Summer Cultural Events in Tallinn

Seaside Events

Tallinn has always been a sea city, which makes it appropriate that several of our most important cultural events take place on the seaside and are connected to the sea.

This summer’s biggest event is undoubtedly the XXVIII Song Festival and XXI Dance Festival. Tens of thousands of singers and folk dancers will be participating in Estonia’s most important cultural event, and at least 100,000 people are expected to attend. Among the performances are beautifully staged dances and the culmination of the whole event: the Song Festival grand concert, where one can hear both new compositions of Estonian choral music as well as older beloved classics that will warm the heart of any Estonian.

Everyone who wants to experience a genuine Estonian Midsummer's Eve party should participate in the Estonian Open Air Museum's midsummer celebration. At the event, you can enjoy the tunes of Estonian folk musicians, eat delicious Midsummer party food and take part in traditional folk games.

This year, the Tallinn Maritime Days will be taking place from 11 to 13 July. Seaside areas such as the Old City Harbour, Seaplane Harbour, Noblessner Marina and the Pirita Yacht Harbour host various recreation and sports activities for both young and old. Featured are concerts with Estonian top artists, children’s play areas and market streets, with a sea taxi taking passengers between the various harbours.

On the magical Night of Ancient Lights, thousands gather along Estonia's coastlines to light bonfires, keeping alive the tradistion of historical seaside beacons that guided sailors home. Numerous coastal attractions and museums celebrate the evening with special events, often enriched with concert programs. Traditional participants include the Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Open Air Museum, and the Viimsi Open Air Museum.

Old Town Summer Festivals

Every summer, Tallinn's medieval Old Town hosts many events and there are two beloved festivals that always bring joy to locals and visitors alike.
At the beginning of summer, from 6-8 June, Tallinn Old Town Days take place. The summer event, which has been organised for more than 20 years, fills the streets, courtyards and green areas of the old town with a varied and engaging programme. 

A month later, from 11-13 July, Medieval Days will take over the old town and the heart of Tallinn will once again become a flourishing Hanseatic city. During the four days, you can participate in fun workshops teaching medieval skills, try your hand at sword fighting and other games of skill and strength, cheer at a medieval procession and many great shows and concerts.

From 18 August to 18 September, the annual Tallinn Fringe Festival will take place in several locations around the city, which will bring together many domestic and international artists. The goal of the open-access festival, which is now in its seventh year, is to bring different types of non-mainstream arts to the public.

The summer is full of events!

There is a lot going on in Tallinn in the summer! It is probably hard to find a day when there isn't a concert or festival taking place in the city. You can find a list of events in Tallinn in our events calendar, where you can filter events by date and topic.