How to KESKfEST: Your Insider’s Guide to Day 3
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Update #292
The wait is almost over. From August 20th to 23rd, KESKfEST transforms Toronto into a vibrant, Northern European cultural campus.
From August 20th to 23rd, we’re transforming Toronto into a vibrant cultural campus to celebrate our shared future and what’s to come. Don't wait—secure your festival spots now while you still can.
Now, read on for your roadmap for Day 3 on August 22, a day celebrating community, a sustainable design fashion shoot, show and important dialogue, and the magic of light (we’re talking about Valguspidu).
Keep an eye on KESKUS social feeds (Insta: @keskus.iec, FB: @EestiKeskus, LinkedIn @KESKUS), and Eesti Elu / Estonian Life is also capturing the action on their featured page here.
Morning
Walking tour of the Annex (11:00 AM): The Annex is a cool mix of old-school Victorian mansions and those wild space-age towers by Uno Prii. It’s one of those spots some of us may walk past all the time but never really look at as by an Estonian architect. Grab your comfiest shoes—we're covering some ground—and meet us at Dupont station. Let's explore the neighbourhood KESKUS now calls home. Sign up here.
Mid-day:
Circular threads: Sustainable Estonian design - Live fashion shoot, show and dialogue (12:30 PM — 2 PM)
Hear from the people reinventing fashion. Welcome to the Canadian premiere of UPMADE IN. EE – think fashion after fast fashion. Step behind the scenes of a professional fashion shoot right here in the KESKfEST tent.
Over a gourmet lunch, you'll watch NYC fashion photographer Mauricio Zelaya capture upcycled style in real time. The luncheon also features a thought-provoking conversation between The Kit's Style & Social Director, Annika Lautens (@annikalautens), circular fashion pioneer Dr. Reet Aus (@reetaus), and renowned fashion director Sarah Jay (@sarahjaystyle) as they discuss how craftsmanship and innovation are reshaping our wardrobes. Tickets here.
Experience the magic of Valguspidu: A "celebration of light" (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Prepare to be moved by the sheer scale and beauty of Estonian performance culture. As a cornerstone event of KESKfEST, Valguspidu translates to a "Celebration of light." This year's powerful theme, Läbi päeva ja öö (Through day and night), sets the stage for an unforgettable afternoon of traditions that run deep through decades of diaspora celebrations.
This spectacular live showcase will unite 300 voices from choirs around the world, with over 300 folk dancers and gymnasts on a single stage. Guided by renowned creative leads Heli Jürgenson, Agne Kurrikoff-Herman, and Janika Mölder, the performance explores themes of hope and moving forward through breathtaking choral music and dynamic choreography.
The event will also feature special live performances, including a rendition of Peeter Kopvillem’s beloved diaspora anthem "Läbi päeva ja öö" by Leiki and Keila Kopvillem accompanied by Aarne Tork, alongside appearances by mezzo-soprano Kristina Agur and the folk band Ukulele. Tickets here.
Evening
Rahvapidu ft. Ukulele! (Free!) (6:00 PM — 8:00 PM)
Keep the post-Valguspidu energy high and experience a true rahvapidu—a massive, unvarnished community dance where the barriers between performer and audience completely disappear.
Legendary Estonian acoustic band Ukulele is returning to Toronto for the first time since Estonia's restoration of independence in 1991, bringing their infectious four-part harmonies and driving fiddle music.
Never danced an Estonian folk step before? No problem! The global youth delegates will be right on the floor to show you the ropes and get everyone moving. RSVP here.
Lõpupidu ft. Atomic Heeringas (doors at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM — 11:00 PM)
Close out the festival with a bang at Lõpupidu—the ultimate KESKfEST Closing Party! Gather under the festival tent for our last night, grab a drink, and hit the dance floor for a rollicking night of 70s and 80s rock ‘n’ roll classics.
Live band Atomic Heeringas—featuring musicians with deep roots in both the Toronto rock scene and the global Estonian community—will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with friends, celebrate the homestretch of KESKUS, and see how music continues to bring Estonians together from all over the world! Tickets here.
Salakõrts ft. Roland Campbell & jam session with Ukulele — Keep the KESKfEST party going at salakõrts (speakeasy)
Looking for the perfect after-party? Head over to the Salakõrts speakeasy at Tartu College on Saturday, at 11:00 p.m. This 19+ late-night event kicks off with a joyful pop-punk set from Toronto singer-songwriter Roland Campbell. Afterward, the legendary 1980s Estonian band Ukulele—reuniting especially for KESKfEST—is hosting an open jam session. Bring your instruments, grab a drink at the cash bar, and get ready for a night of dancing and sing-alongs! Tickets here.
P.S. - New Day 1 event added! Sneak Peek for Valguspidu (6:30 PM – 7:00 PM) ft. Malmöflickorna, TERR Kungla, and Jõgevahe Pere
Get a first taste of Valguspidu under the open sky. Join us on Thursday at Taddle Creek Park for gymnastic and rahvatants / folk dance performances by Malmöflickorna, TERR Kungla and Jõgevahe Pere before they take the Valguspidu stage. If you’re busy with back to back events, feel free to bring your own dinner for Al fresco entertainment. Free; weather permitting. RSVP available soon!
The KESKfEST youth takeover is officially here!
Our global youth delegates aren't just your boots-on-the-ground crew helping you navigate the festival—they’re also bringing you the exclusive, behind-the-scenes vibes on our social channels.
Whether you catch them IRL in their signature KESKUS black tees or following their latest takeover updates online, they’re the people to know. Come say hi, ask for tips, and meet the full squad here. Pro tip: Keep those notifications on—Stella’s dropping her ultimate Toronto to-do list on our socials very soon!
Don’t forget to book your KESKUS tours—offered almost every hour, on the hour, throughout KESKfEST. Remember to wear closed toed shoes and reserve your spot here!
Head to www.estoniancentre.ca/keskfest to secure your spot for the festival’s events and read up on more details. Kohtusmisteni! See you there!
Join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors to help bring KESKUS to completion!
KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here, there are many ways to make a contribution to KESKUS.
To donate, click here, or call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All donations are issued a tax receipt, in Canada via Estonian Arts Centre, US tax receipts via Myriad USA and Estonian tax receipts via Eesti Rahvuskultuuri Fond. Donations by credit card may be made here.
Legacy gifts made to the Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS, are creative and tax-effective ways to provide support. These are known as “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, we create a win-win situation that benefits both you and our community for generations to come. Find out how to provide a bequest in your will by going to www.estoniancentre.ca/bequest.
For information on making other types of planned gifts, including gifts of appreciated securities or insurance policies, or if you have any other questions, please contact EAC Donations Manager Taimi Hooper via email at donations@estoniancentre.ca or phone +1.647.250.7136.
Let’s keep in touch
