Viljandi Repair Festival
UNESCO Creative City Viljandi invites everyone to join the 5th Viljandi Repair Festival on Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 11:00 to 18:00, at the Vilma Building and courtyard of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. The festival is one of the events celebrating the 743rd anniversary of the City of Viljandi.
Since its launch in 2022, the Viljandi Repair Festival has been a community event dedicated to sharing knowledge and practical skills that help people extend the lifespan of their belongings and discover new uses for unused materials. The festival has become an important cultural event in Estonia, highlighting the significance of cultural heritage while promoting the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that support sustainable living.
The UNESCO Creative City Viljandi committee has chosen Living Food Heritage as the theme for 2026, and it will also be the focus of this year's Repair Festival. Alongside the festival's traditional repair activities, visitors will have the opportunity to explore local food heritage, culinary traditions, and regional flavours.
Click on the arrows to see different workshop categories
Fermenting Food
In this two-hour workshop, we’ll discuss the heritage of local food preservation, the basics of food preservation, and learn how to ferment seasonal vegetables, root vegetables, and herbs. Each participant will leave with both the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as a jar of their own homemade fermented food.
Workshop led by: Gea Valner, Viljandi City Master 2026
Lecture on Mulgi Cuisine
In this 90-minute lecture-seminar in the Mulgi dialect, we will discuss Mulgi foods: Mulgi porridge, Mulgi cabbage, Mulgi korp, Mulgi kama, the Mulgi Ime cake, meat dishes, sõir, kõrneküpsised, avoiding food waste, and more.
Lecture led by: Kristi Ilves
Composting Food Waste
In this workshop, we’ll learn how to make nutrient-rich compost from food waste and discuss vegan-friendly gardening, including natural fertilization and composting. We’ll explore the basics of building a leaf compost bin and see how to sift and use compost. This practical knowledge is useful for both the garden and the home.
Workshop led by: Peep Tobreluts, Piret Pihtjõe, Ermo Hüüdma
Repairing Folk Costumes
Do you have a striped skirt with a hole, a shirt that needs mending, or some other heirloom waiting in your closet? Bring your folk costumes along, and let’s take a look at them together. We’ll help you find the right techniques and share practical tips on how to breathe new life into your beloved garments.
Workshop led by: Maris Taul and Inna Raud
Mulgi Embroidery
In this workshop, we’ll easily repair small holes using Mulgi embroidery. To repair larger holes, we can patch the hole and embroider Mulgi embroidery elements onto the patch. The result is a uniquely embellished garment that contributes to promoting slow fashion.
Workshop led by: Eda Kivisild
Making Mulgi pleated trousers
The pleated trousers workshop is the beginning of the sewing process—the initial cutting of the large pleats—followed by the final assembly! It covers sewing various styles of trousers and long pants, as well as a creative “trouser puzzle” workshop.
Kairi Orav is a trouser researcher, a masterful hand-sewer and mender who has delved deeply into the subject of men’s folk costume trousers and long linen trousers.
Workshop led by: Kairi Orav and others
Mending with the Sashiko Technique
In this workshop, we will mend and reinforce garments using sashiko, a decorative traditional Japanese handicraft technique. Bring along pieces of fabric you’d like to repair or embellish, cotton embroidery thread and a needle, and of course your favorite garment—whether you want to decoratively mend a hole or reinforce a worn spot.
Workshop led by: Aivi Tamm
Fixing Fabric Stains with Screen Printing
It happens all the time: stains from food, drinks, or other substances get on the clothes you wear, and they don’t come out in the wash. If you have an item with a stain (a shirt, skirt, pants, etc.) sitting in your closet, a simple way to revamp it is with stencil printing. In this workshop, we’ll use stencils with various patterns and fabric paints to create a design over the stain.
Workshop led by: Astri Kaljus
Indian-inspired stitches and patches
In this workshop, we’ll use patches brought back from India and appliqué techniques learned there to repair and enhance worn or stained garments. We’ll use various stitches that help new patterns and details emerge and give the fabric a fresh look. Bring along a garment that needs creative repair.
Workshop led by: Marta Konovalov
T-shirt Repair
In this workshop, we’ll work together to iive a T-shirt a new lease on life by repairing and upcycling it so it’s a joy to wear again. A T-shirt is often more than just a piece of clothing—it can hold memories of events, trips, or a long-ago concert by your favorite band. Sometimes it’s simply the most comfortable and beloved shirt, which has worn out or developed holes over time. Bring your shirt along and let’s make it your favorite again!
Workshop led by: Karin Kiigemägi
Clothing Alterations
Does your favorite piece of clothing have a stain, a hole, or an uncomfortable fit? In this workshop, we’ll explore simple and creative solutions for customizing clothes without complicated sewing techniques. We’ll cover stains with appliqués, add details, or adjusthe garment so it fits better and is a joy to wear again. We’ll share practical “no-sew” tips that require no sewing machine or prior experience. Bring your own garment and give it a new lease on life with simple techniques.
Workshop led by: Heili Einasto
Making Bags from T-Shirts
In this workshop, we’ll transform unusable or unused T-shirts into durable, reusable shopping bags. It’s a great way to reduce textile waste and create something practical and personal. Bring your own T-shirt and let’s turn it into a bag!
Workshop led by: Tiina Zujenkov
Painting with fabric scraps
In this workshop, we’ll paint using fabric scraps from various sources. Some pieces are so small that making new products out of them is very labor-intensive. One way to give this material a new life is to turn it into a “painting,” where colors, textures, and patterns can be used to create a decorative two-dimensional piece.
Workshop led by: Stella Peterson, Gregor Villak, Marleen Matto, and Rebeka Plaan
Cleaning and Caring for Silver Items
Come get advice on how to care for and clean silver jewelry and items. We can also perform simple repairs if needed.
Workshop led by: Indrek Ikkonen
Hand Sharpening and Maintenance of Tools
We will explore techniques for hand-sharpening and maintaining various hand tools. We will cover different types of whetstones and similar tools available in Estonia. You can practice sharpening and maintenance on the tools available on-site.
Workshop led by: Lahemaa Heritage House
Scythe Workshop
We’ll learn how to sharpen, assemble, and adjust a scythe. If you have your own scythe, bring it along—we’ll take a look at it together!
Workshop led by: Mario Karro
Cutlery
In this workshop, we’ll learn to forge cutlery. Come and choose whether you’d like to forge a small spoon or a fork for yourself.
Workshop led by: Tõnis Luik
Maintenance, Repair, and Improving the Weatherproofing of Wooden Windows
In this workshop, we will learn how to assess the condition of windows and discuss when maintenance is sufficient, when repairs are needed, and when more extensive restoration or replacement is required. We will explore simple maintenance and repair techniques, as well as methods for improving weatherproofing, including the use of natural sealing materials. We will also discuss the work process, necessary tools, and when to consult a specialist.
The workshop will be led by: Juhan Hint and Piit ja Pross
Renovation of a Historic Building
In the workshop, you can explore a board game about renovating a heritage home, educational videos, and the corresponding information portal. From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, there will be a presentation on improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings, discussing ways to preserve a building’s value while enhancing its usability.
After the presentation, you can seek advice on the renovation of heritage-protected buildings from both Alois Andreas Põdra, a researcher at Tallinn University of Technology and the Estonian Open Air Museum, and Monika Vestman, a heritage protection advisor for Viljandi County.
The workshop will be led by: Alois Andreas Põdra, Monika Vestman
Book Repair
In this workshop, we’ll learn how to repair books we use every day—cookbooks, textbooks, and children’s books. We’ll explore simple techniques like gluing, taping, folding, and sewing, and discuss how to care for books properly so they last longer.
In addition, we’ll make a simple glue-free notebook using partly recycled materials, and children will have the chance to create bookplates and stickers using stamps and stencils.
The workshop will be led by: Grete Ots, Helen Rebane, Sille Siidirätsep
Language Practice and Grandma’s Square
In this workshop, you can participate in a fun Estonian language game suitable for language lovers of all ages. Together, we’ll practice language correction and discover the nuances of the Estonian language in a playful way.
In addition, we’ll crochet a classic granny square using leftover yarn, exploring the technique and the books that serve as sources of inspiration. A great opportunity to combine wordplay and hands-on activity.
Workshop led by: Viljandi City Library
Making Handmade Cards
In this workshop, we’ll make beautiful handmade cards that are perfect to accompany a small gift or a bouquet of flowers. We’ll use various materials and simple techniques to create unique and heartfelt cards. A great opportunity to give new life to scrap paper and delight your loved ones with your own creations.
Workshop led by: Ülle Aaren
Contemporary Kintsugi
In this workshop, participants will restore an old or broken piece of tableware or an object, giving it new decorative value and meaning. We’ll try out a simplified technique and discuss mistakes, repairs, and circular economy principles.
Workshop led by: Paranduskelder
Watch and Eyeglass Repair
Come get some simple help repairing your old watch and/or making minor repairs to your eyeglasses!
Workshop led by: Toivo Lõhmus
Bead necklace repair and making
Bring your broken bead necklace and we’ll give it a new lease on life! You can repair it on the spot or assemble a new piece of jewelry.
Workshop led by: Margit Randmäe
Bicycle ABC
We’ll learn how to perform a simple quick check on your bicycle to ensure safe riding: we’ll inspect the tires, brakes, chain, handlebars, and saddle mounts. We’ll perform basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and oiling the chain and checking tire pressure. In the tire-changing workshop, you can practice removing and reinstalling a bicycle tire and inner tube. If you’d like, we’ll offer advice on which minor maintenance tasks you can do yourself and when it’s best to take your bike to a repair shop.
Workshop led by: Ken-Kaarel Külaots
Making a Beeswax Food Wrap
In this workshop, we’ll use cotton fabric and beeswax to create a practical, reusable alternative for wrapping food. Instead of regular plastic wrap, you can use a homemade beeswax food wrap, which is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and visually appealing solution for everyday use.
Workshop led by: Kohila Environmental Education Center
Making tea roses Self-improvement – "when you hit a wall"
In this workshop, we will make tea roses from egg cartons and leftover candle wax. This way, a new product is created from low-value paper pulp. This simple hands-on activity is an incredibly effective way to generate positive energy.
Workshop led by: Katrin Lepa-Ruben
Making key holders from recycled LDPE plastic
In this workshop, we’ll learn a simple way to reuse packaging waste generated at home. We’ll make key holders from LDPE plastic bags using a melting method.
Workshop led by: Precious Plastic Tartu
The Cool Guy Who Makes Instruments
Did you know that a tin can or an ice cream stick can sound like a real instrument? In this fun workshop, we’ll see how everyday objects can be given a new life as musical instruments. We’ll make a paper flute, a sports whistle from a tin can, a clapperophone, and lots of other exciting things. Bring along any instruments you’ve made yourself—we’d love to share our experiences!
Workshop led by: Themuri Sulamanidze
Blow, Mend and Play the Jussi Way – Juhan Suits' Instrument Collection and Long Flute Workshop
If you have an old whistle, pipe, Jew's harp, or any other wind or folk instrument lying around that no longer sounds quite right, bring it along! Together we'll see whether there's anything we can do to restore it to good playing condition.
Local instrument maker and musician Juss (Juhan Suits) will display his collection of handmade long flutes and other unusual—but fully functional—traditional wind instruments. He will explain how they were made, modified, improved, or built entirely from scratch, sharing the stories and craftsmanship behind each one.
The workshop also embraces the inspiring motto: "Making music is everyone's right!" To prove the point, visitors are invited to take part in a hands-on long flute playing workshop, where everyone can learn the basics of this traditional instrument.
Workshop leader: Juhan Suits
Making Mardi Gras and Kadri Masks
In this workshop, we’ll let our imaginations and creativity run wild and craft a mask that speaks to us the most. November isn’t far off, and it’s time to go trick-or-treating! It’s great to have a mask you’ve made yourself ready to go.
Both children and parents are welcome—why not make a mask together and later pass it down to your children as a keepsake?
Workshop led by: Annika Mändmaa
Repair, Renew, and Preserve – Museum Wisdom for Everyday Objects
In this workshop, we’ll explore the various materials that have been used throughout history to make everyday items. With the help of examples from the collections of the ERM Heimtali Museum and the Estonian National Museum, as well as the knowledge of conservators, we will learn how to repair objects, what materials and techniques to use, and how to care for them properly to extend their lifespan.
A separate repair and invention corner is open for children, where we’ll give broken toys a new lease on life. You’re also welcome to bring your own toys that need repair so we can find a new solution for them together.
The workshop is led by: ERM’s Heimtali Museum and ERM
Reduce Your Electricity Bill
What affects your electricity bill? How can you manage your energy consumption more consciously? In this workshop, we’ll explore energy communities and examine how people can collectively produce, share, and use energy. Through hands-on exercises, we’ll reflect on our energy use and discuss the role community-based solutions can play in shaping a fairer and more sustainable energy future. No prior technical knowledge is required.
Workshop led by: Annika Emilie Kullamäe
Repair World Cup
In the first Repair World Cup, we’ll give participants a specific product or item that needs to be repaired by hand. We’ll judge based on quality and originality, not speed! After the competition, everyone will have the chance to see what the participants did and repair their own items. Yes, it’s a battle… an exhilarating competition. To pre-register, send an email to [email protected]
Workshop led by: Liisa Lehtla
