European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 opening

European Capital of Culture title year will begin with an opening performance “All Becomes One!”. At the centre of the story is Tartu: the real and idealistic, dreaming of the future and remembering the past, full of energy, warm and safe Tartu, where there is room for everyone and life is good. Let's meet, dance, and have fun - a unique year begins in Tartu and Southern Estonia.

Trad.Attack!, Sander Mölder, Lonitseera and many other well-known Estonian artists, actors and dancers will perform at the opening. Show is directed by Taavi Tõnisson and dramatist is Eero Epner. Event is free

➤ Audience can watch the performance on the banks of River Emajõgi, from Vabaduse Avenue. The evening will be broadcast live on ETV with audio description and on Jupiter with Estonian sign language interpretation.

➤ The evening continues at 8pm with a procession full of surprises, which is led by a travelling hedgehog, a mutant car, to the after-party at Estonian National Museum accompanied by boisterous music and dance. SIGMA (UK), Emily Makis & Hi-Phi (UK), Heidy Purga and Sound In Noise x Olivar will perform at the free open-air rave. The indoor activities at the Estonian National Museum require a ticket. Guests will be greeted by a long table and DJs Eiki Nestor, Peeter Volkonski, Jüri Makarov, Heivi Saaremets, Paul Oja, Hannaliisa Uusma and Micaela S.

➤ On 26 January, the day of European Capital of Culture celebrations, everyone can travel on Tartu city buses for free.

➤ There is an accessible viewing platform, toilets and parking spaces. Tartu 2024 volunteers will help you on the spot.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity