Tartu — the 2024 European Capital of Culture

Get to know the "heart and soul" of Estonia.

National Geographic Traveller called Tartu one of the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024. The year was packed with events showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of the second-biggest city in Estonia and the rest of South Estonia. Now is the last chance to catch the end of Tartu's reign as the European Capital of Culture. 

The general concept of the Tartu 2024 cultural program, The Art of Survival, is more relevant than ever. This idea centers around three aspects related to the influence of art on the future of Europe — an environmentally friendly culture with an emphasis on real human interactions, strong communities, and survival skills.

Dive into the Tartu 2024 program

In 2024, hundreds of events have been held in Tartu and around southern Estonia. The program was divided into four areas: Tartu with Earth, Humanity, Europe, and Universe:

• Tartu With Earth explains and educates people on how to be more nature-friendly not just by creating and experiencing works of art but also in daily urban existence, in creating and maintaining homes and gardens, and in choices of food and clothing.
• Tartu With Humanity aims to restore trust and security in human closeness and intimate contact through transgenerational learning and co-creation.
• Tartu With Europe seeks ways to bring the European dimension of Tartu 2024 to the minds of everyone in Tartu and Southern Estonia while making Europe aware that we are also part of its diversity with our local languages and customs.
• Tartu With Universe shows how futurist images in arts have fed R&D and thus have become or are about to become everyday reality. Yet the arts also highlight the perils of rapid changes to human consciousness and the difficulty of remaining human.

It's your last chance to join in the fun!

This year was like no other as locals from Tartu and South Estonia gathered with visitors from further afield to celebrate their city's time in the spotlight. 

Here are a few highlights from the final months of Tartu 2024: 

• 30 Sept. to 6 Oct. — The Festival of Lights will be held for the 10th year running. It will explore the key elements of space travel.
• 4 Oct. — Friday Night Run will start the Tartu City Marathon program. Join us for the 4 km run to discover Tartu in the evening!
• 5 Oct. — The Tartu City Marathon route guides runners through all parts of town and is considered one of Estonia's most exciting marathon courses. 
• 5-6 Oct. — Black Box x Tartu 2024 presents the French native, Berlin-based, rising techno star, CAIVA.
• 12 Oct. — Austria's top-level Flame Rain Theater and Fire Theater Zerkala from Tartu will perform a unique show in Tartu's Town Hall Square!
• 8-9 Nov. — "Latvian Flavors" takes place in front of and inside Market Hall. Latvian small producers come to offer special, high-quality goods.
• 14-17 Nov. — Tartu Folk is a folklore festival with a rich program. The main focus is on forming connections between folklore groups from Tartu and all around Europe. The program includes concerts and different workshops dedicated to dance and music.
• 30 Nov. — At the Closing Event of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, we look back at past moments and experiences and then look ahead to the future.
• 14 Dec. — Hundreds of merchants will come to Tartu for the annual Christmas Fair, offering exciting handmade products and delicious treats.

Browse the full Tartu 2024 program to find more events.