26.1.2024 | Leisure

Exciting events in Estonia between now and the end of April

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Anton Klink / sTARTUp Day, 
Maanus Kullamaa / Tartu 2024, Tarmo Haud, 
NOA, Andrei Chertkov

More than 3000 people are expected to attend this year’s edition of sTARTUp Day in Tartu.

24–26.01 sTARTUp Day

Estonia is known the world over as a hotbed for tech Startups, with the likes of Skype, Bolt, and Wise all being formed in the country. This year’s sTARTUp Day in Tartu will gather more than 3000 people for a full programme of inspiring workshops, seminars, and more.

Tartu’s beautiful old town square will play host to the opening ceremony of its year as the European Capital of Culture.

26.01 Opening of Tartu European Capital of Culture 2024

If you didn’t know already, Estonia’s second City, Tartu, will be this year’s European Capital of Culture. To kick off a year packed full of exciting events, there will be a big party in the city’s old town square with music, dancing, and visual performances.

27.01 Winter Night Song Festival

It’s well known that Estonians love singing – it was even the catalyst for regaining their independence. They love singing so much, that thousands will gather in Otepää for the 9^th Winter Night Song Festival. Luckily there will be hot drinks and food on offer to keep you warm at this enchanting outdoor event.

02.02 European Sauna Marathon

2023 was the year of saunas in Estonia, but that doesn’t mean the fun has stopped. At the European Sauna Marathon, teams of 4 will compete to use as many saunas around Otepää in 5 hours as they can. The catch is, teams must spend at least 3 minutes in each sauna. However, there are bonus points for taking any icy dip.

16–25.02 Foodlover Restaurants Week

During the 10 days of Foodlover Restaurants Week, you will be able to enjoy delicious set menus from some of the best restaurants all over Estonia at a discounted price. The menus include starters, mains, and desserts.

The Tartu Ski Marathon will be celebrating a big landmark this year – its 50th edition.

17–18.02 Tartu Ski Marathon

The Tartu Ski Marathon will be celebrating a big birthday in 2024, its 50^th. This makes the event one of the oldest continually running ski marathons in the world. Thousands will compete in the 63 and 31 km races, at the biggest skiing event in the Estonian calendar.

03.03 Kolkja Sled and Onion Route Winter Festival

If skiing is not your cup of winter tea, how about sledding? No not sledding with dogs, but kick sledding on the ice. This traditional event, which takes place on the shores of Peipsi Lake, will see races for all age groups, as well as delicious local food and live entertainment.

03.03 Chippendales Best of Las Vegas Show

The world-famous Chippendales have been entertaining crowds for over 40 years. For more than half of that time, they have been residents on the Las Vegas strip. Where, they have not been named best revue show, but the best night out for ladies 11 years in a row.

Michelin recommended NOA is just one of 24 restaurants taking part in this spring’s Tallinn Restaurant Week.

11–17.03 Tallinn Restaurant Week

Inspired by Tallinn’s title as the European Green Capital in 2023, the 24 restaurants taking part in this year’s Tallinn Restaurant Week will be looking to bring more environmentally friendly ingredients to their special set menus for the event.

16–17.03 Bread Festival

There is a common saying that “bread is life”. Therefore, it is no surprise that Tallinn plays host to an annual Bread Festival. At the event, which takes place at Kultuurikatel in the city, you will find not just great breads from artisan bakers, but a full programme of workshops and seminars to take your own breadmaking skills to the next level.

Around 200 acts from all around the world are expected to perform at this year’s Tallinn Music Week.

03–07.04 Tallinn Music Week

Tallinn’s annual music week has become a staple of the spring calendar. As usual, you can expect free as well as paid concerts at various locations around the city. Close to 200 solo acts and bands from all over the world are expected to perform at the event.

20–21.04 Võhandu River Marathon

The Võhandu River is seen as one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in all of south Estonia. Therefore, it is no surprise that it plays host to a kayaking marathon. It is not for the faint-hearted though, as the route (which must be completed in one day), is around 100km long.

20–28.04 Jazzkaar

The popular twice-yearly Jazz festival, which has been going since 1990, will return for its spring offering at the end of April. As well as top local artists you can expect to see big international names as well. At the last event, in December, world-renowned Jazz singer Gregory Porter graced the Jazzkaar stage.

26–27.04 Tallinn Coffee Festival

Another growing tradition of the spring calendar is the annual coffee festival in Tallinn, which will be returning for an 8^th time at the end of April. Last year, nearly 4,000 coffee enthusiasts attended the event where more than 50 local roasters, cafes, and importers were present.