“With Elava Tee Fest, we are continuing Põlva County’s end-of-summer fair tradition, but giving it the distinctive character of the Road Museum. It is important to us that local makers and small businesses from the region are at the heart of the festival, bringing together families, great food, the atmosphere of a traditional fair and opportunities to learn something new. As a museum, we are also introducing themes related to mobility, informed choices and road safety, but in a natural and engaging way. Above all, we want to create an enjoyable end-of-summer day where people come together and have plenty of reasons to stay for longer,” says Liina Nurmine, Head of Visitor Services at the Estonian Road Museum and organiser of the festival.
Nearly 100 businesses, farms, small producers, craftspeople, food vendors and community organisations have registered for the fair. Visitors will find local food and farm produce, baked goods, honey, handicrafts, plants, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, natural products and street food.
In addition to the market and cultural programme, mobility and traffic culture will play an important role at the festival. This year, the use of personal light electric vehicles and related safety issues are particularly topical. Elava Tee Fest will feature practical workshops and activities designed to help both children and adults better understand safe and responsible choices in traffic.
A separate children’s market will take place in the Road Museum’s Traffic Town, where young vendors can try their hand at selling, presenting their products and communicating with customers, gaining their first experience of taking part in a market.
The Karilatsi Open Air Museum, Estonian Agricultural Museum and Setomaa Museums will also introduce their activities at the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about their work and take part in workshops and hands-on activities.
The market and special programme will run from 9:00 to 16:00, with the stage programme beginning at 10:00. Performers and speakers throughout the day will include Science Centre AHHAA with its science show Efektne vahepala (“Spectacular Interlude”), educational psychologist Grete Arro, magician Fred-Erik Johanson, dancers from Just Dance School, and säm. The festival will also host a recognition ceremony for the winners of the Põlva County round of the Beautiful Home in Estonia 2026 competition.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy workshops and activities for both children and adults, as well as special museum programmes and guided tours.
Admission to the fair and the full festival programme is €5 for adults. Children and young people aged 17 and under are admitted free of charge.
Estonian Road Museum – Elava Tee Fest
Saturday, 29 August 2026
9:00–16:00
Estonian Road Museum, Varbuse, Põlva County
Adult ticket: €5
Children and young people aged 17 and under: free admission
Further information:
Liina Nurmine
Elava Tee Fest Coordinator
[email protected]
Tel: +372 5745 0218
