Tallinn Day festivities begin on May 15
On Wednesday, May 15, and Saturday, May 18, both residents and visitors are invited to participate in the festivities of Tallinn Day, celebrating 776 years since Tallinn was granted city rights under Lübeck Law. The events kick off with a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Mayor at the Short Leg Gate, followed by the Mayor opening the doors of Tallinn Town Hall accompanied by the Tallinn Police Orchestra at 12:00.
"The granting of Lübeck Law in 1248 marks a historic moment for Tallinn, tying us to the legal, cultural, and economic sphere of European cities centuries ago. Tallinn Day is a tribute to this significant event and a testament to our city's rich cultural and historical heritage. The program connects stories from ancient times with today’s actions, bringing people together and strengthening the sense of community," said Mayor of Tallinn Jevgeni Ossinovski. "I invite all citizens to celebrate Tallinn Day together; there are activities for every age and taste."
Now in its 23rd year, Tallinn Day traditionally starts on May 15 at 10:00 with the opening of the Short Leg Gate, where the Prime Minister will be greeted by the Mayor of Tallinn.
On May 15 from 12:00 to 19:00, everyone is welcome to visit Tallinn's Town Hall, the oldest in Northern Europe, which has hosted both crowned heads and simple townsfolk over the centuries. The mayor will officially open the doors, and the Tallinn Police Orchestra will provide musical entertainment.
From 12:30 to 13:15, enjoy a balcony concert by the Cello Boys at the City Council, followed by an opportunity to visit the Tallinn City Council building, open until 19:00 with sample sessions and pre-registered building tours.
Museum enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that entry to branches of the Tallinn City Museum (such as the Tallinn City Life Museum, the Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum, and the Kalamaja Museum) is only one euro, and completely free with a museum card (see details). Pre-registration is required for visits to the Miiamilla Children’s Museum. While historical tram tours are available, spots have already filled up.
Saturday, May 18, promises a day full of activities from morning until late evening. For the first time, in addition to Tallinn Day, Tallinn Night will also be celebrated.
From 10:00 to 17:00, the Telliskivi Quarter will host Tallinn's largest recycling festival, UK Fest, where everyone can give items a new life by either buying or selling. Participants include the Uuskasutuskeskus, the Estonian Red Cross charity shop Punane Ristik, and the recycling organization Humana.
From 10:00 to 23:00, celebrate Nõmme District Day in Vabaduse Park. In Pääsküla on Kalda Street, a memorial bench for speed skater Ants Antson will be unveiled. Vabaduse Park will host bed-maintenance communal work and distribute pine saplings. The park will also feature a free concert by the band Põhja-Tallinn. But that’s not all, the full schedule is available here.
From 11:00 to 15:00, Citizen’s Day will take place at the Haabersti Tegevuskesus (Activity Center), featuring performances by various groups, a café, and a flea market. Participants include the Ennetaja Kiirabi (Preventer Ambulance), the Health Board Poison Centre, and Prügihunt, with activities for children provided by the Väike-Õismäe Library.
From 12:00 to 16:00, families are invited to the Kesklinn District Family Day in Kadriorg Park, near the Apollo statue behind the rose garden. This free event features performances by various groups, including a science theater and a singing studio, and a children’s play, "UMKA-the polar bear cub." The main act, Jarek Kasar, will perform at 15:00.
From 12:00 to 19:00, the Seaplane Harbour will be energized by the street sports festival Ghetto Games. The day is packed with captivating street sports competitions and entertaining performances, with activities for all ages (see program). Festival entry is free. Those wishing to participate in any competition can register at https://www.ghettogames.com/.
From 13:30 to 16:00, various dance groups will perform at Freedom Square. You can see the TalTech Cheerleaders' dance and acrobatics routine, a performance by Estonia's oldest Irish dance group Solas, and folk dance groups and the Seto ensemble Kiiora will get everyone’s feet tapping. The day will be hosted by the well-known dance leader Kalev Järvela.
From 18:00 to 21:30, music enthusiasts and their families are invited to Männi Park in Mustamäe. DJ Andres Aljaste will set the mood, followed by Siim Koppel with his drum show.
From 20:00 to 22:00, Toompark will host the magnificent concert-performance "Diverse City," which tells the story of the city's various eras, its people, and the cultural richness that collectively shapes the face of today's Tallinn. The performance will feature special musical arrangements blending the past with the present and various musical styles and cultures. For Tallinn Day, the respected Old Thomas has descended from the tower to see how the city folk are faring (portrayed by Mart Toome). Soloists participating include Heidy Tamme, Mihkel Raud, Tanel Padar, Synne Valtri, Tanja Mihhailova-Saar, and Reket. The performance is directed by Veiko Tubin and musically led by Siim Aimla. Gates open to visitors from 19:00.
From 20:00 to 23:00, the Tallinn Day afterparty at Patarei Sea Fortress will close the festivities. Doors open at 20:00, with DJ Fieldz starting the party, followed by performances from Púr Múdd and Grete Paia at 22:00. Food and drinks will be available on site; outside food is not permitted.
Tallinn Night begins with the 74th Tour de'ÖÖ group bike ride (see details). Gathering in Tondiraba Park at 19:30, the bike procession sets off at 20:00. At a leisurely pace, participants will cover 12 km, finishing at Freedom Square, where at 21:30 the indie band Röövel Ööbik will perform.
The full program is available online at tallinn.ee/en/tallinnapaev/programm, and Facebook events can be found at www.facebook.com/events/299352083186047/.
All Tallinn Day events are free of charge.