Guide to attending the Estonian Song Celebration in Tallinn 2025

The Song Celebration is the most popular cultural event in Estonia, taking place very five years. The event is truly special and brings together the whole nation - many will be watching the concerts on TV, but over a hundred thousand people are expected to attend the event live. If you are planning to attend the Song Celebration this summer, here are some helpful tips to make your experience comfortable.

Note: different regulations are in place during other large concert events at the Song Festival Grounds.

Attending the Dance Festival at Kalev Central Stadium, July 3–4

The Dance Festival features one approximately three-hour-long dance performance, presented in three separate shows over two days. The performances take place in the city center at Kalev Central Stadium.

It takes about 25 minutes to walk to the stadium from Freedom Square (1.6 km).

Buses 23 and 54 also go to the stadium – the stop is Püssirohu. Since large crowds are expected, we recommend arriving as early as possible.

Attending the Song Festival on July 5 and 6

How to get to the Song Festival Grounds on Saturday, July 5

The first concert on Saturday evening is directly preceded by a large procession of all attending choirs walking from the city centre to the Song Festival Grounds. During this time, traffic will be suspended on Kaarli Avenue, Pärnu Road, Narva Road, and the beginning of Pirita Road, and public transport will not operate.

Taxis, including Bolt and Uber, will be able to drop passengers off at the Oru or Lasnamäe gates – please note that demand will be high, prices increased, and wait times long.

The easiest way to reach the Song Festival Grounds on this day is on foot. Most spectators do the same – just follow the crowd.

After the concert, public transport will be running, however the buses will be very crowded, so consider walking back to the city centre. Alternatively, walk through Kadriorg park and take trams 1 or 3 towards the centre from there.

How to get to the Song Festival Grounds on Sunday, July 6

On Sunday, public transport will be running but might be crowded. The earlier you arrive the less crowded it will be. From the city center, buses 1, 5, 8, 34, and 38 (stop: Lauluväljak) and buses 29, 35, 40, 44, 60, 63, and 66 (stops: Oruvärava or Lasnamäe) go to the Song Festival Grounds. Many visitors also take tram 1 or 3 to Kadriorg and then walk about 15 minutes to the venue.

A bicycle parking lot is open by the seaside entrance (Mere värav), but spaces will be limited, and you must bring your own lock. We do not recommend driving to the venue, as car parking spaces will be extremely limited.

Seating

If you have a general admission ticket, be sure to bring something to sit on – for example, a blanket or a low folding chair. Most people watch the Song Festival concerts while seated. Be mindful of others and try not to block the view of those sitting behind you.

As the area is limited and there will be large crowds, we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot to sit.

If you have a ticket for Sector A or B, you have an assigned seat and do not need to bring your own seating.

WC

The Song Festival Grounds have stationary restrooms on the left of the concert area, when facing the stage. There will also be areas on the grounds with temporary toilets.

Food and drink

During the concerts, several food courts and stalls will sell food and drinks. All food and drink will be served in multi-use packaging that must be returned after use. Most places will accept card payments. Some vendors might not accept cash.

You may bring food and drink to the song festival grounds. You may not cook food on the premises, all food you bring must be pre-made. Any food waste and packaging must be disposed or recycled according to onsite rules.

Bringing alcohol is not allowed, nor is alcohol served in any food courts during the festival.

Clothes and footwear

The Song Festival Grounds are a large open-air area, and the Song Celebration is a daylong event. Check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. The ground is mostly covered in grass, so avoid sharp heels.