We know Estonia
23.6.2023 | Culture

Midsummer Eve at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Estonian Open Air Museum

Midsummer Eve at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn

 

Midsummer Eve is one of the most significant days of the year for Estonians, being full of traditions. At the Estonian Open Air Museum, you will be able to experience not just a magnificent bonfire, but traditional songs, dances, games, and of course saunas.

2023 has been declared the Year of the Sauna in Estonia, therefore there will be a focus on saunas at this year’s Midsummer celebrations at the Open Air Museum in Tallinn.

Visitors will be able to learn about the role of saunas in Estonian people’s lives, along with the rituals, customs, superstitions and fairy tales about them.

Midsummer festivities at the museum will begin at 7 pm today with a procession from the main gate to light the bonfire, which is historically the centerpiece of celebrations in the country.

Around the many traditional farms and village buildings in the museum grounds, all manner of different events will be taking place, from live music by groups such as the Estonian ‘Association of Small Accordions’, to games for kids and adults alike, and traditional folk dancing classes.

There will also be food and drinks for sale at the Kolu Inn, and many other locations around the Open Air Museum.

The parking lot at the museum is expected to be extremely busy this evening, therefore, it is recommended to travel there by public transport or taxi.

To learn more about the full schedule of events at the Estonian Open Air Museum this Midsummer click here.  You can also buy tickets by clicking here

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Bonfire Estonian Open Air Museum Fairy Tales Folk Dance Midsummer Midsummer Estonia Sauna

22.9.2026 | Culture

Oktoberfest 2026 in Tallinn’s Unibet Arena

Oktoberfest 2026 in Tallinn’s Unibet Arena

Oktoberfest is the most popular festival celebrating German culture, food, and drink around the world. While the official festival takes … Read more

21.9.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

19–27 September Days of National Cultures, Tallinn Each year Tallinn celebrates its cultural diversity by showcasing the various cultures in … Read more

20.9.2026 | Culture

Works by Two Abstract Artists in Pärnu

Works by Two Abstract Artists in Pärnu

The Museum of New Art in Pärnu has opened an exhibition entitled “Dialogue”, featuring a selection of works from the … Read more

19.9.2026 | Culture

Lamprey Festival in Narva-Jõesuu

Lamprey Festival in Narva-Jõesuu

Narva-Jõesuu is Estonia’s northeasternmost region, and is known as a holiday area, with spas and hotels and restaurants welcoming visitors … Read more

18.9.2026 | Nature

Matsalu Nature Film Festival

Matsalu Nature Film Festival

For 23 years the Matsalu Nature Film Festival has been growing in popularity, with sometimes over 1200 films submitted. This … Read more

17.9.2026 | Culture

Photographs by Vivian Maier at Fotografiska

Photographs by Vivian Maier at Fotografiska

On 19 September, Fotografiska Tallinn will open an exhibition devoted to the work of Vivian Maier (1926–2009), perhaps the most … Read more

17.9.2026 | Culture

Days of National Cultures 2026 in Tallinn

Days of National Cultures 2026 in Tallinn

Tallinn is more than just Estonia’s capital city, it’s the people who live there, and not all are Estonians! This … Read more

15.9.2026 | Culture

Narva Is Estonia’s Autumn Capital in 2026

Narva Is Estonia’s Autumn Capital in 2026

Narva’s official opening of the “Narva—Estonia’s Autumn Capital 2026” programme will begin on Sunday, 20 September. This kicks off a … Read more