The Best Baltics Festivals in August 2019
August 2019 sees some of the biggest names playing on stages across European countrysides. But Europe’s festivals go beyond that of music. Festival goers can expect a mix of culture, arts, entertainment and culinary delights all in the same place. The Baltics is one of the best destinations for festival lovers. Do you have any plans for upcoming holiday in the second half of August? If not, you undoubtedly should grab your friends or family and get along to one of these amazing festivals in the Baltic States in August.
By the way, all Baltics festivals featured here are independently selected by our editors.
Tartuff open-air film festival
August 12-17, 2019
Tartuff is a unique outdoor film festival taking place in the heart of the beautiful Tartu Old Town, Estonia. The festival screens a diverse selection of genre and documentary films, focusing on the most important thing in the world – love.
The screenings are accompanied by daily lectures and family friendly special events. With its cosy midsummer atmosphere and the biggest open air cinema in the Baltics, Tartuff has grown to be one of the most beloved festivals in Estonia.
You can check the program here.
Riga City Festival
August 16-18, 2019
Riga City Festival involves countless events in Riga’s concert halls, gardens and parks, games, entertainment and sporting activities for grown-ups and children.
This year the Riga City Festival will be dedicated to Riga’s legends. Why? Because legends and history flow throughout the streets of Old Riga and its historical buildings, miraculously coming back to life every time Riga celebrates.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the celebration of the Riga City Festival. Visitors will be able to explore the city’s legends, stories and tales, learn about the rich history of the capital and enjoy the diverse program of cultural and sports activities. Check the program of one of the best Baltics festival in August here.
White Lady Festival
August 16-18, 2019
The White Lady Festival has been one of the highlights of the summer in Haapsalu for three decades. During the weekend closest to the August full moon, the Haapsalu old town transforms into a buzzing marketplace, where the vibrant culture program lasts from dawn to dusk, and upon the setting of the sun, open air performances of the White Lady take place in the bishop’s castle.
The summer play “100 White Ladies” is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Inspired by its predecessors from 1979, “100 White Ladies” also tells the story of Maila, a young Estonian girl who meets a lord. Screenwriter Piret Jaaks, stage director Siim Tõniste, music by Peeter Rebane. Intrigued? Don’t miss this performance of one of the best and most unusual Baltics festival in August.
Ezera Skanas festival
August 16-17, 2019
Kala Lake lies between Ergli and Madona, in Vidzeme, some 127 km from the capital Riga, has 5 islands and is the home of Ezera Skanas festival, probably the most extraordinary Baltic festival gem in August.
Ezera Skanas is a unique Baltics festival. You start your day at the middle of the night, in the dark in which you are going to the middle of the lake all by yourself on a boat. And then as the sun starts to rise, things start to change, colors appear, music starts…
Ezera Skanas is a musical, visual and metaphysical event that starts before the sunrise – 4:00 AM. Events unfolds on the stage in the middle of a distant lake. It is momentary in its nature, it resembles like a dream. Without formal speeches, without any names and rules it remains a personal and unifying experience.
Oh, and the one who said that the best things in life are free, well he or she wasn’t wrong: Ezera Skanas festival hasn’t had an entrance fee for the past two years. Best small festival on a lake in the Baltics? Just might be. Learn more about the Ezera Skanas.
St. Bartholomew Fair
August 23-24, 2019
Jump into a time machine and travel to the Middle Ages with people dressed in Renaissance clothes on the streets of Vilnius, old music and crafts. This year Fair‘s program is not only full of music, circus, dance and warfare performances, but also everyone will get a chance to know each craft better and closer – more than 70 craftsmen-reconstructors will demonstrate crafts and teach visitors various ancient secrets: from making a wooden pipe or kneading-trough for bread, or decorating rings of the Grand Dukes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to archaic craft of stained glass.
For those who want to learn more – National Museum of Lithuania will invite visitors of St. Bartholomew’s Fair to special tours. Visitors will have a free entrance to a chosen tour after collecting stamps from craftsmen on a special card which will become their ticket. St. Bartholomew’s Fair lasts for 2 days. It’ll be held at Vilnius Town Hall square. Fair opens with a solemn parade with the flags of the Vilnius craftsmen guilds, don’t miss it!
Craft Festival in Trakai 2019
August 24-25, 2019
The traditional Craft Festival is organised since 2005. The month of August was chosen not accidentally – it was the 23rd of August, 1495 when the Grad Duke of Lithuania Alexander approved the statute in the Trakai Island Castle and granted a privilege to Vilnius Goldsmith Guild, the first one in Lithuania. The Days of Ancient Crafts developed from the Medieval Festival held annually in the Trakai Peninsula Castle.
The event starts with an ancient cannon shot. The old castle comes back to life – there are a lot of activities going on in the great courtyard – blacksmith blows bellows, potters make jars, goldsmiths have their silver jewellery and copper decorations exposed on stalls. Broth bubbles in old copper pots on fire, antique kitchen utensils and bowls are all over the place creating unique atmosphere.
During the event, presentations of crafts, weaponry and arts of the 14th to 16th centuries are held. There are numerous concerts, theatre performances as well as lessons and games for children organised.
More information: www.trakaimuziejus.lt
Freedom Picnic
August 24, 2019
On 24th August, the biggest summer festival of ideas “Laisvės piknikas” (English: “Freedom picnic”) will take place for the fourth time in Kaunas. The organisers claim that everyone will find something they like: there will be a place for discussions, entertainment and sports zones, game areas, appearances and presentations of businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as concerts by some of the most popular music bands. Everyone is invited to spend one of the last summer weekends in a meaningful way.
The European Foundation of Human Rights (EFHR) will be participating in the “Freedom Picnic” for the first time, ready to tell everyone about human rights, and volunteering possibilities both in Lithuania and abroad. EFHR will also invite participants to test their knowledge about human rights by participating in an interactive quiz, with the possibility to win prizes!
Therefore, mark 24th August 2019 in your calendar and don’t forget visit “Freedom Picnic”!
In some ways, the festival is the ultimate holiday. There’s an enormous variety to choose from, but we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best Baltics festivals for you. We hope, you’ve chosen one or few Baltics festivals to visit with friends and family. In short, it is worth to spend 3 days in Riga or join Charming Vilnius City Tour visiting popular landmarks! You can also check our Baltic Trilogy Tour. Moreover, our Musical tour around the Baltic Sea is really great!
