Essentials
XXXIII Viljandi Folk Music Festival takes place on July 23–26, 2026 in Viljandi Castle Hills and its vicinity and in the hearts of all folk lovers!
QR Code for the Festival Map:
The festival area is divided into two:
- Main area aka passholder’s area from St. John’s Church to the Castle Hills where most of the concerts take place and which is open for all festival pass, youngster’s pass, senior pass and day pass holders on the particular day, and if there’s room, also for evening pass holders. Evening passes are sold only at the festival.
- Free food and heritage area for everyone on the Freedom Square, old town area on Pikk Street from Villa Maria to the Kondas Centre, and on Lossi Street, with access to Sõprade Hoov at Lossi 6, and the Green Stage at Laidoner Square.
The ticket sales and info tent on Freedom Square is open for purchasing tickets and
exchanging wristbands:
- THU 23.07 at 11.00–02.00
- FRI 24.07 at 12.00–02.00
- SAT 25.07 at 12.00–02.00
- SUN 26.07 at 12.00–22.00
This year, it is possible to buy single tickets to indoor concerts at Jaak Johanson stage in the Sakala Centre. Single concert tickets cost €20–25. Pass and day pass owners can enter the concerts at Jaak Johanson stage if there are free seats, on the first come, first served basis.
Please be on time when you’re attending the concerts in the Traditional Music Centre, St., or Jaak Johanson Stage in the Sakala Centre, because you won’t be allowed in if you’re late. When attending outdoor concerts, remember that the earlier you arrive, the more choice you’ll have in terms of where you sit or stand.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC
Due to the festival, there are several traffic changes in the city. Please follow traffic signs, temporary signage, and festival signage. Updates are also reflected in the Tark Tee portal and the Waze app. In Viljandi’s old town and around the castle hills, the following streets are (partially) closed to car traffic: Pikk, Munga, Sepa, Lossi, J. Laidoner Square, Talli, and Tasuja pst. In addition, there are roadworks on Jakobsoni Street during the festival.
Residents and business property owners in the old town can drive within the festival area located in the old town with a vehicle permit between July 23–27, from 4 a.m.–12 p.m. Old town residents are asked to park on their own property (in the courtyard).
During the festival, parking will not be available on the streets listed above. Restrictions also apply to parking areas around Köleri Street and the City Government Square, including Hiire, Oru, and Linnu Streets.
Parking is also not permitted on Vana-Vaksali Street, in the St Paul’s Church parking area (between Kaalu St 1 and Kaalu St 5-1), or in the sports centre car park located opposite the church.
By the lake, please note that parking is not allowed along Ranna pst or next to the artificial turf field, as these areas will be used for the festival’s glamping and caravan park.
Festival parking areas are reserved for organisers, artists, and partners, and are accessible by prior registration only.
Caterers – parking is available at Vana-Vaksali Street car park 1, Vabaduse Square 4 car park, in the Old Town parking areas near Köleri Park and the City Government Park, and in the car park next to the sports centre (on the St Paul’s Church side).
Festival campsite guests – parking is available at Vana-Vaksali Street car park 2 and in the St Paul’s Church car park (between Kaalu St 1 and Kaalu St 5-1). A parking permit must be obtained in advance from the campsite reception.
Artists – parking is available at the Lennukitehas car park (Hariduse St 12a).
Public parking areas in the city can be found on the Viljandi city website.
CAMPSITE
St Paul’s churchyard (Kaalu street and Kiriku street)
THU 23.07 at 12.00 – MON 27.07 at 10.00
The campsite will open on Thursday, July 23 at 12.00 and will close on Monday, July 27 at 10.00. Campsite tickets are exchanged for wristbands at the campsite gate. The campsite is in a fenced area and there is around the clock surveillance and accessible only with the campsite ticket. There are restrooms (including accessible restrooms), handwashing stations, and waste collection points exclusively for campers. Quiet hours start at 23.00. It is forbidden to consume alcohol or narcotics at the campsite. Electronic devices can be charged at the campsite gate. Pets are not allowed. The church café is open in the mornings.
During the festival, tickets are available at the gates of the campsite. Payments by card and in cash. In front of the campsite is a parking lot intended for campers, where parking is allowed only with a festival parking card, which can be obtained from the campsite reception if there are available spots. For additional information, please contact us at majutus@folk.ee or call +372 5656 5223.
Sleeping Quarters at the Waldorf School
Viljandi Vaba Waldorfkool (Lutsu St 3)THU 23.07 – MON 27.07
Sleeping quarters are created through the voluntary efforts of parents and staff of the Viljandi Waldorf School. Sleeping accommodation takes place in classrooms and guests should bring their own sleeping bag and pillow. Mattresses are available on site, but you are welcome to bring your own single mattress if preferred. Camping in the schoolyard is also possible.
Breakfast is available for purchase on site, and soup is served late in the evening. When using the washing facilities, please be mindful of peak times when queues may occur (late morning and after the last concert).
During the festival, please inquire about availability directly at the Waldorf School.
Contact: tudula@viljandiwaldorf.ee
0*-HOTEL
Viljandi Sports Centre (Vaksali St 4)THU 23.07 at 12.00 – MON 27.07 at 11.30
The 0*-Hotel is located right in front of the festival’s main gate, in the old gym of the historic Sports Hall at Vaksali Street 4. There is 24-hour reception desk supervision. Quiet hours begin at 11.00 p.m, and alcohol and narcotic substances are strictly prohibited.Unless you purchase the comfort package, you must bring your own sleeping gear. Your ticket includes access to showers in the gym’s shower rooms.
If there is still availability, tickets can also be purchased on-site at the 0*-Hotel reception during the festival. Both cash and card payments are accepted. Additional information is available on the festival website viljandifolk.ee or via email at majutus@folk.ee or by phone at +372 5837 1729.
CARAVAN PARK
By Lake Viljandi (Ranna pst 7)THU 23.07 at 11.00 – MON 27.07 at 12.00
The caravan park is located near the festival site, on a grassy area by Lake Viljandi. A Caravan Park pass allows accommodation for up to 4 people for the entire duration of the festival (4 nights). The park is a fenced area with 24-hour security, electricity access (upon booking), toilets, a tap with clean drinking water, a hand-washing station, a waste collection point, and facilities for emptying chemical toilets and wastewater. At the reception desk, you can charge your phone, purchase hot drinks, and on festival mornings, get fresh pastries. Washing facilities are available at Viljandi City Stadium changing rooms (Ranna 1) and Viljandi Sports Centre (Vaksali 4).
Pitches can be booked in advance. If there is still availability, tickets will also be sold during the festival at the caravan park entrance. Additional information is available on the festival website viljandifolk.ee or via email at majutus@folk.ee or by phone at +372 5837 1729.
WASHING FACILITIES
Viljandi Sports Centre (Vaksali 4)
Showers on all festival days at 9.00–20.00 (ticket €2)
Sauna on all festival days at 9.00–11.00 and 16.00–18.00 (ticket €6)
Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Viljandi City Stadium (Ranna pst 1)
Showers on all festival days and on the following Monday at 9.00–12.00 (ticket €2).
Payment in cash only.
More information by phone at +372 435 1574.
LUGGAGE AND INSTRUMENT STORE
Tickets sales and info tent at Freedom Square
- THU 23.07 at 11.00–01.00
- FRI 24.07 at 12.00–01.00
- SAT 25.07 at 12.00–01.00
- SUN 26.07 at 12.00–22.00
Instrument Village
Next to St. John's Church on Pikk Street
- THU 23.07 at 16–20
- FRI 24.07 at 11–20
- SAT 25.07 at 11–20
- SUN 26.07 at 11–16
Price: €5 per piece of luggage per day
PETS
Please leave your pet at home or at Väike Rosin Dog Hotel, for both your pet’s well-being and the comfort and safety of other festival visitors.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical assistance dogs, and other assistance dogs are welcome. Working service dogs are also permitted on the festival grounds.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found items can be brought to the luggage hold, at Freedom Square ticket sales tent, or to the Traditional Music Centre. If the item is unknown or suspicious, contact the nearest security guard.
MEDICAL HELP
Estonian Red Cross first raiders will be present at all concert venues and at
the Traditional Music Center. Contact number: +372 5330 8311.
The closest pharmacies are located at the Viljandi Health Centre (Turu 8/10)
and Centrum centre (Tallinna 24).
FOOD VENDORS IN THE PASSHOLDER`S AREA
The Manor Park, Laidoner Hill, Castle Hills, and around the Traditional Music Centre
THU 23.07 – SAT 25.07 atl 11.00–02.00
SUN 26.07 at 11.00–01.00
Food vendors in the free area
The Manor Park
THU 23.07 – SAT 25.07 at 11.00–02.00SUN 26.07 at 11.00–01.00
Johan Laidoner Square
THU 23.07 at 14.00–21.00FRI 24.07 – SUN 26.07 at 12.00–21.00
The festival’s food area delights both passholders and all other visitors, offering a rich and diverse selection of dishes. Cuisines from around the world are represented alongside excellent Estonian flavours from both well-known and smaller producers. The menus feature local ingredients from our meadows, sea, and forests, while also inviting you to explore tastes from further afield. The selection is perfect for a quick bite and also for a true culinary experience, offering something exciting even for the most discerning foodies. Detailed menus can be found via QR code.
HERITAGE AREA
Freedom squareTHU 23.07 at 14.00–21.00
FRI 24.07 – SAT 25.07 at 13.00–21.00
SUN 26.07 at 13.00–18.00
The Heritage Area is dedicated to Estonian handicraft traditions and the work of local artisans. It brings together traditional skills, techniques, and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Visitors can explore a variety of craft disciplines and heritage-inspired creations, as well as take part in workshops led by master craftspeople.
The Heritage Area is located at Freedom Square and is free to enter.The programme and activities can be accessed via QR code or on the Viljandi Folk Music Festival website at viljandifolk.ee.
HERITAGE AND DESIGN MARKET
Lossi streetTHU 23.07 – SAT 25.07 at 12.00–20.00
SUN 26.07 at 12.00–18.00
The Heritage and Design Market on Lossi Street brings together Estonian craftspeople, designers, and creative makers. Set within the warm and lively festival atmosphere, it offers a chance to discover unique creations while spending time near the Green Stage and the Sõprade Hoov. You can explore the list of the vendors at the market via QR code.
FESTIVAL SHOP
Next to the Traditional Music Centre, at I KirsimägiTHU–SAT 13.30–00.00
SUN 13.30–22.00
The festival shop sells all the festival merchandise – fan T-shirts, badges, hats, records and much more.
CHILDREN'S AREA
St John’s churchyard- THU 23.07 at 13.00–22.00
- FRI 24.07 at 12.00–22.00
- SAT 25.07 at 12.00–22.00
- SUN 26.07 at 12.00–20.00
- Every day at 15.00–16.00 guided activities
FRI and SAT at 12.20 and at 16.00, SUN at 12.20 fairytales by storyteller Jaak
FRI–SUN at 18.20 handicaft workshops led by the masters
THU–SUN at 21.00 results of the interactive game and prizes for the fastest participants
NB! Please remember that we don’t provide babysitting service, so keep an eye on your children.USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Red Cross at the festival +372 5330 8311Emergencies 112
Bus information 12550
Viljandi bus station information +372 433 3680
Viljandi bus station luggage hold and Cargobus +372 433 3411
Taxi 1200 / 1700 / 1222 / 13400 / 1300 (average price for a ride 5 €)