Culture.ee's weekly recommendations: 9-15 July
A selection of cultural events taking place in Estonia this week as curated by culture.ee: "July is the best time to visit smaller towns, villages or islands in Estonia. They have plenty of captivating events to offer, exciting visitors' minds with jazzy saxophone melodies, the grandeur of American cars and enriching street art."
Monday, 9 July - Saturday, 14 July
Street Art Festival "Rural Urban Art: Põlvamaa"
Põlva County
This summer will see the kicking off of a new street art festival focusing on small towns! The Rural Urban Art festival Põlva County is a gift in honor of the centennial of the Republic of Estonia. In the course of the festival, eight murals will be painted by professional street artists from Estonia and abroad. These murals will be created keeping in mind the local surroundings; the goal is to add variety and colour to the public space. The festival will also offer the local community a cultural program with activities including workshops, a tour and a picnic.
Thursday, 12 July - Sunday, 15 July
I Land Sound 2018
Illiku Islet, Saaremaa
The I Land Sound Festival will once again take place on the picturesque Illiku Islet, located off of the Western Estonian island of Saaremaa. The goal is to leave one's troubles behind for a while and bring together the best that music, art, companionship and the Estonian summer has to offer. It's custom to stick together on the island, and this can also be seen at I Land Sound, where electronic nightlife pioneers, artists and the local community will join forces for a special three-day event and unforgettable memories. The program includes activities for the body and soul, workshops and lectures, film screenings and performances. Fire sculptures, artists' decorated stages, and various installations are also sure to please the eye, and you can pamper your body with a yoga or sauna and enjoy cool sea water.
Friday, 13 July - Sunday, 15 July
6th Pärnu International Saxophone Festival SAX.FEST '18
Pärnu
The 6th Pärnu International Saxophone Festival is returning to the coastal Estonian city this summer. Concerts will be held in Pärnu Yacht Club, Pärnu Town Hall and Children's Park. A joint concert with an organ will also be held at St. Elizabeth's Church, and for the first time, visitors can take part in the Sun Salutation concert at Pärnu Beach House.
American Beauty Car Show 2018
Haapsalu Castle Yard, Haapsalu
The American Beauty Car Show, which has been held since 2001, is the biggest American car event in the Baltics. The main venue of the American Beauty Car Show is Haapsalu Castle Yard, where a large number of different exhibition cars coming from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Estonia will be exhibited. The event will also feature concerts given by various musicians from Estonia and abroad, as well as various activities for children, including a trampoline, face paintings, horse rides, children's shows, monster trucks and more. The last day of the event will include a procession through town, and a traditional drag race in which only US-based vehicles will participate.
Tallinn Maritime Days
Various locations, Tallinn
Estonia's largest maritime and family event invites you once again to the seaside in Tallinn to see beautiful sailboats and other kinds of boats. Entertainment will be provided by the best Estonian musicians at the city's various participating harbours. The festival will also feature a children's area, outdoor cafes, a fair and many other exciting events for festivalgoers of all ages.
Saturday, 14 July - Sunday, 15 July
Heart Music Festival 2018
Roosiku village, Võru County
The Heart Music Festival is a unique festival full of music and taste experiences for the whole family — top musicians from Estonia and abroad, exciting flavours from Southern Estonian chefs, inspiring workshops, fair of local masters, pure nature and enjoyable, alcohol-free environment. At the fair "From Heart to Heart," local artisans will offer homemade items and delicacies: beautiful handmade jewellery, clothing, utilities, ceramics, beauty items, health products, garden products and more. Children at the festival are welcome to the drawing tent, workshop, music room and playground.
Hiiumaa Chamber Music Days
Various locations, Hiiumaa
Dating back to 1999, this chamber music event enriches the summer music scene of Western Estonia's second-largest island. Musicians from Estonia and abroad alike perform on the second weekend of July in historical locations such as the churches of Reigi, Emmaste and Pühalepa and Suuremõisa Castle as well as other exotic concert venues.
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This post originally appeared on the Culture critics' blog at culture.ee.
Editor: Aili Vahtla