Alongside the films, visitors can take part in a range of events throughout the festival.
4:00 PM Makeup Workshop
Cultural Center Lobby
Need a fresh look before the festivities? We are offering makeup for the HÕFF opening on a first-come, first-served basis. Free of charge!
5:30 PM HÕFF Red Carpet
Cultural Center Lobby
Join us for photos before the festival kicks off. Imaginative costumes are highly encouraged! This is an exclusive chance to snap a photo with the Sheriff of Haapsalu.
6:00 PM HÕFF Grand Opening
Cultural Center Theater Hall. Buy Ticket
This year’s HÕFF will be opened by "cloud ballerina" Grete Gross, leading Estonian stunt performers, and the T-Stuudio dance school. To celebrate its 130th anniversary, the world’s first horror film—Georges Méliès’s “The House of the Devil”—will feature a live accompaniment by pianist Stefan Ilves. We will also announce the Lifetime Achievement Award winner and showcase a film made by Haapsalu’s youth.
The ceremony will be followed by a screening of the fresh Finnish folk-horror thriller “Nightborn”.
8:30 PM Walpurgis Night Run
In front of the Haapsalu Cultural Center
After a several-year hiatus, the Walpurgis Night Run returns to Haapsalu. The event starts in front of the Cultural Center, where the race center opens at 8:00 PM, followed by a mass start at 9:00 PM. This isn’t just a sporting competition—team spirit, creativity, and the mystical Walpurgis atmosphere are just as important.
We welcome teams of 10 (consisting of five women and five men). The approximately 4 km route is manageable for everyone, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Refreshments and first aid (if needed) will be provided at the Order of Malta tent.
10:00 PM HÕFF Opening Party
Herman Bistro & Bar (Karja 1a)
Walpurgis Night with vinyls and dancing. DJ Mardus Guru on the decks, free entry for all.
12:00 PM HÕFF Trivia
Cultural Center Basement Hall. In Estonian
Teams of up to five, questions covering the best of horror and fantasy, and a great atmosphere. The organizers will provide some "hair of the dog" to get you started, and there are prizes for the winners. Entry is €2 per person. Please pre-register your team at info@poff.ee!
9 PM Music Bingo
Herman Bistro & Bar (Karja 1a)
Bingo cards available for €1, entrance free of charge. After the game, DJ iunsu takes the stage.
9:30 PM Chuck Norris Look-Alike Contest (before "Lone Wolf McQuade")
Cultural Center Balcony Hall. Buy Ticket
Want to see the movie for free? Enter our look-alike contest! From those who pre-register, we’ll select up to three finalists, and the audience will crown the ultimate Chuck Norris double just before the screening of “Lone Wolf McQuade”. Please register at info@poff.ee!
11:00 AM Just Film at HÕFF: Family Day with Battle Bots
Cultural Center Lobby
Talented young minds from the Innokas innovation center are gearing up for a showdown with their latest battle bots. Everyone is welcome to join in, test the robots, and even take the controls alongside their creators.
The "coolest robot" will be decided by a public vote, and the winners will be awarded right before the 2:00 PM screening of the Estonian film “Vinski of the Town”.
7:00 PM Award Ceremony & "Never After Dark"
Cultural Center Theater Hall. Buy Ticket
Before we dive into the eerie Japanese horror “Never After Dark”, we’ll announce this year’s winners and give a big thanks to our organizers and audience. The film is scheduled to start at approximately 7:30 PM.
9:00 PM Horror Bingo
Herman Bistro & Bar (Karja 1a)
Bingo cards available for €1, entrance free of charge. Music by Herman DJs hansel & gretel.
9:45 PM Charity Auction for Ukraine & "The Dam"
Cultural Center Theater Hall. Buy Ticket
For the fifth time, Mart Sander will pick up the gavel to auction off exclusive items ranging from props to unique collectibles. All proceeds go toward supporting Ukraine. The auction will be followed by the soviet-zombie flick “The Dam”, filmed in Ukraine against all odds. The film starts at approximately 10:30 PM.
11:00 PM – 4:00 AM HÕFF Closing Party: RetsRetro
Haapsalu Cultural Center. Tickets: €5 / €10
A time machine that drags you straight to the dance floor and keeps you there until your legs give out. Entry is €5 for the first hour and €10 after that. Free entry for HÕFF pass holders. Fueled by Juniper Island London Dry Gin & fritz-kola.