Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2025 announces internationally rich line-up

The XXXII Viljandi Folk Music Festival, titled “Off the Ground!”, has finalised its main programme. Held in the picturesque town of Viljandi, Estonia, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Northern Europe with more than 20,000 visits each year. This year’s lineup features 11 international artists, 36 Estonian performers, and 3 collaborative groups uniting musicians from Estonia and abroad. From July 24–27, 2025, the festival will present 65 concerts across four outdoor stages and two indoor venues, including performances by Trad.Attack! (Estonia), Ímar (Scotland), NOËP (Estonia), Haydamaky (Ukraine), Magalí Sare & Manel Fortià (Catalonia), Natig Rhythm Group (Azerbaijan), and more.

This year's programme offers a diverse range of experiences. “The keywords of this year are: fascinating cultures, charismatic performers, virtuosos, village traditions, young artists, new performances, and special projects,” says the festival’s programme manager Tarmo Noormaa. “You’ll hear traditional folk, folk rock, chamber folk, and folktronica. Each artist’s journey to the festival is unique—for example, I discovered the Natig Rhythm Group at a festival in Kazakhstan and was so impressed that I invited them to Viljandi on the spot.”

On Thursday, July 24, the festival opens with Julgī Stalte, Ēriks Zeps & TKP (Latvia) introducing the cultural heritage of the Livonian and Latgalian peoples. Laposa Julcsi & the Band, winners of Hungary’s 2017 Young Talent Programme, will showcase folk traditions from the Carpathian Basin. Ukrainian folk-rock band Haydamaky returns with Ruslan Trochynskyi, who performed with the group in Viljandi in 2003 and now resides in Estonia. Thursday also features beloved Estonian acts Curly Strings and Paabel.

On Friday, July 25, a rich mix of traditional and contemporary sounds takes the stage. Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle explore the folk heritage of the Isle of Man. Rising Tuareg artist Kader Tarhanine presents modern African folk. Magalí Sare & Manel Fortià offer a Mediterranean fusion of Latin American and Catalan music. Estonian singer-songwriter Mari Kalkun, who has toured across Europe and Japan, performs to a hometown audience. One of Trad.Attack!’s final shows before their hiatus will also take place on Friday, following their record-setting appearance in Viljandi. The Friday night club is hosted by Väikeste Lõõtspillide Ühing, a legendary Estonian dance orchestra with over 30 years of history.

On Saturday, July 26, Natig Rhythm Group (Azerbaijan) will energize the crowd with their rhythm-fueled performance. BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Ímar (Ireland/Scotland) showcase high-velocity Celtic folk. The Džambo Aguševi Orchestra (North Macedonia) delivers bold, modern Balkan brass fusion. For a special project titled "Off the Ground and Away to the Sea!", Lõõtsanøøbid and iconic Estonian punk band Vennaskond unite to reinterpret timeless sea songs and folk anthems. Saturday also features acclaimed Estonian groups Naised Köögis, Zetod, and Untsakad—all deeply rooted in Estonia’s folk tradition.

On Sunday, July 27, Ukrainian vocal ensemble Zhorzhyny takes the stage alongside experimental Sami/Finnish/Norwegian trio VASSVIK/SILVOLA/STRYPE, known for their blend of avant-garde joik and sound design. The day also features special concerts by Estonian artists Nikns Suns, Alika, Arno Tamm, and Ando and Friends. NOËP, one of Estonia’s most-streamed artists, returns with a special folk crossover concert titled NOËP Goes Folk vol II.

About Viljandi Folk Music Festival

Founded in 1993, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival is a cornerstone of Estonia’s cultural calendar and one of the biggest festival of its kind in the Northern and Baltic countries. Known for its beautiful setting, high-quality programming, and warm atmosphere, the festival champions both traditional heritage and bold innovation in folk music. 

Festival passes and full programme available at: www.viljandifolk.ee/en