University of Tartu hosts the 5th Viljandi Repair Festival
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CULTURALITY partner University of Tartu will host the fifth Repair Festival (“Viljandi parandusfestival“) on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 to 18:00. The event will take place in the courtyard and building of the Vilma Study Building, located at Turu 7, Viljandi, part of the Viljandi Culture Academy.
The festival is part of the events marking the 743rd anniversary of the city of Viljandi. The Viljandi Repair Festival is a community event initiated in 2022 to disseminate practical skills for extending the lifespan of everyday belongings and finding alternative uses for unused materials. The UNESCO Heritage City of Viljandi Committee established “Living Food Heritage” as the central theme for the 2026 edition. The program incorporates local food culture and customs alongside standard repair and maintenance subjects.
The schedule comprises over 30 practical workshops focused on repair, maintenance, reuse, and recycling, facilitated by recognized heritage bearers. Key thematic areas include passing on traditional skills, knowing and valuing materials, and principles of sustainability. Specific scheduled sessions include food fermentation techniques led by Gea Valner (Viljandi City Master 2026), lectures on regional Mulgi cuisine by Kristi Ilves, and long flute workshops led by Juhan Suits (local instrument maker and musician).
The festival was previously organized with CULTURALITY support as a RuralEvent and continues its alignment with the project’s objectives in 2026. All workshops and seminars are accessible to the public free of charge.
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Photography: Kärt Petser (cover); University of Tartu (body)
