Event Guide

LATVIA

June 30 – July 08, Latvian Song and Dance Festival, various venues in Riga

For a whole week in the summer 2018 Riga will be taken over by the most grandiose festival in Latvia – the “Latvian Song and Dance Festival” gathering tens of thousands of singers and dancers from everywhere in Latvia, who will fill the city with sounds of folk music. This festival with its greatness, quality and diversity is a unique event on a world scale; therefore it has been included in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. As from 30 June every day Riga will experience exciting singing and dancing performances, starting with the opening concert at the Song Festival Park (Viestura darzs), choir contests, dancer and brass band concerts and, of course, the most spectacular of all events – gala concert at the Mezaparks open-air stage. This concert is considered to be the main part of the festival – it is a unique experience to listen to voices of more than 10 thousand singers. When singing generally beloved songs the choir becomes even bigger when the listeners join in creating euphoric atmosphere and indescribable feeling of togetherness. Songs and singing are a fundamental part of the Latvian identity since the times, when the nation did not even have their own state. The first Latvian Song and Dance Festival was held in 1873 and ever since this festival has gathered singers and listeners from all around Latvia. Thanks to this festival Latvians have developed choir singing traditions and Latvian choirs regularly win international choir contests. Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held every five years and on 2018 it will be held already for the 25th time. Along with the Song Festival there will be many various activities in Riga – folk art fairs, amateur theatre performances and popular music concerts. For full information and program of the Festival please visit https://www.dziesmusvetki.lv/en/events/celebration-week/ 

July 14, Jomas Street Festival, Jomas Street, Jurmala

Every year, the Jomas Street Festival pays homage to the main pedestrian street of Jurmala – Jomas Street. Various theatrical performances and music concerts will be held throughout the day, as well as an extensive cultural and entertainment program. Creative workshops for children will also be held. In the evening, the festival's culmination will be held at the Major parking lot, featuring music concerts and dance rhythms. The entrance to the festival is free for everyone. For more information please go to www.visitjurmala.lv 

July 19-22, International Pop Music Festival “Jurmala Rendez-Vous”, Dzintari Concert Hall, Jurmala

The most fascinating musical encounter of the summer, the spectacular and romantic festival Laima Rendezvous Jurmala 2018 will be taking place at Dzintari Concert Hall from July 19th to 22nd. This year, the festival will feature several thematic evenings – the splendid Opening, the Night of Love, Greatest Hits, and the great Gala Concert. Most artists who will perform at the festival are close friends of Laima Vaikule – popular and beloved artists from different countries. The audience will have a chance to see not only popular music stars, but also legendary, world famous musicians as well as up-and-coming young artists. Full information is available at www.jurmalarandevu.lv and to buy tickets please use www.bilesuserviss.lv web site.

July 20-22, Positivus Festival 2018, Fishermen’s Park, Salacgriva

Positivus Festival is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States that takes place every year at Salacgriva Fishermen’s Park. Foreign media constantly highlight Positivus Festival due to its light and friendly atmosphere, Salacgriva’s wonderful nature, as well as absolutely great music. Positivus Festival has been awarded the title “Best European Festival”, beating such giants as Roch Werchter, Roskilde Festival and the Spanish Benicassim. “Festival Guide” (UK), the most famous festival guide for students, says that Positivus Festival excels with a “distinctive charm that no other event can match”. According to “Festival Guide”, location, music choice, as well as comparatively friendly prices are the most attractive aspects of the festival. Full information can be found at www.positivusfestival.com and tickets can be bought there too.

July 26-28, World Jazz Festival, various venues in Riga

The annual World Jazz Festival brings world jazz legends to Riga each year. This year, jazz lovers will be able to enjoy four festival concerts – a free open-air concert in the heart of Riga on July 26 at Reformacijas Square, which will also be the festival’s opening concert. On the other hand, on July 26 at the Splendid Palace concert venue, on July 27 and July 28 at Riga Congress Centre, three evening concerts will be held featuring world jazz stars. To learn more please go to www.worldjazzfest.com and to buy tickets please use www.bilesuserviss.lv web site.

July 27, International Sigulda Opera Music Festival, Sigulda Castle Open-Air Stage, Sigulda

The picturesque ruins of Sigulda Castle will once again become the site for one of the summer’s most anticipated musical events – the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival, where, as usual, music lovers will be able to hear performances by Latvian and global opera stars. This year’s gala concert will feature the world-famous Latvian opera star Marina Rebeka, performing together with globally recognized opera singers from Latvia and abroad. To learn more please visit www.opersvetki.lv and to buy tickets please use www.bilesuparadize.lv web site.

ESTONIA

Open throughout summer, 25th International Nude Art Exhibition “Man & Woman”, Museum of New Art, Pärnu

The international nude art exhibition at the Museum of New Art will take place for the 25th time. For this summer, it is focused on 100-year-old republics: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. The guest countries are France and Holland. As always, the annual show of nude art is dedicated to the beauty of human body and soul. The exhibition is open at the Museum of New Art every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until September 2, 2018. For more information please visit www.chaplin.ee 

July 04-07, International Festival of Performing Arts “Baltoscandal”, Rakvere

International Festival of Performing Arts Baltoscandal is organized every second year and will reach this summer its 15th edition. The festival introduces contemporary trends in performing arts mainly from Europe but also from other parts of the world. In addition to new troupes, some of old favorites are returning with their new works. During the last festival, Joris Lacoste was a success with a piece combining music and words. Now he introduces “Suite no 3” where one can hear all the languages of European Union. Forced Entertainment from Brexit Britain will visit Rakvere with “Real Magic” – a piece of playful mind-reading. It will be the first Baltoscandal for Polish Teatr Powszechny. Their “Klatwa” asks questions about the relations between art, religion and contemporary individuals. Ivo Dimchev has already been at Baltoscandal, now he comes with more music. “Gala” from Jérôme Bel gives a possibility to people from Rakvere and Lääne-Virumaa county to step on stage. As fit for the jubilee, the opening of the festival on the main square of town will be more spectacular than usual. As always, there will be a football match between Romantics and Cynics and concerts in the festival club. Full information on the festival is available at www.baltoscandal.ee 

July 05-08, 19th Tallinn Medieval Days, Old Town, Tallinn 

The Medieval Days are one of the most important annual events of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union since the year 2000. The Medieval Days take place in Tallinn’s Old Town every year on the first full week of July from Thursday to Sunday (in 2014 due to song and dance festival one week later). During the Medieval Days you are able to feel the atmosphere of the flourishing Hanseatic era. A large medieval market is set up in the Town Hall Square with merchants and workshops. Musicians and dancers from near and far take the stage. A medieval procession opens the event followed by various workshops, excursions and theatre performances. The children’s area is situated on the Niguliste hill where children are able to participate in workshops, knight tournaments and other exciting activities. For more information on the Festival please go to www.folkart.ee 

July 05-08, Parnu Harmonica Festival, Pärnu

Pärnu Harmonica Festival is the biggest and best-known music festival in the Nordic countries and Baltic States at which the main instruments are the harmonica and the diatonic button accordion. The festival is popular with music lovers of all ages and has become one of the biggest events held in Estonia's summer capital. For some, attending the festival has been the impetus for them to go on to make music of their own – opening up the world to young and old alike! Find out more at www.piccolo.ee 

July 06-07, International Festival “Slavic Light”, Ida Viru County, Jõhvi 

Each year, hundreds of performers from Estonia and from other countries (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Finland and elsewhere) and up to 10,000 visitors from different parts of Estonia and abroad travel to the festival which takes place at Jõhvi City Park and the central square. The national handicraft is always represented at the fair, and local restaurants introduce the culinary traditions of different nationalities living in Estonia. In addition, there will be masterclasses where folk traditions are introduced. The festival is also suitable for family holidays. Find out more at www.slavsvet.ee 

July 07-08, 1st Estonian Piano Festival “Captivated by the Piano”, Kadriorg Palace, Tallinn

The 1st Piano Festival “Captivated by the Piano” is dedicated to the 100th birthday of the Republic of Estonia, and at each concert, the works of Estonian composers will be performed. The festival will host 4 concerts with an intimate, chamber harmonious atmosphere filling the Kadrioru Palace Hall. Please visit www.klaveriembuses.com for full program and ticket purchase.

July 13-15, International Philatelic Exhibition EstEx 2018, Estonian Fair Center, Tallinn

International Philatelic Exhibition EstEx 2018 will be held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Estonian postage stamp. Stamps are the most well-known and permanent objects of collection around the world. However, this miniature piece of art is not merely a means of postal payment, but captures events and anniversaries that are important to us and thus, is a piece of our history. EstEx 2018 enables all of its guests to participate in an exciting history class.

July 23-29, Pärnu Blues Festival, Yacht Club, Parnu

International blues festival “Parnu Bluusipaevad|” 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. More info is available at www.parnublues.ee.

 

LITHUANIA 

June 30 – July 14, Ars SummerFest 2018, various venues in Vilnius 

The international festival “Ars SummerFest” is a summery music festival taking place for the second time and bringing together young and ambitious, performers as well as experienced and world-renowned masters of performing arts (“Ars Academy” and “Ars Masters”). To find out more on the festival please visit www.arslituanica.lt and to purchase tickets please go to www.tiketa.lt website.

July12-15, International Street Theatre Festival SPOT’18, various venues in Vilnius

Arts Printing House presents a new street theater festival SPOT that will take place in various Vilnius streets, squares and even water ponds. Series of street performances and art installations will invite everyone to see urban spaces with new eyes and participate with no age restrictions and no tickets – the festival is completely free! During all the long weekend the yard of Arts Printing House will become our festivals’ lounge, food and after-show discussion zone. On Saturday evening you are invited to the opening/closing party in the coziest back yard. The program and other info is available at www.menuspaustuve.lt 

July 16-27, Midsummer Vilnius Festival, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius

When cities are covered with summer heat, the heart of Vilnius starts beating; the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania situated at the foot of Gediminas Hill is full of life in the midsummer. The streets of the old town are flooded with the residents of Vilnius and its guests who are looking for a fresh cultural wind. The gate of the Palace is opening for everyone who is waiting for the evenings to leave a footprint in the memory. From real classics, to an impetuous popular music gust, from the finest operatic arias, to soul and jazz chords, with the accompaniment of the stage light orchestra. Midsummer Vilnius – a pure, vivid, sophisticated and intimate festival at the heart of Vilnius invites everyone who is looking for a rich respite, quality and rest. Full festival program and more is available at www.midsummervilnius.com 

July 26, Vilnius Burger Fest, Courtyard of the Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema, Vilnius

Several years ago, the virus of a gourmand burger reached Vilnius and changed its cooking face. Burgers started to burst in the mouth by taste blow-outs; they became sweet and spicy, juicy and fancy, flowing through fingers and occupying thoughts any time of the day. It makes a real burger. Its previous appearance looks like an oppressive dream. The number of places in Vilnius, where a burger is served with a part of a chief’s heart, increases. Vilnius Burger Fest unites them and presents to its visitors a feast of perfect food, music and friendship. There shall be no competition as the only lord is a Good Burger. The admission is free. More information can be found on Facebook.