Õllesummer Returns—Bigger Than Ever Before

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Visit Estonia / Karli Saul

How many Estonians does it take to fill a music festival venue? All of them, if it’s big enough! This year’s Õllesummer, or “beer summer” festival, will put this to the test. Four days, eight stages, a hundred musical performers, and enough food, drinks, and fun for the whole country from 1–4 July at Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds.

Artists on the official lineup are focused mostly on Estonian favourites, but there are several international acts as well. Everyone knows Katrina and the Waves and their megahit “Walking on Sunshine”, and most people know the four-member DJ and producer team Sash! from Germany, as well as their popular hit from the 90s, “Encore Une Fois”. Most people might remember a band from a place called Finland: Dingo. Or maybe not. Other international guests will be Cascada, and Groove Coverage, also from Germany.

Popular Estonian artists performing are Terminaator, Smilers, 2 Quick Start, Ivo Linna, Tuberkuloited, Caater, nublu, and honestly the list just goes on and on. It’s all of them, basically. Like last year, the only sad part is that many of these wonderful artists are performing on different stages but at the same time, so choices will have to be made. But there will be concerts for all tastes, so everyone should be able to find something that they’re looking for.

As for food, there is a very long food street, which can be seen here on this map of everything at Õllesummer. It’s right in the centre of the festival area, so the good aromas can be enjoyed from afar. Drinks will be on sale everywhere, and there is a babysitting service available in the northwest corner of the venue. I just thought it might be fun to mention both of those in the same sentence.

The Song Festival Grounds are located a few minutes’ walk from Tallinn’s passenger terminal area along the coast. There are also buses. Parking is very limited, but the walk is part of the experience. Just remember not to drive or ride an e-scooter after drinking alcohol.

Four-day passes are €69, and one-day passes are €39, and are available here.

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Concert Events in Tallinn Festival Food food street Music Festival Song Festival Grounds Õllesummer