Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
Tallinna Lauluväljak
A giant shell-shaped open-air stage, the site of the 1988 "Singing Revolution". In summer it hosts large music festivals and concerts.
The Song Festival Grounds are a sacred site for Estonian national identity. The arched stage, completed in 1960, can hold about 15,000 choir singers, and the grassy seating slopes can accommodate more than 100,000 spectators. The national song festival, inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, takes place here every five years. Tens of thousands of people sing together. In 1988, hundreds of thousands gathered here over several consecutive nights to sing banned songs. This became known as the "Singing Revolution" and helped drive Estonia's independence. The grounds are open for free most of the time. Visitors can climb the lighthouse-shaped tower, about 42 metres high, for views (there is a fee, and it operates seasonally). In summer, international concerts and a beer festival are often held here. Take bus 1A, 5, 8 or 34A to Lauluväljak stop, about 10 minutes. It is right next to Kadriorg Park.
Opening hours
Square open all day; tower open approx. in summer
Nearby sights
- Russalka Memorial
- Kumu Art Museum
- Kadriorg Palace & Park
- Pirita Convent
- Pirita Beach & Promenade
- Rotermann Quarter
- Viru Gate
- Fat Margaret Tower (Estonian Maritime Museum)