Program Schedule
Check back often for additional program details and guests to be announced.
Estonian Film:
Thursday, June 25 (PRE-PROGRAM)
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley, California
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
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
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.
Song and Dance Rehearsals
Friday, June 26
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
Rehearsals for all weekend performances will take place on Friday.
Opening Ceremony and Reception
Friday, June 26
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
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.
Includes catered reception.
Rahvapidu
Saturday, June 27
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato, California
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, activities for the whole family, and the company of friends.
Includes catered meal. Bus transportation to and from the Grand Hyatt available by separate ticket.
Salakõrts
Saturday, June 27
Biscuits’n’Blues, San Francisco, California
Late night pub night on the town featuring music from the Puus Brothers! Within walking distance from the Grand Hyatt.
EOLL Meeting
Sunday, June 28
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
Jumalateenistus
Sunday, June 28
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
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.
Festival of Words
Sunday, June 28
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
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!
Union Square Performance
Sunday, June 28
Union Square, San Francisco, California
Gala Concert and Dinner
Sunday, June 28
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco, California
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!
Includes catered plated dinner.
Wine Tour
Monday, June 29 (POST-PROGRAM)
Wine Country, California