West Coast Estonian Days

Join us in San Francisco from June 26-28 for the XXXVI West Coast Estonian Days! Individual tickets and festival passes are now available for our three-day Bay Area celebration of everything Estonian.

We’ll explore big picture issues confronting Estonians today, celebrate the rich song and dance traditions that connect and keep us, consider the Estonian language as a vehicle for creative expression, and so much more, all while celebrating over 70 years of the West Coast Estonian Days and what it means to be #CarriedByCulture. Explore our program, and learn more at www.lep2026.com.

ESTONIAN FILM @ BAMPFA

Eve-of-festival screening of “Pikad paperid” (“Rolling Papers”) and “Winter in March” at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, and Q+A with “Pikad paberid” producer Rain Rannu.

BALTIC STARTUPS IN THE AGE OF AI + RESILIENCE FORUM

A mini-conference, candid conversation, and networking opportunities centered around innovation and opportunity in this fast-moving age of AI: for founders, funders, leaders, and the curious alike. Then… Estonia and the Baltic region sit on the frontline of contemporary hybrid threats: a real-world laboratory for how democratic societies hold together under technological and geopolitical disruption. The Forum examines interconnected questions, including the role of education, AI and the future of democratic governance, and whole-of-society preparedness.

RAHVAPIDU

Our own outdoor laulu- and tantsupidu, with performances from both local and visiting choirs and dance groups. Celebrate Jaanipäev and take part in cultural workshops, wine-tasting, games, a Midsummer Market, activities for the whole family, and the company of friends and family.

SALAKÕRTS

In the late evening, join us for the West Coast Estonian Days’ legendary secret pub night out on the town and the music of the iconic Puus Brothers!

FESTIVAL OF WORDS AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Explore Estonian as a language for the arts and a vehicle for culture, through a variety of workshops, talks, and panels on Estonian poetry, strategies for language learning and opportunities in the diaspora, as well as hands-on activities for all ages. 

ESTONIAN POP UP CONCERT @ UNION SQUARE

Let Estonian song and folk music resonate in the city at the Estonian Pop Up Concert @ Union Square! with both visiting and local choirs and folk musicians, where everyone is welcome.

GALA CONCERT AND DINNER

We’ll celebrate in a big way at the Gala Concert and Dinner with special musical headliner guests Elina Born and Robert Vaigla! The evening starts with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a concert, and the passing of the flag to the next LEP host city. Then, hit the dance floor with the contemporary vibes of DJ Kiino Villand! Wear your finest, with an Estonian folk flair!

Additional events include an OPENING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION, ALL KORP! ACADEMIC BREAKFAST, JUMALATEENISTUS, GOLF TOURNAMENT... and more.

Program info: www.lep2026.com/program