Join the biggest ethnomusic event in Latvia and meet again in Valmiermuiža on 18 July 2026! For the ninth year, the International Valmiermuiža Ethnomusic Festival will bring together seekers of unique and authentic experiences, as well as outstanding soloists and contemporary ethnomusic bands from nearby and distant lands, offering one of the most exciting music festivals of the summer. A musical adventure - traditional, meditative, postmodern, rocking and danceable!
In this year’s program:
TAUTUMEITAS (LV) – Returning to Valmiermuiža Park after a nine-year hiatus, these ladies bring their unique ethno-pop sound straight from the stages of Glastonbury and Eurovision. Their creative signature blends traditional folk lyrics and melodies with contemporary rhythms, creating a truly one-of-a-kind musical experience.
MANHU (PRC) – A captivating interpretation of the Sani people's folk music from Yunnan. Their performance intertwines a unique cultural heritage with an original, joyful sound. These skilled multi-instrumentalists have earned global acclaim on world music charts and prestigious international stages.
MARI KALKUN & LAIMA JANSONE (EE, LV) – The Estonian voice and kannel master joins forces with the Latvian kokle virtuoso. Together, they transform ancient traditions into contemporary improvisations, delivering deeply personal and emotionally powerful messages filled with Nordic calm and sincerity.
ETHNO ESTONIA (EE & the World) – An international collective of ethno musicians where talents from across the globe gather for a two-week camp to share their native melodies. As one of the world's largest and oldest organizations of its kind, it has flourished for 30 years, bringing together up to 50 artists at a time.
GRĒCĪGIE PARTIZĀNI (LV) – A radical folk ensemble. Balancing between traditional music and punk rock, the group explores the shadow side of humanity, fears, and social injustices, offering a counterpoint of free spirit, respect, and independence.
SVENTAVA (LV) – Ancient folk songs, ballads, and romances are given a modern sound through the group’s respectful approach to heritage and the diverse musical backgrounds of its members.
SUN HORSE (USA, LV) – This group focuses on the deeper meanings found in folklore, reflecting them through a futuristic lens. Ancient melodies and lyrics are timbrally amplified by electronic instruments.
BALTIC TRIO (LV, EE, LT) – An experimental cross-genre project whose sonic journeys fluctuate from serene folk-inspired flows to wild, industrial noise.
TELL YOUR BIRDS (LV, EE, IT) – Inspired by Latvian and Estonian traditional music, this collective merges these roots with diverse experiences in electronic and contemporary academic music, as well as the use of field recordings.
The festival day in Valmiermuiža Park will feature not only exceptional soloists and modern ethno groups but also creative craft workshops, art installations, and surprising performances.
Free entry for children and youth under 16!
Combined tickets are available for both the Valmiermuiža Ethnomusic Festival and the AIGU OM! barn concert in Estonia (featuring Mari Kalkun & Laima Jansone).
Learn more about the AIGU OM! festival: https://aiguom.ee/
The project “Same, same, but different” (Nr. EE-LV00245) is implemented with the support of the Interreg VI-A Estonia–Latvia Programme 2021–2027 and runs from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. It is a collaboration between two cultural organisers – Valmiermuiža Association of Culture with Valmiermuiža Ethnomusic Festival (Latvia) and NGO Haki Helü with Aigu Om! festival (Estonia), to strengthen the ties between contemporary cultural heritage festivals and the people who create them. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund with EUR 70,000 (80 % of the total budget).
