Augustibluus – The Largest Blues Festival in the Baltics Returns to Haapsalu

On the first weekend of August, the town of Haapsalu will once again become the epicenter of blues music with the Augustibluus festival. Over three days, visitors can enjoy 35 concerts featuring artists from 11 different countries.

The main stage will be set up in the courtyard of Haapsalu Castle, where American blues and rock 'n' roll guitarist Eric Sardinas will perform. Sardinas has shared the stage with stars such as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. The lineup also highlights emerging talents, including Sweden's Anton Hultquist Trio and British guitarist Toby Lee, whom Joe Bonamassa has called a future blues superstar. Harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde, regarded as one of the finest musicians of his generation, will also take the stage.

A tribute to traditional blues will be presented by the Estonian vocal group Estonian Voices, who will premiere a special program dedicated to the legendary Blues Brothers. Additionally, representatives of swing and blues from the 1920s–1950s will perform, such as the Swedish-American ensemble Gunhild Carling & The Carling Family, known for energetic New Orleans jazz and brass music. Another notable guest is Skyler Saufley, a member of the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame, who will bring a West Coast and jump blues repertoire. The Danish-Irish group Trainman Blues, multiple winners of the Danish Music Awards, will bridge traditional and modern blues with soul music.

Concerts will take place not only at the castle but also at other Haapsalu venues: the railway station, the Promenade dance pavilion, the Cultural Centre, Haapsalu Cathedral, as well as cafes, bars, and terraces. Some concerts will be free of charge. Attendees can also enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks.

Children under 14 accompanied by an adult can enter the festival for free. Festival passes and single-day tickets are available through Biļešu serviss, while tickets for individual concerts can also be purchased at the venues. Full information and the program can be found on the festival's website. Augustibluus 2026 is co-financed by the European Union.