What’s hot? Upcoming cultural events

what‘s hot

Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS 10.02.2020 – 16.02.2020 Riga (Latvia)

The Riga International Short Film Festival “2ANNAS” will take place for the 24th time and, as in the past, it will feature a large number of original and innovative short and medium-length films. The aim of the festival is to promote the genre of short film, in which both European and Baltic works are presented to the public. But “2ANNAS” offers even more than film screenings – open discussions between the filmmakers and the audience as well as parties at unusual locations are also part of the event.

Metenis 09.02.2020, 12:00 – 16:00 Riga (Latvia)

The Metenis Festival traditionally marks the beginning of spring and the new year. Following an old tradition, people dress up as forest animals to go from door to door and bring blessings and fertility to their neighbours. In addition to fortunetelling and the burning of straw dolls, a feast is held before fasting begins. Take part in this Latvian tradition and celebrate at the Ethnographic Open Air Museum. A multitude of activities will be offered on this day, including candle making, a blacksmith workshop and horse riding.

Ballet Romeo and Juliet 22.01.2020 and 05.03.2020, 19:00 Riga (Latvia) Immerse yourself in the graceful world of ballet and enjoy a high-class event at the Latvian National Opera in Riga. The world-famous ballet by Sergey Prokofiev, based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare, was first performed in 1938. The story of two young lovers and their fatal love is presented in a choreography by Valentina Turku and Leo Mujic for the Latvian National Ballet.

Kolkja sleigh and winter festival 09.02.2020, Kolkja (Estonia), 12:00-15:00

At the traditional competition of pedal sledding, you will find something for everybody. Enjoy the winter day with a few competitions for the best sleigh riders and warm up with good food and hot drinks in between or stop by for the cultural programme. The event will take place on the ice and on the shore of Lake Peipus on 9 February from 12 noon.

It’s game time! 31.01.2020 – 02.02.2020 Vilnius (Lithuania) Take the chance to develop your own game in Vilnius - whether it’s a board game or a computer game. Game Jams challenge participants to find the balance between creativity, time management, teamwork and game production skills.

Once the theme of the game is announced, ideas are brainstormed, teams are formed and plans are made for your own game. No matter if developer, programmer, designer, artist, musician or student - everyone is invited to participate. You can participate alone and find a team on site or arrive with your existing team. The means to realize your own game, be it the computer or handicraft equipment for a board game, has to be brought by yourself. Let the games begin!

Tartu Marathon 09.02.2020, Nüpli (Estonia), 09:00

Be part of the biggest skiing marathon in Eastern Europe. The Tartu Marathon is the place to be for more than 10,000 athletes who come together every year for the various events. You can choose between two different routes stretching over the beautiful, snow-covered nature and forests of southern Estonia.

Opera Gala of the Vanemuine Theatre 31.01.2020, Tartu (Estonia), 19:00

Enjoy the traditional opernagala of the Vanemuine Theatre in one of the oldest Estonian theatres. Listen to the sounds of the opera choir and the symphony orchestra conducted by Paul Mägi. You will also see performances by Rafal Bartminski (tenor, Poland), Pirjo Jonas (soprano), Karmen Puis (soprano) and Märt Jakobson (bass).

Simple Session 2020 08.02.2020 – 09.02.2020, Tallinn (Estonia) Experience a captivating weekend full of exciting and outrageous stunts with the best BMX riders and skateboarders from all over the world. The competition will take place at Saku Suurhall, Tallinn, so don’t forget to pack your gloves and hat. The competition will be followed by an aftershow party with a great festival atmosphere.

Plant-based food festival AUGam 16.02.2020, 12:00 – 20:00 Riga (Latvia) Environmentally friendly and vegetarian food is currently in high demand – and in Riga you also have the opportunity to try delicious dishes that are also animal-friendly. 15 companies present vegan and vegetarian dishes of the season, which will surely give you a taste for them. Seasonal ingredients show visitors how varied and delicious meatless dishes can be. The AUGam plant-based food festival is held four times a year. See for yourself on 16 February 2020 from 12 noon in the Tallinn Street Quarter

Palanga Smelt Festival 07.02.2020 – 09.02.2020 Palanga (Lithuania)

For the seventh time already, people are coming together to enjoy the fish in Palanga, which smells like cucumbers. Like cucumbers? That’s right, this little fish, which is roasted, pickled or smoked at the “Palanga Smelt Festival”, is characterized by its extraordinary aroma. A multitude of events around the sea dweller take place within the festival – be it the traditional fishing competition at the Palanga Pier or the Smelt Eating Competition. Enjoy a day on the water and convince yourself of the local culinary delights!

EU Sauna Marathon 15.02.2020, Otepää Keskväljak (Estonia), 12:00 – 18:00

You and your three friends like the sauna? Then try the sauna marathon together! The aim of the marathon is to visit as many saunas as possible in Otepää and the surrounding area within six hours with a team of 4 people. At 12 o’clock noon, we start at the central square in Otepää and an infusion of at least 3 minutes has to be made at the different saunas, listed on the map. If you like it a little more quiet, you can visit the Onion Route SaunafEST in Sibulatee on the same day instead.