Jon Bon Jovi. Think about him for a moment. And then consider this: Estonia's most notorious record label, kurvad uudised, together with Playground Music, are landing at Tallinn Music Week—the music industry hotspot—in Club D-3 to throw a soirée. When powerhouses of this magnitude collide, certain circles call it "synergy".

kurvad uudised is an Estonian label and then some that regularly occupies at least a third of Estonia's Spotify Top 50, sometimes even the entire Top 10. Playground Music, meanwhile, is the Nordic region's largest independent record company. Both are paradoxes.

For TMW, they've hooked some rather intriguing acts. Who exactly remains a mystery for now, but what's certain is this: guitars will shred, drums will thump, some will sport nose rings, and you'd fancy being there. Just turn up in good faith, good spirits, and clean clothes.

And now, think about Jon Bon Jovi one more time.

The largest festival in the Baltics dedicated to folk music and adjacent genres, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, brings the true essence of folk to the TMW stage for one night.

At Von Krahl, you can take a musical journey along the cultural paths of countries near and far. And of course, we'll also be showcasing our own powerful heritage, both from our roots and from the intersections with other styles.

Made in Canada night at the Telliskivi F-hoone’s Black Hall highlights the breaking acts from the land of the maple leaf!

The showcase is presented by the Women In Music Canada and Mundial Montreal in partnership with Estonian Music Week and VEMU, with the support of the Government of Canada and SODEC Quebec.

Milestones deserve a proper celebration! The party series Tier Kollektiv, launched last year, arrives at Tallinn Music Week in style to mark Tier Music's 10th anniversary.

We promise an evening pulsing with sounds born from years of friendship, spanning indie and pop to melodic electronica and UK garage.

We're leaving it to the artists performing at Fonoteek to decide what and whom they bring along. After all, since Tier's activities have always leaned towards collaboration and export, expect the Tier Kollektiv tradition to deliver not only the music of that night's artists and producers but also surprises and unheard gems.

At Tallinn Music Week, the most exciting boundary-pushing music and art festivals of the Baltic region—Üle Heli and Skaņu Mežs—meet again. Expect an evening where experimental soundscapes collide with bold artistic vision, where sonic exploration knows no genre limits, and where the unpredictable becomes the norm.

Üle Heli is an Estonian festival that, rather than focusing on genre, explores the variety of meanings in music and sound and the connections across different art forms. It’s also a platform for sound artists and experimental musicians to develop and present their ideas.

Skaņu Mežs, the Latvian event, brings together the most individual artists as they search for new sounds and sonic dimensions. These performances reveal a constantly shifting scene—unpredictable, defiantly outside the mainstream, and beyond comfort zones: in short, a pure “sound forest,” or Skaņu Mežs in Latvian.

ÅÄÖ…Sounds Swedish brings you the artists poised to break next. This is the hub for Swedish music's international reach—, so you will be right in the heart of the action!!

Catch the acts on the TMW ÅÄÖ…Sounds Swedish stage, and spot them before everyone else does. Expect a lineup that's pure genre-hopping smorgasbord, plus a masterclass in those infamous dotted vowels (Swedish and Estonian both). You don't want to miss this!

This event is presented in collaboration with Talentcoach, Icons Creating Evil Art, MTA Production, BD Pop & Sensus.

The beloved Blowup night returns to TMW, bringing its signature fusion of fearless sounds and boundary-pushing artistry to Paavli Kultuurivabrik.

Blowup is a leading independent underground festival, celebrated for its bold curation of international and Finnish artists across post-punk, psychedelic, avant-garde, noise, and metal. The company has earned its reputation through a diverse lineup that showcases both iconic acts and emerging talent—cementing Blowup's status as a purveyor of eclectic, uncompromising experiences.

With its experimental spirit, Blowup draws a passionate audience eager to explore new soundscapes. The TMW 2026 Blowup stage promises an impressive lineup ready to shake the foundations. Stay tuned!

Jazz Estonia welcomes all TMW jazz lovers to Fotografiska! Experience fresh, high-energy jazz from Estonia and across Europe—a rare and vibrant bouquet of sound where improvisation meets virtuosity!

Another jazz showcase takes place at Fotografiska on Saturday, 11th April.

The Sounds of the Cities night celebrates music as a force that connects communities across borders. This collaborative evening brings together artists from the UNESCO Cities of Music and the Music Cities Network—two global communities united by their passion for music and creative urban culture.

At TMW 2026, this night returns in an expanded form, offering a window into the sonic identities of music cities from around the world. The line-up spans a rich spectrum of styles, blending established names with emerging talent. From tradition-rooted sounds to bold experimental directions, you'll experience the unique sonic landscapes that have shaped these cities' global reputations. It's a reminder that cities themselves can become instruments in a global musical dialogue—connecting, inspiring, and building bridges through sound.

Since 2022, Tallinn has proudly held UNESCO City of Music status, recognised for its thriving music culture and innovative creative industries. This prestigious designation opens doors for international collaboration and brings global attention to Estonia's vibrant musical landscape.

Feel the pull of ancient energy meeting cutting-edge technology—where tradition breathes new life through electronic experimentation. Ancestral melodies, folk instruments, and rhythms weave together with modern production, creating something both timeless and utterly contemporary.

From different cultures and worlds, folktronic spirits take the stage—honouring heritage whilst fearlessly exploring new sonic territory. Expect performances where traditional soundscapes are reimagined through synthesizers, samplers, and digital innovation.

Curated by Mari Meentalo and Johannes Ahun from OOPUS, this marks the seventh year of this movement's growing momentum at TMW.

Garden of Eden: Heaven & Hell Rave

Step into a world where light and shadow move as one! On this night, the gates open to the Garden of Eden and the underworld, as heavenly light illuminates the dancefloors of sinners and saints alike.

Expect:

• ethereal melodies and sizzling, hell-forged basslines
• visuals that blur the edge of dream and reality
• memories of dancing on the edge of paradise and inferno

Dare to enter this garden?

Your host Reivile Minuga is a dance music collective and party series that brings timeless classics, bold new sounds, and an unbridled love for nightlife. "Burn, baby, burn," as the disco classic says. "My people, my tribe, my crew," as beloved Estonian trickster Chalice puts it.

Queer-friendly and community-driven, this series celebrates the diversity of dance music at TMW, highlighting different sounds, identities, and forms of expression.