We know Estonia
8.7.2025 | Culture

Tartu Rockfest Promises a Great Party

Text Stewart Johnson

Photo EU2017EE Estonian Presidency, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tartu Rockfest Promises a Great Party

 

As summer finally starts to arrive in Estonia, why not enjoy it the way locals do: outside in the warm rain, and happy? Tartu Rockfest 2025 offers a full, two-day programme of Estonia’s top rock bands. And if you missed the Song and Dance Celebration, fear not! This festival takes place at the original venue for Estonia’s legendary event, Tartu’s Laululava, or Song Festival Grounds.

The six featured bands have extensive fanbases in Estonia, and lots of history. The first day will see Vaiko Eplik ja Eliit on the stage. Previous incarnations of this top Estonian act have been called Claire’s Birthday, and Ruffus. The latter represented Estonia in Eurovision 2003. Vaiko Eplik is possibly the most prolific songwriter in the country.

Lexsoul Dancemachine is the most successful funk and dance band in Estonia, and their name is not just a witty portmanteau. You’ll want to dance when they start playing. Other bands are Miljardid, who have been likened to Depeche Mode but with a much more modern style; Sõpruse Puiestee, who have headlined events around the country for a quarter of a century; Kosmikud, who represent the “sound of Estonia” from the early 2000s; and Vennaskond, whose punk music shaped the mood of the drive for re-independence in the 1980s.

Tickets for Tartu Rockfest 2025 are available here. If you’ve never been to Tartu, this is the perfect reason to visit Estonia’s university town, and the birthplace of Estonian culture.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Concert Events In Tartu Kosmikud Lexsoul Dancemachine Rockfest Sõpruse Puiestee Vaiko Eplik Vennaskond

12.2.2026 | Culture

Shrove Tuesday Is Days Away—What Are Your Plans?

Shrove Tuesday Is Days Away—What Are Your Plans?

More precisely, what even is Shrove Tuesday? We’ll get to that. The important thing is that it’s a popular … Read more

12.2.2026 | Culture

Two New Exhibitions Opening at the Maritime Museum

Two New Exhibitions Opening at the Maritime Museum

The Estonian Maritime Museum is opening two new exhibitions at its Tallinn sites this week and next. The Seaplane … Read more

11.2.2026 | Culture

“Our Erika” Is a Film Where Nostalgia Meets Triumph

“Our Erika” Is a Film Where Nostalgia Meets Triumph

Estonian films all too often try to focus on too many things, or focus too much on only one … Read more

10.2.2026 | Culture

This Is How Tintinnabuli Was Born 50 Years Ago

This Is How Tintinnabuli Was Born 50 Years Ago

According to composer Arvo Pärt’s spouse Nora Pärt, it was exactly 50 years ago on the morning of Saturday, … Read more

9.2.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

10 February Kim Dracula concert, Tallinn Kim Dracula live in concert in Tallinn’s Paavli Culture Factory. Originally from Tasmania, … Read more

8.2.2026 | Culture

Atmospheric Valentine’s Day Concert in Kadriorg Art Museum

Atmospheric Valentine’s Day Concert in Kadriorg Art Museum

On Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14 February at 19:00, the grand hall of the Kadriorg Art Museum will be filled … Read more

7.2.2026 | Culture

Pop Culture as Stunning Artistic Portraits

Pop Culture as Stunning Artistic Portraits

A career retrospective of Anton Corbijn, highly esteemed even as the court photographer of star artists, is on display … Read more

6.2.2026 | Culture

XIX Tallinn Winter Festival—Open Your Heart

XIX Tallinn Winter Festival—Open Your Heart

The XIX Tallinn Winter Festival, taking place from 10–22 February 2026, returns as one of Estonia’s most cherished cultural … Read more