Lääneranniku Eesti Päevad XXXVI Kava
West Coast Estonian Days XXXVI Program
Check back often for additional program details and guests to be announced. Times subject to change.
Estonian Film @ BAMPFA
Thursday, June 25 at 7 PM
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
The beautiful Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive on the UC Berkeley campus will host a screening of two contemporary Estonian films.
Pikad paberid (“Rolling Papers,” 2024) is an Estonian comedy-drama film about Sebastian, an unhappy young man who works in a small shop in Tallinn. His routine life changes when he meets Silo, a hedonist and a dreamer. Starring Mihkel Kuusk, Karl Birnbaum, Maria Helena Seppik, and Edgar Vunš, the film from director Meel Paliale was Estonia’s entry for Best International Film at the 98th Academy Awards. 98 minutes.
“Winter in March” (2025) is an acclaimed animated short film that took 3rd prize LA CINEF at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. In this joint Estonian-Armenian-French production, a young couple leaves their home in the face of a repressive state - an escape that turns into a surrealist nightmare. 16 minutes.
Tickets will go on sale by BAMPFA later in the spring.
Resilience Forum
Friday, June 26, 1 - 4:30 PM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
A forum for hot topics and business networking, open to all. We’ll hear from prominent voices with clarity for our current moment, and how to look at Estonia’s strengths in business, technology, and education.
Included in Festival Pass. Additional tickets: adults and youth.
Youth Media Storytelling Workshop „Mis on Eesti?“
Friday, June 26, 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
Introducing teens and youth to basic camerawork, storytelling, and creative collaboration in digital media.
Included in Festival Pass. Contact us to confirm you will take part!
LEP XXXVI Opening Ceremony and Reception
Friday, June 26, 7:30 PM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
We are honored to welcome special guests to open the festival, as well as musical performances from classical pianist Hando Nahkur and classical bassoonist Martin Kuuskman. The reception takes place on the 36th floor of the Grand Hyatt with spectacular city views, with the celebration continuing into the evening.
Included in Festival Pass. Additional tickets: adults and youth. Includes catered reception.
Academic Breakfast
Saturday, June 27, 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
Rahvapidu
Saturday, June 27, 12 PM - 7 PM
Campus of Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
Celebrate Estonian song and dance traditions the way it should be done - outside! Our own laulu- and tantsupidu takes place in Marin County, at a location with a European village feel and gorgeous views. Participating choirs include Noorus Segakoor, members of the Rotalia Meeskoor, and singers from the West Coast cities. We’ll celebrate Jaanipäev with cultural workshops, games, Midsummer Market, activities for the whole family, and the company of friends.
Included in Festival Pass. Additional tickets: adults and youth. Includes catered meal. Bus transportation to and from the Grand Hyatt available by separate ticket.
Salakõrts
Saturday, June 27, 10 PM - 1 AM
Biscuits ‘n Blues
Join us for the West Coast Estonian Days’ legendary secret pub night on the town featuring music from the Puus Brothers! Within walking distance from the Grand Hyatt.
Included in Festival Pass - venue may request additional cover at the door. Additional tickets: at the door.
Jumalateenistus
Sunday, June 28, 10 AM - 1 AM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
Bishop Ove Sander of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELK) will lead an Estonian-language worship service that will also feature choral selections performed by festival singers.
Sõnade maailm: Festival of Words and Creative Expression
Sunday, June 28, 11 AM - 3 PM
Grand Hyatt Union Square
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 - and more to be announced!
Included in Festival Pass. Additional tickets: adults and youth.
Estonian Pop Up Concert @ Union Square
Sunday, June 28, 3 PM - 4 PM
Union Square
Let Estonian song and folk music resonate in the city with a pop up performance at Union Square! Everyone is welcome.
Gala Concert and Dinner
Sunday, June 28, 6 PM - midnight
Grand Hyatt Union Square
To close LEP2026, celebrate in a big way with a special musical headliner guest we look forward to announcing soon! The evening starts with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a concert. Then, hit the dance floor! Wear your finest, with an Estonian folk flair!
Tickets. Includes catered plated dinner.