Estonia\u2019s second city is Tartu, and this year\u2019s Tartu City Day promises a long list of fun-filled, family-friendly activities over the course of two days, 28\u201329 June. Concerts, markets, performances, activities and much more will be available right downtown for this festival celebrating over 750 years of Tartu\u2019s existence.<\/p>\n
In fact, this year Tartu celebrates its 764th anniversary of receiving official \u201ccity rights\u201d in 1262, when it was known as Dorpat, and had become the seat of the Bishopric of Dorpat in 1224 after being conquered by German invaders. Before that, however, Tartu was known as Yuryev, and was first mentioned in written records in 1030. According to archaeological evidence, the oldest permanent human settlements date back to the 5th century CE, with some evidence even dating back to the Stone Age just outside of today\u2019s city limits. In other words, people have lived in Tartu for over 8000 years. Not the same people mind you, today\u2019s people were born more recently.<\/p>\n
One of the central themes of Tartu City Day 2026 is what Estonians call \u201clemonade\u201d, or limonaad<\/i>, essentially a locally produced soft drink called \u201cLimpa\u201d, produced by the A. Le Coq Brewery. This year is the 90th anniversary of this hugely popular children\u2019s drink. Not to be confused with the lemon-based drink as it\u2019s known in most other languages.<\/p>\n
Other events include a youth talent concert featuring the winners of the national school song competition, a show put on by the AHHAA Science Centre, and a concert by the popular Estonian rapper known as villemdrillem. A \u201cCity Piano\u201d will travel to different locations downtown, and is open to anyone for brief periods.<\/p>\n
At 10:00 on 29 June, the second day, the public is able to meet Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas<\/b> at the traditional \u201cMayor\u2019s Morning Coffee\u201d event, held at the Aplaus 1870 theatre caf\u00e9. Later that same afternoon the public can participate in the Tartu Run Club\u2019s \u201cCity Day Run\u201d, through downtown Tartu. Tartu City Day 2026 will conclude with a gala concert at 19:00 on Town Hall Square titled \u201cTartu on the World Map\u201d.<\/p>\n