After quite a long time, the SuveSäde traditional festival held on July 11, 2026, was a paid event this year. However, the ticket price remained within the museum's regular admission range. The full ticket cost €8 and the discounted ticket €5. Based on the number of museum visit wristbands, we found out that our SuveSäde festival had 189 participants.

Upon receiving their tickets, visitors were also given a survey to find out what they expect from the museum’s renewal. Visitors could also respond interactively to the survey using their smartphone and a QR code. Freshly printed flyers introducing Valga Museum’s summer and autumn 2026 events were also distributed.

All our exhibitions were open, from the permanent exhibition to the gallery, stairway, and foyer displays. In the foyer, visitors could photograph themselves and their friends with the Julkjüri (legendary teacher character of the end of the 19th century) picture and in an over-a-century-old school classroom environment. This was intended as an introduction to Valga Museum’s next thematic cycle, the story of Valga schools, which will begin this autumn.

In the museum courtyard, Köstri Koffe was open, offering snacks and refreshments, as well as an Activity Corner with colouring and drawing opportunities for younger visitors.

The first performers on the stage tent were the band Trio Naturale, consisting of Ants Nuut – trombonist, multitalent, and stage personality who rose to fame in the legendary band Apelsin; Allan Jakobi – also from Apelsin, as well as Kukerpillid and elsewhere, a long-time accordionist whose playing spans across many genres; and Teet Veskus – guitarist, the rhythmic backbone of the group, who brings all the music together both sonically and lyrically. The Trio Naturale concert was more than just music – it was an experience where instrumental performance, musical humor, and sincere interaction with the audience came together.

We also experienced a brief rain shower during the Trio Naturale concert. Fortunately, the rain was short-lived and soon the sun was shining again. During the concert intermission, museum researcher and curator Priit Riemann spoke about the life and work of Hans Einer, founder of the Estonian language school, whose 170th birth anniversary was marked this year. This presentation was also intended as an introduction to the Valga school story thematic cycle.

Visitors were also greeted by Valga Municipality Mayor Mart Kase, wishing everyone laughter for good health and a beautiful summer ahead.

The second performer of the evening was the versatile actor Indrek Taalmaa, known for his rich acting techniques and high energy. His solo performance Lollidemaa (Land of Fools) was a great surprise to many due to its wit and sharpness, and the audience’s bursts of laughter showed how a good actor can establish excellent contact with the audience. This performance will likely be talked about in Valga for a long time.

The event ended on a cheerful note, and quite a few visitors stayed at Valga Museum longer than originally planned.

The SuveSäde traditional festival was supported by Valga Municipality and the Estonian Cultural Endowment. Many thanks!

Summary video link in Estonian.