Young people are organizing a festival featuring a rave in a kebab stand and a party with Maria Kallastu
On August 27, the three-day international youth festival “KUS?” kicks off in Tartu. The festival program features dancing in a kebab stand, morning runs through unexplored parts of Tartu, urban adventures, jazz jam sessions, youth film screenings, an “alter ego” event where participants dress up, and a singles’ party. The event concludes with a concert by Maria Kallastu in Town Hall Square.
26. Aug 2026
According to Kertu Laanoja, the festival’s 17-year-old lead organizer, the idea originated from a question posed in the song "Kus mu SÜDA on?" ("Where is my HEART?") by the band Trad.Attack! "The song inspired us to ask where our own hearts lie—whether in Tartu, Southern Estonia, simple everyday moments, or new adventures," the organizer explains.
Taking place for the third time this year, the festival is organized entirely by young people. The festival's name sets the tone for the entire program. Over the course of three days, the program seeks answers to questions regarding youth well-being and entertainment.
PROGRAM:
WHERE do we run?
August 27, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
WHERE is the kebab?
August 27, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, at HAS Kebab
WHERE is Tartu?
August 27, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE is jazz? x Eller Music School
August 27, at Ray’s Bar, 8:00 PM
WHERE do we run?
August 28, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
WHERE is the movie?
August 28, 4:00 PM
WHERE is your alter ego?
August 28, 7:00 PM
WHERE is AVR? x Maria Kallastu
August 28, Tartu Town Hall Square
WHERE do we run?
August 29, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
WHERE do we sing together?
August 29, Pirogov Park, 9:00 PM
The young organizers were guided by Angela Ader, Project Manager at Youth Connect. Information regarding the detailed festival program and events can be found at KUS? ...from the festival’s website.
The Youth Connect program is supported by the Interreg VI-A Estonia–Latvia Programme 2021–2027, which aims to develop young people's skills and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Latvia. Tartu 2024 Extended is the youth program of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024; it continues beyond the title year, supported by and building upon the Tartu 2024 legacy.