Tartu and Tallinn Both Have Famous Events This Weekend

Text Stewart Johnson

Photos Evelin Lumi, 
Kalamaja Päevad / Rene Jakobson, 
Kristi Jahilo

Estonia always has a celebration, festival, concert or other fun-filled event happening in the warmer months. Three of the most anticipated events of the year fall on the same day in 2025: 17 May. These are of course Tartu’s Karlova Days, Tallinn’s Kalamaja Days, and the Maijooks, a road race for thousands of women.

Karlova is a unique area in all of Europe. Originally a housing zone for the working class in the early 20th century, it now stands as one of the last such areas on the continent. Almost all the houses are wooden, and feature outstanding architecture and craftsmanship. Tree-lined streets and exceptionally ornate wooden doors welcome all visitors and residents.

Karlova Days is a celebration of this fascinating part of the city of Tartu. There will be fairs, handicrafts, concerts, activities for the whole family, and many surprises as well. One highly anticipated part of Karlova Days is Karlova Café Day, where all the cafés and restaurants of this bustling part of the city will hold their own events. Officially the main event is from 15–18 May, but the main day is this Saturday. More information is available here.

Kalamaja in Tallinn is a famous part of Tallinn also known for its architecture and wooden houses. This annual event, similar in nature to Karlova Days, celebrates the area’s tight community, especially against the background of all the urban renewal the entire district has undergone in the past few years. Pedestrian zones, parks, and bicycle lanes have all been added, including as much greenery as can fit in Kalamaja. Local restaurants and cafés are sure to offer visitors, residents, and families an incredible day to remember. The main day is also Saturday, with more events scheduled for Sunday as well. More information is available here.

If you’d like to get out of the city a bit but still enjoy a fun day with lots of people, then the LHV Maijooks Women’s Run is for you. Over the years, over a hundred thousand women have participated. This year’s event is a 7K (seven-kilometer) fun run starting and ending at the Song Festival Grounds at 13:00 on Saturday, 17 May. The route will take participants through the beautiful nature of Pirita, Maarjamäe, through pine forests and along the coast of the Baltic Sea. You can walk, jog, or run as fast as you can. Before the main run there are children’s races as well, and the event itself will conclude with a concert by Estonian superstar Koit Toome. More information as well as registration are available here.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Events in Tallinn Events In Tartu Kalamaja Days Karlova Café Day Karlova Days Maijooks Tallinn Women’s Run