unforgettable events in estonia you don’t want to miss

What makes Estonia so special? From food to language, find out in our special series - in this article, we provide a guide to unmissable events in Estonia this year

What could be a better way to spend your time than soaking up the sun, enjoying great music, delicious food, and diverse events in Estonia? Trust me, we know how to host an unforgettable event—whether you’re into business, food, folk, techno, startups, or anything in between, there’s something for everyone!

As the weather warms up and seasonal depression fades, you’ll notice Estonians gradually regaining their energy. And when that occurs, outdoor fun is assured. Whether it’s soaking up the sun in Telliskivi’s vibrant social hub, unwinding at cosy café terraces, or picking up a delicious bite from Balti Jaama Turg to savour in the sun, the city of Tallinn truly comes alive. Throughout Estonia, musicians and artists awaken, providing the soundtrack at festivals, concerts, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and more. So keep your eyes and ears open—you won’t want to miss something truly amazing!

In this article, I’ll share eleven of the must-visit events taking place in various parts of Estonia, which are destined to make your time here even more exciting and memorable.

1. Tallinn Music Week - 3-6 April 2025

Tallinn Music Week (TMW) is an annual event held in Tallinn, a UNESCO city of music. What better way to put an end to our cold weather and welcome Spring with a vibrant music festival in the creative capital?

TMW always features a multi-genre line-up from all over Europe and beyond, held in Tallinn's best venues in early April. From intimate gigs to grand stages, Tallinn Music Week transforms the city into a lively hub of creativity, attracting music lovers, industry professionals, and artists alike. Whether you're into indie, electronic, jazz, or experimental sounds, there's something for everyone.

Additionally, the festival includes a conference with thought-provoking discussions on music, technology, and future trends. In 2025, the lineup showcases artists from 38 different countries, and our own Estonian musicians such as Alika, Angus, Dup Ruut, and more. Check the lineup for 2025 here.

2. Jazzkaar - 20 April - 1 May 

As a huge jazz enthusiast, Jazzkaar is, without a doubt, one of my yearly highlights. This internationally famous festival, running from 20th April to 1st of May, brings together the best of the best, including Estonian talent and world-class musicians from as far away as India.

Jazzkaar, known for its original programming and broad musical lineup, has been an important component of Estonia's music scene since 1990. The festival is mainly located in Telliskivi Creative City. However, Jazzkaar goes far beyond Tallinn, with concerts organised throughout Estonia in locations such as Otepää, Haapsalu, Tartu, and Viljandi, making jazz accessible to audiences throughout the country.

With over 3,000 foreign performers from 60 countries participating over the years, Jazzkaar is Estonia's most popular jazz festival and one of the most vibrant in the Baltics. Whether you're a veteran jazz fan or just seeking to try something new, Jazzkaar is a captivating celebration of rhythm, creativity, and global talent.

3. Latitude59 - 21-23 May 2025

Between 21 and 23 May, Latitude59 - the flagship startup and tech event of the world’s first digital society - takes place at KultuuriKatel in Tallinn. Latitude59 is Estonia’s premier tech and startup conference, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the globe. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for small startups to spread their wings and capture the attention of investors and tech enthusiasts eager to explore cutting-edge innovations.

Latitude59 features inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, pitch competitions, and exclusive networking opportunities, all set in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, Latitude59 is the place to connect, learn, and shape the future of tech.

E-residents - if you’re ready to experience the energy of Estonia’s startup ecosystem and maybe share your next world-changing startup idea with the world - add Latitude59 to your bucket list!

4. Hanseatic Fairs - June / July 2025

The Hanseatic Days (Hansapäevad) are must-see events in Estonia, especially if you're interested in ancient celebrations and wish to travel back in time! Historic medieval markets across Estonia provide the ideal setting for exploring the country and experiencing its rich Hanseatic history.  

The Hanseatic League influenced politics, trade, and culture in the North and Baltic Seas for over 400 years. This strong merchant network once included the Estonian cities of Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Viljandi. The best place to begin your Hanseatic adventure is Tallinn's Old Town, which boasts the best-preserved medieval cityscape.  

Hundreds of merchants, craftspeople, and entertainers fill the streets during these markets, offering unique items from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, delectable local cuisine, and live demonstrations of medieval craftsmanship. The Hanseatic Days are fantastic for souvenir shopping; I still use the beautiful jewellery and wooden cutting boards I purchased at the Hanseatic Fairs daily. And I can assure you that there is a vast array of delightful delicacies to satisfy any palate if you're as much of a foodie as I am.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Hanseatic Fairs:

• Viljandi Hansalaat –  6th to 8th June

• Pärnu Hansalaat - 27th to 29th June

• Tartu Hansalaat – 27th to 29th  June

• Tallinn Hansalaat – 11th to 13th July

5. Haapsalu Valgete Ööde festival - 27-29 June 2025

If you’re looking for a short, romantic getaway, the Haapsalu Valgete Ööde Festival (Haapsalu White Night Festival) is worth visiting! Personally, I've always loved going to Haapsalu, a small city full of character. It also happens to be one of the best cities to spend the long white Summer nights.

The Festival combines days full of vibrant music, delicious food and different activities for Summer lovers. Concerts are taking place in different churches, castle ruins in the old manors, and more. To make the most of our beautiful white Summer nights, one of the coolest events is the night cinema, where you can enjoy the warm summer breeze, the sky full of stars and a great film. Sounds romantic, right? 

6. I Land Sound - 17-20 July 2025

Between 17-20 July is I Land Sound, one of the most unforgettable festival experiences in Estonia. The festival is held on the breathtaking Illiku Islet, right at the gateway to Saaremaa in Orissaare. This sustainability-focused festival blends stunning nature, electronic beats, immersive art, and a vibrant community, offering the very best of the Estonian Summer.

I Land Sound is more than just a festival, it’s an awakening—an intimate connection between music, nature, and soul. Imagine starting your day with early morning yoga set to electronic beats, spending the afternoon exploring art installations, and ending the night dancing under a sky full of stars—with the sea always within view.

7. Saaremaa Opera -  22-27 July 2025

As promised, Estonia offers vibrant music for every taste, ranging from folk and techno to world-class opera! If you're a fan of classical music and grand performances, the Saaremaa Opera Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss. Taking place from 22nd to 27th July, the Saaremaa Opera Festival is undoubtedly the most popular in the Baltics, set against the stunning historic castle ruins of Kuressaare on Saaremaa Island.

Each Summer, the ruins of Kuressaare Castle transform into a breathtaking open-air opera house with 2,000 seats, creating a magical atmosphere where history meets exceptional performances. Over the years, the festival has attracted opera lovers from around the globe, hosting some of the world’s most renowned theatre companies. Even if you're merely a casual opera listener, this festival is an unforgettable experience—a perfect blend of stunning scenery, top-tier performances, and the charm of Saaremaa.

8. Viljandi Folk - 24-27 July 2025

As a Viljandi local, I can promise you that Viljandi folk is definitely one of the highlights of the Summer. Whether you’re a music lover or a foodie, between 24th and 27th July, Viljandi Folk brings everyone together from around the world. It's worth mentioning that there are activities to please every age group! I´ve been to Viljandi Folk for over 10 years, and I love to see my small town full of musicians connecting through music on the streets.

The festival has been going strong since 1993, and is one of the most beloved and longest-running music festivals in Estonia. Located in Viljandi’s stunning castle ruins overlooking its picturesque lake, the festival creates an enchanting atmosphere where ancient traditions meet modern interpretations.

Beyond the music, the festival offers workshops, jam sessions, talented buskers of all ages, and cultural activities that celebrate the spirit of folk heritage. If you love music with soul and history, I promise you will enjoy this festival as much as I do! Grab your flower crown, and let the rhythms of Viljandi Folk carry you away!

9. Laulu ja Tantsupidu - 3-6 July 2025

When you ask any Estonia about events in Estonia, one of the first things they'll tell you about is the Song and Dance Celebration (Laulu ja Tantsupidu), which is a truly remarkable cultural celebration held every five years. Since its beginning in 1869, this historic event has served as a significant symbol of Estonian identity and unity.

The festival begins with the lighting of a torch in Tartu, where the tradition originated. It travels across Estonia, much like the Olympic torch, until it reaches Tallinn, where thousands of folk dancers await its arrival at Kalev Stadium. Dressed in vibrant Estonian folk costumes, they bring the stadium to life with a breathtaking show of colour and movement. Following the grand dance performance, all participants gather in a colourful march to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, where the song celebration begins. The event always opens with Aleksander Kunileid’s song "Dawn," setting the stage for an unforgettable choral performance that resonates deeply in the hearts of all who attend.

More than just a festival, this event serves as a guiding sail for the Estonian people, helping them remain connected through difficult times and drawing Estonians from around the world back to their roots. Having personally participated in the choir, I can say without a doubt—it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Whether you join as a singer, dancer, or simply as a spectator, you’ll feel the energy, pride, and emotion of an entire nation coming together to celebrate our country. If you want to experience something extraordinary and deeply cultural, the 2025 Song and Dance Celebration is a must-visit event.

10. Onion Festival - 30 August 2025

Every year on the last weekend of August, the Kallaste Fish & Onion Fair transforms the town of Kallaste into a bustling late-summer festival. This renowned annual tradition draws tourists from all around Estonia and beyond, providing a unique glimpse into Peipus-area culture.

While a wide variety of commodities are available during the fair, the true star of the show is the renowned Peipus onion, cultivated in the fields near Lake Peipus. In addition to the vibrant marketplace, visitors can enjoy a diverse cultural program that features handicraft workshops, traditional cookery, boat trips on the lake, children's entertainment, and more. As the day draws to a close, the celebrations carry on with an energetic nighttime dance and a spectacular fireworks display—the perfect way to conclude Summer with local cuisines, customs, and community spirit.

11. sTARTUp Day - 28-30 January 2026

It's not just the Spring and Summer months that have all the fun events in Estonia. Fast forward to one of the coldest months of the year, and sTARTUp Day will heat things up in Tartu. Between the 28th and 30th of January, over 3,500 startup-minded individuals will gather to celebrate entrepreneurship, share ideas, and shape the future.

Whether you’re exploring the startup scene, launching your own business, or discovering how to stay ahead of the curve, this festival is the place to be. It’s a golden opportunity to connect with global innovators, uncover fresh business ideas, or even meet your future business partner!  Whether you’re a founder, investor, or simply passionate about innovation, sTARTUp Day 2026 is where ideas meet action. 

Grete Rahnel is a creative professional from Estonia with extensive experience working as a creative and technical writer for multiple international companies. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, Grete brings a strong foundation in language and a passion for storytelling to her work, blending creativity with technical precision.