 Pärnu county Pärnu County Victory Day Marathon This family event includes a variety of distances and disciplines, including a full and half www.2silda.ee marathon, the Watergate walk and children's races. The memorial flame lit in the Church Dedicated to the Memory of Estonian Soldiers in Tori is borne by runners along a route marked by sites of historical and natural interest to the birthplace of the Republic so as to light the flame marking Victory Day the next day. The beautiful route the event follows, the encouraging public along the way and the emotional high of crossing the finishing line in central Pärnu are what make this event so special. 23.06.2013 Avinurme Avinurme Barrel Market and The 13th Midsummer Fair will again take place in the village of Avinurme. One of the http://avinurme.ee/?s=210 Midsummer Celebrations biggest country fairs in Estonia, it shines the spotlight on wood crafting. It traditionally includes markets, displays and exhibitions as well as a varied cultural programme. The evening of the fair involves a Midsummer bonfire and a village dance with live music.

27.06-14.07.2013 Rapla XXI Rapla Church Music Festival One of Estonia's most respected festivals, the Rapla Church Music Festival has been taking www.plmf.ee place for 20 years, showcasing some of the world's richest music. Concerts are held in the Church of Mary Magdelene, which is renowned for its acoustics, and a number of other smaller churches in the area. The biggest names in Estonian music have performed at the festival over the years, as have stars from the United Kingdom to Japan. Opera singer Pille Lill has been its artistic director since 2010, and it was with her support that the Rapla Summer School was established, which holds masterclasses for string instrumentalists, conductors and singers. 28.-29.06.2013 Ida-Viru County Lighthouse Festival Lake Peipus blossoms in midsummer. Against a backdrop of the gentle sound of the waves, www.kaunismuusika.ee/tuletorni- the old lighthouse at the mouth of the Rannapungerja River awaits music lovers for the kontsert/tutvustus/ next Lighthouse Festival. A range of performers will take to the stage at the foot of the lighthouse during the two-day festival. 28.-29.06.2013 Vana-Vigala Hard Rock Camp 2013 This rock and metal festival, which brings together lovers of Estonia’s hardest-hitting www.hardrocklaager.ee music, will this year provide a unique festival experience – two stages over two days with more than 20 bands from around ten countries, including some world-renowned acts.

28.-30.06.2013 Pärnu Pärnu Hanseatic Days. Back to our History is a storyteller of long ago times. Pärnu’s Hanseatic Days Festival gives us a look hansa.parnu.ee roots! back into the past. Let’s go back to our roots. We’ll go to the wisdom filled rocks. Medieval customs, ethnic crafts, ancient skills and spiritual wealth! Come to buy and sell, to learn and to teach. Come quench your thirst and satiate your hunger! Mysteries and tournaments! Listen to enchanting musical rhythms, dance crazy dances during a medieval celebration. 28.-30.06.2012 Pärnu XII Pärnu Harmonica Festival www.piccolo.ee 29.06-4.08.2013 Kabli village, Pärnu county Kabli Sunset Festival 2013 During one whole month, this traditional cultural festival in the small beach town of Kabli www.rannatee.ee/kablifestival brings together some of Estonia's best musicians and most exciting people. The festival features concerts with music from classical to jazz, elegant salon evenings, literary and film events, legendary talk shows with Jüri Aarma hosting various interesting Estonian personas, beach parties until dawn and a genuine village party. The festival events are held in beautiful locations in the beach town of Kabli and surrounding area. In addition to the cultural events, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets on Kabli beach. July 2013 2.-4.08.2013 Hiiumaa Kärdla Horseriding Days The Kärdla Horseriding Days have been held in the capital of the island of Hiiumaa since www.ratsu.ee 2001. Since that time more than 700 riders and horses have taken part, attracting around 8500 onlookers. 3.-6.07.2013 Tallinn Õllesummer 2013 beer festival This year's festival will see some amazing performances by Estonian groups and singers as www.ollesummer.ee well as surprising appearances by international artists - with whom negotiations are well underway! As usual, there will be a range of stages at the festival, both large and small, offering a range of programmes, as well as beer tents, a fun fair, bungee-jumping and other attractions. 3.-6.07.2013 Saaremaa The classical music festival The The classical music festival THE SONOROUS SOUNDS OF THE ORGANS OF SAAREMAA 2013 www.helisevadorelid.ee Sonorous Sounds of the Organs of will take place between 3-6 July in four mediaeval churches on Saaremaa island: Valjala Saaremaa 2013 church, Mustjala church, Karja church and Kaarma church. All four concerts begin at 8 pm. There is no entrance fee but contributions for the renovation of, and support to the churches are much appreciated. Programme: Bach, Händel, Caccini, Giordani, Stradella, Gounod, Mascagni, Schubert, Schumann, Franck, Massenet, Strauss, Elgar, Süda, Raid, Pärt etc. 3.-7.07.2013 Haapsalu Haapsalu Old Music Festival A festival that offers high level music performances and brings professional musicians as www.haapsalu.ee well as the audience closer to the age of early music. 3.-7.07.2013 Muhu island 17th Muhu Future Music Festival – Juu Over the years, Juu Jääb has always offered the public something new and exciting, http://www.nordicsounds.ee/juuj Jääb 2013 enriching their aural senses with an assortment of highly praised music. The face of the aab festival is reflective of the audience it attracts: youthful but smart, and with a thirst for adventure but equally a love of stillness and calm. Juu Jääb gives people the chance to express themselves to music, soak up everything it and the surrounding environment offers, spend time with friends old and new and sing and dance along – enjoying the here and now and forgetting about yesterday and tomorrow. 4.-7.07.2013 Tallinn Medieval Days in Tallinn's Old Town During the Medieval Days you can catch a breeze of the Golden Era of the Hanseatic www.folkart.ee/eng/tallinn- League in Tallinn's Old Town. There will be a medieval marketplace on the the Town Hall medieval-days Square filled with traders and artisans. Musicians and dancers from home and afar will perform for the crowds. There will also be a medieval procession in the Old Town.

5.-6.07.2013 Pärnu Music Festival "A Tribute to Valgre" "A Tribute to Valgre" – an annual summer concert in Pärnu that has grown into a festival www.kummardusvalgrele.ee 2013 over several days. It is a tribute both to Estonia's legendary and beloved composer and to the lovely resort town itself. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Raimond Valgre's birth and a grand gala concert will be dedicated to him in the garden of Ammende Villa. There will also be plenty of music in other summer locales in Pärnu.

6.07.2013 Kilingi-Nõmme, Pärnu Festival Schilling Six successful Schillings demand that there must be the seventh. One of the best-loved www.schilling.ee county Estonian small festivals is going to happen this year, as well. As always, on the first Saturday of July when the summer heat, scent of pines and mosquitos are welcoming all the international artists and the crowds. 6.07.2013 Põltsamaa The Castle Day On daytime, handicrafts fair and workshops on the castle yard, culture programme on the www.kultuurikeskus.eu stage, activities for children and games. It is possible to visit the museums on the castle yard and go to the wine cellar. In the evening, big party with dance and a fire show.

6.07.2013 Rõuge Rõuge Water Party and Boat rally www.paadiralli.ee 10.07-10.08.2013 Pärnu Open-air music theatre festival Summer Aria is a unique open-air musical theatre festival in the summer capital. http://www.ooper.parnu.ee/EE/S SUMMER ARIA Performances start an hour and a half before midnight in Pärnu's Old Town Courtyard. The UVEAARIA atmosphere is spell-binding - full of love and emotion. The mixture of well-known opera arias, surprising and innovative sounds from contemporary composers, captivating videos and excellent natural acoustics makes the experience an unforgettable one. Summer Aria is for anyone seeking special and inspiring artistic enjoyment.

11.-14.07.2013 Pärnu SAX.FEST. Pärnu International www.saksofon.ee Saxophone Music Festival 11.-14.07.2013 Lihula Lihula Music Days The aim of the festival is to offer exquisite classical music concerts outside the capital city www.lihulamuusikapaevad.com area. High-level performances will not be trapped by the urban space – the musicians will be able to perform in most exciting places in Lihula. 11.-15.07.2013 Võru XIX Võru Folklore Festival Võru Folklore Festival – this means lovely summer days in a small and tranquil Võru town www.vorufolkloor.ee with many splendid dancers, singers and musicians. This is the time of lively events: open- air concerts, handicraft fair, competition for accordion players, theatre performances, church concerts, folk evenings, workshops, night parties. 12.-14.07.2013 Haapsalu American Beauty Car Show The biggest get-together, exhibition and speeding competition of American cars in the www.american.ee Baltic Countries. 12.-14.07.2013 Kihnu island, Pärnu county Kihnu Sea Party 2013 The Kihnu Sea Party is a festival dedicated to the fishermen's day and the culture of Kihnu www.kultuuriruum.ee and it has a diverse programme. There are concerts, workshops, the traditional Kihnu run, fair ground waiting for sellers and buyers and the museum welcomes everyone. Come and see the island and visit the festival! 12.-14.07.2013 Põlva, Intsikurmu Nordic Music Festival 12.-14.07.2013 Tallinn Tallinn Maritime Days Guests can see the cultural and sea-related programme of the Tallinn Maritime Days at http://www.tallinnamerepaevad.e the Port of Tallinn, Seaplane Harbour and Peetri Harbour. One of the centres of the e/ Maritime Days is the Seaplane Harbour with its recently renovated hangars. 13.07.2013 Altmõisa, Lääne county Strawberry Festival Family event to be enjoyed, equally fun for children and adults! An exciting event, filled www.altmoisa.ee with various activities. 13.07.2013 Kidise, Pärnu county Kidise Pond Music 2013 This festival is set to take place for the second time in the village of Kidise. The place is www.kidise.ee shrouded in mystery, located as it is miles from any main road, right at the end of the power lines. It’s a place where raccoon dogs and cranes and wild boars roam; an ancient place, largely untouched by man. It’s also a place where good-minded people, great food, fantastic music and the marvel of nature come together. Around half a dozen admired and unique artists will be taking to the stage. It’s an event that everyone truly looks forward to. An authentic experience is 100% guaranteed! 16.-24.07.2013 Pärnu Pärnu Music Festival & Järvi Academy The Pärnu Music Festival and Järvi Academy will continue the fine tradition of musical www.jarvifestival.ee festivals in Pärnu that has been established over the decades. The festival's artistic adviser is Paavo Järvi. The Pärnu Music Festival is above all an orchestra festival with the fantastic Festival Orchestra that sevres as its most important cornerstone and attracts musicians from all over the world. The festival also includes concerts by superb soloists, together with an orchestra or chamber musicians. 18.-21.07.2013 Hiiumaa island Festival Hiiu Folk Summer is almost here and the Hiiumaa Folk Music Festival with a fascinating programme www.hiiufolk.ee/ welcomes you to Hiiumaa again! 18.-23.07.2013 Tartu Festival Klaaspärlimäng 2013 The summer music festival Klaaspärlimäng ('Glasperlenspiel' in German) was inspired by www.klaasparlimang.com the themes of the Hermann Hesse novel of the same name, which is why every attempt is made to view and present music from unusual angles. Klaaspärlimäng has featured appearances by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra, the West-Deutsche Rundfunk Sümfooniaorkester, the Tokyo Philharmonic Choir, the Berlin Philharmonic Quintet, Gidon Kremer, Vadim Repin, Piotr Anderszewski, Olli Mustonen, Christoph Eschenbach and most of Estonia's leading musicians.

19.-20.07.2013 Ostrova, Setomaa Ostrova Festival www.ostrovafestivalid.ee 19.-20.07.2013 Roads of Valga, Võru, Tartu auto24 Rally Estonia 2013 On 19-20 July at Otepää and on Lõuna-Eesti gravel roads 2 action-packed rally days with 2 www.rallyestonia.com and Põlva counties, Otepää rallies in one event (historic & modern). World top drivers versus the best drivers of the Baltics and Estonia. Entertainment for the whole family (concert, kids’ area, shopping street). 19.-21.07.2013 Tartu Aromatic Tartu Hanseatic Days www.hansapaevad.ee 20.07.2013 Mihkli village, Pärnu Mihkli Laat Iga aasta juuli kolmandal laupäeval toimub Mihkli laat. Tugevate traditsioonidega laat www.rannatee.ee county tähistab juba oma 25 juubeli aastat. Laadapäev on täis kauplemist, muusikat, alati tihe kultuuriprogramm, õhtu jätkub simmaniga. Elav muusika, rohkete tutvuste alguspaik, kohtumispaik ning alati imeilusal suvepäeval. Jätkub tegevusi igale vanusele!

20.-21.07. 2013 Haapsalu Yoga Festival The best yoga teachers from Estonia and around the world will be giving workshops, www.joogafestival.ee lectures, and yoga lessons of main yoga styles. The evening program includes inspirational music concerts and mantra chanting. You are also welcome to visit the market of healthy food and lifestyle products. The festival suits both for beginners and yoga practitioners, a part of the program is in English. 21.-28.07.2013 Kuressaare Saaremaa Opera Days The opera festival is held in the last week of July in the courtyard of Kuressaare Castle. www.concert.ee Performances that have been born in theatre houses change in open air – instead of the theatre stages enchantment there is the exude of history from the castle.The festival has now moved out of the main venue in the courtyard of Kuressaare Castle. Concerts also take place in manor houses and churches around the island.

22.07.2013 Saaremaa island Tall Ship Races fleet in Kuressaare and The main event during Saaremaa Maritime Week will see the island's ports and harbours www.merepaevad.ee on Saaremaa visited by a fleet of almost 100 sailing boats. The Tall Ship Races is an international open sea regatta in which large sailing ships, old sailing boats and modern yachts compete. What makes the regatta special is that at least half of the crew of each vessel has to be aged 16- 25. Saaremaa's ports and harbours will be visited by the fleet on its way from Helsinki to Riga - the starting line for their next competition.

22.07-3.08.2013 Saaremaa island Maritime Week on Saaremaa Over the years the two-day Kuressaare Maritime Days festival has grown into Maritime www.merepaevad.ee Week, taking in the entire island of Saaremaa. A host of cultural events are held at ports and harbours around the island. The festival culminates in the Maritime Days in Kuressaare. Adding to the event this year will be the Tall Ship Race, which is being held on Saaremaa at the same time. 24.-29.07 2013 Haapsalu International Haapsalu String Music The festival focuses on string music with a wide choice of ensemble repertoire – from www.festivals.ee Festival classical music to jazz and pop. Besides the concerts, there will be summer courses for young string instrumentalists. 25.-28.07.2013 Viljandi 21st Viljandi Folk Music Festival The slogan for this year’s Viljandi Folk Festival is ‘Holy smoke’. Everyone in Estonia takes www.folk.ee part in annual traditions like bonfires on Midsummer Eve, going from door to door on St Martin’s Night and hoping for the longest sled ride down the nearest slope on Shrove Tuesday. But people have a whole host of personal rituals, too, which they simply couldn’t picture their life without. But has anyone ever stopped to ask why we do them?

26.07.2013 Haapsalu Art Festival Seanahk (Pigskin) Pigskin is an international art festival. It will focus on appreciating the urban space in www.loomekeskus.ee Haapsalu and draw attention to places with unique atmosphere, that have been somehow forgotten. There will be numerous art events, the works of young Estonian painters will be presented. 29.07-3.08.2013 Pärnu Pärnu Blues Days 2013 Already the fifth international blues festival "Pärnu Bluusipäevad 2013" will be held this www.parnublues.ee year. This is a highly anticipated musical event with many concerts, workshops led by slide guitar and harmonica blues gurus and an open stage. The musicians will perform in different venues throughout the city. The main stage is in the Pärnu Yacht Club.

30.07.-3.08.2013 Kuressaare Kuressaare Chamber Music Festival The Kuressaare Chamber Music Days have been held every year in early August since 1995 in the www.kammerfest.ee capital of the Estonia's biggest island, Saaremaa. It is the oldest chamber music festival in the country and launched the music festival tradition on the island. Its founder and artistic director is pianist Andres Paas. August 2013 1.-4.08.2013 Tartu International Wind Band Festival „Mürtsub pill“ is a cheerful international summer event filling Tartu city centre with diverse www.potartu.ee "Mürtsub pill" wind music. At the largest Wind Band Music festival in Estonia one can listen to children’s orchestras, dance to big band music and enjoy a grandiose concert by joint orchestras.

1.-4.08.2013 Jõgeva, Kuremaa XXII Jõgevatreff Motocyclists meeting since 1992. Bands every night, competitions, prizes, optinal www.jogevamc.ee excursions. In camp: lake with beach, boat rent, saunas, food- and beertents, bars and much more! In addition motorcyclists parade in Jõgeva town. 2.-3.08.2013 Haapsalu Festival Bluesfest Augustibluus The main concerts take place on two nights in the courtyard of the ancient episcopal www.augustibluus.ee castle, with performers from ten different countries. During the day you can take part in workshops or enjoy the accoustic concerts in the old railway station of Haapsalu. Jim Beam Night Club will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning on two nights. In addition there will be blues people jamming in many cafes and on the city streets.

2.-3.08.2013 Valga county Leigo Lake Music Festival The Leigo Lake Music Festival is a perfect example of how to bring together nature and music to www.leigo.ee create unique and truly memorable experiences. Concerts on a variety of stages showcase music from classical to rock, with the summer's evening culminating in a Leigo-style display of fireworks - both traditional and of the floating tea light variety. The performances and the venue both add to one another to create something very special. 2.-3.08.2013 Pärnu Pärnu Guild Days 2013 The Guild Days showcase the vitality of the handicraft tradition. Genuine and true www.maarjamagdaleenagild.ee handicraft is sold along Rüütli street in the centre of Pärnu, and craftspeople from many local and international guilds demonstrate their work and skills. At the same time you will find the Farmer's Market in Steiner Garden where farmers and small producers sell produce in season. Entertaining musicians add to the atmosphere. Workshops are held for both children and adults. 2.-3.08.2013 Saaremaa island Kuressaare Maritime Festival Estonians know that the heart of the Estonian sea beats in Saaremaa. The Maritime www.merepaevad.ee Festival is based on the small Baltic Sea and highlights the long voyages and explorations of Estonians and the trips across the ocean by the Saaremaa seamen. You can watch the traditional marine festival regatta and demonstrations of different vessels in the yacht marina. Kids can have fun at the Kuressaare beach and park. The Marine Festival also includes the handicraft and haakrik fair at Tori inlet. 2.-4.08.2013 Pärnu Pärnu XV Porcelain Days The Porcelain Days include an exhibition and competition, workshops, a sale of porcelain www.noorusemaja.ee items, sale of supplies and an exhibition of large Chinese porcelain vases. 2.-11.08.2013 Tallinn Tallinn International Organ Festival This is one of Estonia's oldest music festivals, centered since its inception around the www.concert.ee historic St Nicholas's church. There are unique old organs all around Estonia, which is why interest in the festival among organ enthusiasts and professionals around the world has consistently grown. The series of concerts itself has expanded beyond Tallinn, to St Elizabeth's church in Pärnu and many other country churches. 3.08.2013 Hiiumaa island Kärdla Cafe Day The Kärdla Café Day is a unique event on the shores of the Baltic Sea. On the first Saturday www.kohvikutepäev.ee in August, 15 cafés open their doors and gates in private yards, public squares and places that have so far been hidden from the public. The town of Kärdla will be filled to the brim with the smell of coffee and fresh pastries. Come enjoy a coffee and summer at this coffee lovers' celebration in Hiiumaa! 3.08.2013 Luhamaa Seto Kingdom Day Seto Kingdom Day is the annual gathering of Seto people. This is the day when they declare www.setomaa.ee their kingdom and elect the replacement of Peko, the Seto King, on earth. The event takes place in the first weekend of August and the site of the kingdom's capital changes every year, because Peko wanted all of his people to be involved in the Kingdom.

3.-4.08.2013 Kiviõli Kiviõli Motocross Festival This two-day festival provides entertainment for the whole family, including the bike & www.motokross.ee sidecar world championships, uphill riding, jumping displays and performances from a wide range of artists. 3.-18.08.2013 Pärnu Pärnu International Fringe Festival The Pärnu Fringe Festival is two weeks of events each taking place separately but all supporting one another. They bring together artists and performers from different fields, creating shared experiences for audiences and those involved. 5.-10.08.2013 Tartu IIX Tartu Love Film Festival tARTuFF Love and different sides of it are the main topic of the film festival. But this is by no means www.tartuff.ee something oversentimental: people with complicated fates try to find Eros, also from the darkest corners. There are newer and older films in the programme and also classics. 9.-11.08.2012 Narva History Festival "Narva battle" “Narva Battle” is an international festival and the main event of summer that attracts www.tourism.narva.ee military-historical clubs of Northern Europe. Soldiers in uniforms of Peter I and Karl XII times live in war camps for three days. They are here to reconstruct one of the most famous battles of the Northern War, ie war between Russia and Sweden. Reconstruction of a village of the same time period will show common people everyday life. The Northern Yard will host a fair, where visitors can purchase goods as well as take part in various workshops, there, for example, they can try to make paper according to old techniques. Brave people can shoot a musket, young ones can sign up for recruits.

9.-11.08.2013 Käsmu Viru Folk Festival in Käsmu This year’s festival of Nordic music will be focusing on the culture of Sweden. This will be www.virufolk.ee reflected in the music performed as well as in the film and photography programme, the environmental programme and the dance club. Since Sweden is marking the 375th anniversary of Swedish arrivals in America in 2013, we will also be showcasing the music of that far-off land. Of course, the festival will also boast a busy musical programme with performers from Estonia, Finland, Russia and other countries. Concerts will be held on three large open-air stages and four smaller stages. Boats will be sailing people around Käsmu Bay, while locals will be opening up their gardens and offering home-made treats, and visitors will be able to admire and buy beautiful local handicrafts.

10.08.2013 Pärnu Night of the Arts. Street Festival August Insomnia is open to everyone (to both contribute and attend) for whom the white www.augustiunetus.ee Augustiunetus nights of summer are simply too short to bother sleeping. On this one night you will enjoy art and culture spread from the city centre all the way to the beach. There will be something for everyone - lovers of literature, art, music, theatre and food and all sorts of cafes and eateries will be keeping their doors open. 10.08.2013 Narva Narva Energy Run The Narva Energy Run includes a 7 km run, walking/Nordic walking and a 21.1 km run. The www.jooks.ee running trail goes along the streets of Narva, passing historic bastions, fortifications, the Alexander's Cathedral and many other exciting buildings. The Narva Energy Run is an unique possibility to run on the most eastward track of the European Union, on the beautiful shore of River Narva. The sports day also includes a cultural program, which starts with a concert on Peter's square and is followed by the reenactment of "The Battle of Narva" of the Narva history festival in the courtyard of the Narva Castle.

10.-18.08.2013 Tallinn Birgitta Festival At the Birgitta Festival a lot of attention it turned to the comfort of the audience. The rising www.birgitta.ee stands for the 1300-strong public, which have soft chairs, ensure good visibility from every position, while the best quality sound and lighting technology guarantee an enjoyable concert experience. The venue is also weather-proof, with a temporary roof and special window coverings to provide protection from rain and wind. 15.-17.08.2013 Pärnu Monomaffia. Pärnu International There are many theatre festivals in Estonia. "Monomaffia" is different in that it focuses on www.monomaffia.ee Theatre Festival the actor as the central figure in the theatre without whom there would be no theatre. The monologues allow for intimate and special contact between the actor and the audience. As the actor has no partners on stage, the audience plays a particularly important role in creating synergy. The actor has nowhere to hide, all eyes are on him or her and the details through which the role evolves and the story unfolds.

15.-19.08.2013 Põlva county VIII Eco-festival www.ecofest.ee 16.-17.08.2013 Valga International Valga Military History The Valga Military History Festival has a unique programme: from introducing the www.isamaalinemuuseum.ee Festival authorities, military marches and re-enactments of famous battles to special exhibitions, antiquities fair and a range of concerts. Military history clubs from other countries will also be taking part. There will be something for everyone at the festival. Come with your family and friends! 16.-17.08.2013 Valga county Power Camp: gathering of USA cars www.powercamp.ee 16.-18.08.2013 Kassinurme Mytofest The festival of Ancient World. In the hills of Kassinurme meet those, who are interested in http://mytofest.muinasmaa.ee/20 ancient age and stories. Mytofest is a journey through time of sagas and epics. For three 12/ days, Kassinumre hills become an ancient kingdom.Tournaments and contests will also be held. In the workshops, it is possible to learn ancient wisdom and handicraft.

17.08.2013 Hiiumaa island Flounderfest Flounderfest is a family festival in Kõrgessaare which is designed to promote fish, fishing, www.lestafest.ee/ the sea and all things maritime. Enjoy great food, traditional drinks, family events on land and sea, live music, workshops and cooking lessons, competitions and exhibitions.

17.08.2013 Lasva Lake Lasva Fire Music Lake Lasva is adorned with candles in the third week of August. Folk musicians perform on www.visitvoru.ee its shores, while other groups and singers take to the lake's floating stage. The event ends with fireworks over the lake. 18.-21.08.2013 Võru Võru Town 229th Birthday Days of celebration of Võru town’s birthday are full of musicians, artist and guests. www.voru.ee Celebrations Concerts and exhibition take place on streets, in cultural house and on promenade of Tamula lake. 20.08.2013 Pärnu county Pickle festival The busy, informative, entertaining day that cherishes, reminds us and carries on www.rannatee.ee traditions, is mostly about CUCUMBERS. Fish and crafts are also important to the coastal people. Interesting recipes will be shared, guests can taste both pickles and fish and there are also many workshops open. Come with your entire family, because there are activities for everyone for the whole day. 21.-31.08.2013 Tallinn August Dance Festival Over the years the festival has secured itself a position in the international festival www.tantsufestival.ee calendar, being one of the most appreciated dance festivals in the Nordic countries during autumn and the most known contemporary dance festival in Estonia. 23.-25.08.2013 Haapsalu White Lady Festival The most famous legend in Estonia lives behind the mysterious walls of the Haapsalu www.valgedaam.kultuurimaja.ee Episcopal Castle: the White Lady. The White Lady Festival is dedicated to this legend and it takes place in every August during the full moon. Then you can see the open air performance about the White Lady. In addition to the late night performance, there are a lot of concerts, theatre shows and art events during the White Lady Festival. The streets of Old Town are converted to a fair ground where you can buy handicrafts, organic food and other interesting things. 24.08.2013 Jõgeva VI Garlic Festival Sellers at Garlic festival offer you several goods, made of garlic: chocolate, bread, beer, www.meelejahutaja.ee coffee, vodka, soup and much more! In addition, Estonian handicraft and local food available. Competitions "The biggest garlic" and "The most beautiful garlic hat". 24.08.2013 Lüübnitsa Onion and Fish Fair in Lüübnitsa www.polvamaa.ee 25.08.2013 Tartu SEB 7th Tartu Rollerblading Marathon The SEB Tartu Rollerblading Marathon has become the biggest competition of its kind in www.tartumaraton.ee Eastern Europe. The excellent course, leading competitors from Tartu city limits 21.1 km towards Narva and back again, attracts both local racers and those from neighbouring countries and further afield. Whereas many rollerbalding competitions are designed for 'professionals', the Tartu marathon is open to everyone, including the most inexperienced amateurs. The advantages the race enjoys are its spacious, high-quality course, excellent sponsors and first-class service on the track. There is plenty for the little ones to do, too – so there's no reason for any member of the family to miss out on the fun!

25.08.2013 Haapsalu Haapsalu II Lace Day It has become a tradition that a Haapsalu shawl knitting competition is organised every www.haapsalusall.ee year. The woolen knitted lace scarves and shawls have been the favourite products of Haapsaly handicraft masters for two centuries already and because of their extraordinary mastery, the scarves and shawls have become unique handmade products. This year there will be the opportunity to learn about the versatile lace traditions in the historical lace art environment. 29.-31.08.2013 Tallinn Festival TOWERS of TALLINN. Different Corelli Music festival "Towers of Tallinn" brings together the history of Tallinn and www.corelli.ee towers of the city's famous silhouette contemporary oeuvre, introducing the city's famous silhouette inside out through different eras of music. Towers of the city wall, churches, modern skyscrapers - in accordance to the era of the tower, the whole city all the way to the sea will be filled with music, from the Middle Ages and Baroque to folksy melodies, jazz and contemporary music. The performers are Estonian top musicians and also young artists and children choirs. Exciting events through three days, concerts with style end elegance, beautiful music and fascinating views on both the City of Tallinn and far across the sea - joy from attending for everyone! 31.08-1.09.2013 Pärnu Jüri Jaanson TWO BRIDGES RUN The Two Bridges Run named after rowing legend Jüri Jaanson is probably Pärnu's most www.2silda.ee famous public amateur sporting event. Every year since 2001 sports enthusiasts have gathered in Pärnu in the beginning of September to run or walk the ca 9000 m course along the Pärnu River. There is plenty to do for the whole family. The programme includes the run, walk and Nordic walk, children's races, water sports events, canine sports events and the Pärnu Country amateur sports market. September 2013 7.-8.09.2013 Tallinn SEB Tallinn Marathon In the program will be a marathon, a half-marathon and a 10K. The track has a simple www.tallinnmarathon.ee profile and runs around Old Town and along the edge of the sea. Weather conditions are comfortable for running – usually not raining, temperature is 15-18*C. Want to see it? See you in Tallinn then! 15.09.2013 Tartu 16th SEB Tartu Cycling Marathon The SEB Tartu Cycling Marathon forms part of the SEB Tartu series of marathons. The event www.tartumaraton.ee (89/40 km) starts at the Tehvandi Sports Centre stadium in Otepää , with the finish line at the Tartu County Sports Centre in Elva. In the main, the course takes in forest tracks and unsealed roads close to the Tartu Marathon track, then crosses Harimäe and Meegaste hills before passing through the Elva-Vitipalu nature reserve. Riders pass the wooden sculptures adorning Earth Gods Park at the Tartu County Sports Centre. 18.-22.09.2013 Lihula and Haapsalu 11th Matsalu International Nature The festival promotes a sustainable way of life and respect for the traditions of indigenous www.matsalufilm.ee Film Festival peoples that are closely connected with nature. The festival is dedicated to nature, and relations between man and nature. The best films are shown in Lihula and Haapsalu, and as always, several exhibitions of nature photographs are organised.

21.09.2013 Palamuse 16th Suur Paunvere Exhibition and This fair has everything to offer, from food and plants to handicrafts and clothes. There is a www.palamuse.ee Fair cultural programme on the main stage and a variety of activities for children. Those wishing to can visit Palamuse Museum as well as its church and pharmacy.

22.-29.09.2013 Tartu Tartu Science Festival During Tartu Science Festival science laboratories as well as companies implementing new www.ahhaa.ee technologies open their doors. Science tents appear in the city space, visitors are welcomed to exhibitions and workshops. The highlight of the week-long festival is the Pan- European Scientists Night on 28th September. The heart of the festival is Ahhaa Centre with its eye-catching building in the city centre, where exciting activities and exhibitions for the whole family are offered all year long. 26.-29.09.2013 Tallinn and Tartu Design Night High level design festival demonstrates the nature of design and introduces the artistic www.disainioo.ee production of Estonian designers. September-November Tartu Festival of Contemporary Art ART IST ART IST KUKU NU UT is an international art festival dedicated to contemporary art in www.artistkukunuut.org (Dates will be specified) KUKU NU UT 2013 Estonia. We introduce you the aces of the art world, curators active in the international arena, and of course exhibitions of estonian artists' in Tartu. The main program also includes educational programs which are collaborations with art education offering academic institutions, non-profit galleries and art museum in Tartu.

October 2013 4.-6.10.2013 Kihnu island, Pärnu county Kihnu Violin Festival Many great and skillful violinists and luthiers have lived on Kihnu island. Luckily we have a www.kultuuriruum.ee great selection of recorded materials that give an idea of the level, style and originality of the former violinists. The violin festival gives the locals an opportunity to get to know the traditions of their island. Festival guests will hear the best violinists of Estonia honouring the violin traditions of Kihnu. The festival days are filled with discussions about how instruments are traditionally taught, playing instruments and concerts. Every guest has a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the island culture and the wonderful nature of Kihnu. 10.-13.10.2013 Tartu Old Music Festival ORIENT ET Tartu Early Music Festivals offers the possibility to (re)discover the connections between www.festivals.ee OCCIDENT Western and Oriental music cultures. Enchanting soundscapes that have shaped Eastern and Western art music for centuries and millenniums melt into a unified whole. Audiences can listen to the world’s top performers and rare works as well as see exotic instruments. In addition, lectures, master classes and youth programmes.

14.-20.10.2013 Tartu Tartu Autumn Days Tartu Student Autumn Days is a week-long student festival taking over the whole city and www.studentdays.ee its people. Come take part in student life traditions and the spirit of one of the oldest North European university towns! 28.10.2013 Vastseliina Lindora Fair Lindora Fair is held every year on 28 October. It unites the people from three south-eastern www.vastseliina.ee/linnus Estonian municipalities – Vastseliina, Meremäe and Lasva – as well as visitors from all over the country and around the world. Those who are looking to sell something are welcome to sell them at the fair; those looking to buy something are welcome to do so, too – and so is anyone who is simply looking to meet others and have a good chinwag! A unique cultural programme has become part of the fair tradition, featuring performers from the local area and beyond. 31.10.-2.11.2013 Tartu IDeeJazz: Tartu Jazz and Rhythm Music The IDeeJazz plays music with Estonian identity and originates from a 100-years old jazz www.ideejazz.ee Festival tradition values. The music has its own idea and ID of an author presenting the original creation. The IDeeJazz Festival brings together in Tartu Estonian jazz and rhythm music’s best and latest (freshest) ideas along with respectable representatives, making music that speaks to, touches and inspires. One of the ideas of the festival is to enable the young and gifted of Tartu to perform their originals to larger audience.

November 2013 1.-7.11.2013 Tallinn Tallinn Restaurant Week Tallinn Restaurant Week offers the opportunity to enjoy world-class restaurants serving www.tallinnrestaurantweek.ee high quality cuisine at an attractive price. 7.-10.11.2013 Tallinn St. Martin’ s Day Fair, Tallinn The St. Martin's Day Fair marks a national folk tradition and dates back to 1997. What www.folkart.ee/eng/st-martins- started out as an exhibition of handicraft has long since become a major event in folk day-fair culture and one of the most important undertakings of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union. Not only is it possible to buy and sell handicrafts at the fair, but you can also talk to the craftsmen themselves and share your own experiences. Together, everyone at the fair revives old St. Martin's Day traditions, and put on workshops where you are sure to learn a thing or two and get some good advice. There are also workshops for children.

11.-14.11.2013 All over Estonia Student and Short Film Festival Sleepwalkers is the only international festival of student films in Estonia. It presents to the www.swff.ee Sleepwalkers public the latest student-produced films and innovative ideas from all over the world. Since the first Sleepwalkers the festival has captured the attention of audiences not only in Estonia but also abroad - in fact the recognition it has received in other countries in such a short space of time is remarkable. This is reflected in the more than 600 films submitted to this year's festival, from Chile to Japan, and from Finland to South Africa.

11.-27.11.2013 All over Estonia XVII Tallinna Black Nights Film Festival Thanks to its unique structure PÖFF offers the best animated films, student and short films, www.poff.ee feature and documentary films, children’s and youth films and encourages everyone to grab their mobile phones to try out film-making for themselves. 13.-15.11.2013 All over Estonia XV Animation Film Festival Animated In addition to the work of Estonian anima directors, Animated Dreams showcases high- www.anima.ee Dreams quality international animation culture. 24.11.2012 – 8.01.2013 Tallinn Christmas Market at Town Hall Square The fairytale atmosphere of this Christmas market, which is held on the Town Hall Square www.christmasmarket.ee in Tallinn, makes anything possible! At the heart of it all - apart from Santa and his reindeers, who are eternal favourites with the kids - is Estonia's most famous Christmas tree, surrounded by little huts selling their wares. Here you will find handicraft specialists and their work, Estonian food and drink of the season, snow sculptures and a mini-zoo for the little ones – including rabbits, goats, lambs, ponies and geese. A cultural programme is held as part of the market every weekend and on special days, with performances by song and dance groups and choirs from different counties.

28.11–12.12.2013 Tallinn Christmas Jazz Let Christmas Jazz warm your cockles! This year's programme features concerts in www.jazzkaar.ee churches, clubs and concert and theatre halls around Estonia. The festival will showcase music from the United States, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and more. December 2013 1.12.2013-6.01.2014 Churches and manors, Christmas music festival CHURCH In 2010, Corelli Music expanded its well-known concert series „Church Holydays in St. www.corelli.ee Toompea music lounge HOLIDAYS in ST. MARY'S LAND Mary's Land“ to a Christmas music festival, which offers wonderful musical experiences through the whole month of expecting Christmas from 1st Advent through Christmas and the very last days of the year until Epiphany in January. Opening concerts on 1st of December will introduce organ, the king of musical instruments; the following Advent concerts bring holiday spirit to rural churches, manors and music lounges. The year traditionally ends with brilliant large scale works which have fascinated audience for years and the last festival concert will be on 6th of January 2014. With contemporary musicians, the festival brings the colours and atmosphere of distant ages to modern people - just as the masters of the era could have been heard the music in their lifetime in the churches and castles. 21.12.2013 Otepää Opening Cermony of Winter Capital of Otepää is set to become the winter capital yet again! This entertaining day will start with www.otepaa.ee Estonia - Otepää an early morning winter battle in which teams from Tallinn and the country's other themed capitals will meet, with winter facing off against spring and summer against autumn. Otepää will adopt its title of 'winter capital' and open its Christmas market.

31.12.2013 Haanja New Year's Eve at Suur Munamägi www.haanja.eu