Weekly highlights of Tallinn: Top 5 events to experience this week
From the 14th to the 20th of July, 2025, Tallinn and its surrounding areas will play host to a variety of captivating events, catering to diverse interests. Here are the top five events that are not to be missed:
1. **FIA WRC Delfi Rally Estonia** (17th to 20th July) Experience the adrenaline rush of the Baltic region’s biggest motorsport event, part of the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. Held primarily in Tartu but with stages in South Estonia's rural areas, this event features high-speed rally races, a service park, expos, family zones, and entertainment, making it a major draw for motorsport and adrenaline fans.
2. **Valga Hot Shorts Film Festival** (18th to 20th July) Located at Valga Cultural Centre, this short film festival focuses on themes about adapting in modern times, such as climate anxiety and personal pace. It offers premieres, family-friendly screenings, and thematic sections, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene in the region.
3. **XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Celebration "Iseoma"** (3rd to 6th July) Although this festival ends just before 14th July, it is one of the largest traditional national events in Estonia that includes over 40,000 performers and gathers more than 100,000 spectators in Tallinn. It is a key cultural event featuring choirs, orchestras, folk dancers, and a major procession in Tallinn, reflecting deep Estonian cultural heritage.
4. **Summer Concert Series at Arvo Pärt Centre** (15th July and 19th July) The Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa will host a chamber music series featuring a blend of classical works and contemporary compositions. The series will screen the documentary "Architecton," directed by Victor Kossakovsky, and offer special concerts celebrating Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday, featuring the Järvi Academy, Estonian National Male Choir, and conductor Mikk Üleoja.
5. **Sõprus Summer Cinema** (17th July) This event will take place at Rotermann Square, offering a unique cinematic experience with a seating capacity of 150 seats. The theme of the screening is "Summer in the City." Optional film introductions will be provided at 9:30 PM.
In addition to these events, guided tours led by museum professionals will highlight Estonia's cultural heritage, including medieval altarpieces and Bernt Notke's Danse Macabre. The Nargen Festival 2025 will also offer a Welcome Tour on the 17th of July.
These events provide a mix of cultural, sporting, and cinematic experiences in and around Tallinn during this period, making it an exciting time to visit the city and its surroundings.
- People visiting Tallinn during the 14th to 20th of July could learn about Estonia's rich cultural heritage through guided tours, showcasing medieval art like altarpieces and Bernt Notke's Danse Macabre.
- To commemorate Arvo Pärt's 90th birthday, the Summer Concert Series at the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa will present a blend of classical works and contemporary compositions, accompanied by special performances from renowned ensembles.
- The news about the Soõprus Summer Cinema screening at Rotermann Square on the 17th of July is proving to be an exciting addition to the lifestyle events happening in Tallinn, offering a unique cinema experience with a city-themed screening and optional film introductions.
