Estonians across Australia are gathering to celebrate the 108th birthday of the Republic of Estonia over the next week or so — and yes, we fully intend to do it properly. Blue, black and white out. Voices warmed up. Cake sliced. Read below to see what’s happening near you.
The communities come together to honour 24 February 1918 — the day Estonia declared itself an independent nation for the first time. That day is a big deal. Fast-forward through occupations, exile and 45 years of Soviet rule, and you realise just how precious and hard-won that freedom is. For many of us, memories of 1990–1991 still sit close to the surface. This is not just history. It’s lived experience.
Celebrations here and there
Whenever I’m in Estonia for Independence Day, I try to catch the parade and then park myself in front of the TV for the President’s reception — affectionately known as the “Parade of Penguins” — where political speeches, state awards and ambitious fashion choices share equal airtime. Over the years, even some prominent Australian Estonians have received that coveted invite. Not bad for a community on the other side of the planet.
And here in Australia? We do it our way — with choirs, folk dancers, theatre, picnics, speeches, anthem-singing that may or may not become competitive, and long tables of shared food. For Estonians in Australia, this day is proof that identity travels. Our stories, traditions, language, songs and friendships bind us together. We celebrate freedom. We celebrate continuity. We celebrate each other.
Brisbane
🗓️ Saturday, 21 February 2026
📍 Latvian Hall (Läti maja), 24 Church Avenue, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
🕠 5.30 pm – Estonian Independence Day celebration (FREE)
🕖 7.00 pm – Mamma Lood theatre performance (in Estonian) | Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DICGN
🎟️ Event page: Facebook
Canberra
🗓️ Sunday, 22 February 2026 | 12.00–2.30pm
📍 Himalayan Cedar Forest, National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive ACT 2602
🕠 12.30 pm – Short presentation + national anthem
🥪 Free event – BYO picnic
🎟️ Event page: Facebook
Sydney
🗓️ Sunday, 22 February 2026
📍 The Estonian House in Sydney, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
🕠 1.00 pm – Estonian Independence Day celebration | Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DHCNM
🕖 4.00 pm – Mamma Lood theatre performance (in Estonian) | Tickets: www.trybooking.com/DICGN
🎟️ Event page: Facebook
Adelaide
🗓️ Sunday, 22 February 2026
📍 Estonian House in Adelaide, 200 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide SA 5006
🕒 2.00–5.00 pm
🎟 Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1529801
🎟️ Event page: Facebook
Melbourne
🗓️ Sunday, 1 March 2026
📍 The Estonian House in Melbourne, 43 Melville Road, Brunswick West VIC 3055 (upstairs hall)
🕒 Doors open 12.45 pm | 🎤 Show starts 1.00 pm
🥗 Free event – please bring a plate to share
🎟️ Event page: Facebook
How Estonian Australians are celebrating this year
Across the country, celebrations range from forest picnics in Canberra’s Himalayan Cedar Forest to theatre evening in Brisbane with Mamma Lood and its warm, witty storytelling. Sydney gathers formally at the Estonian House to raise the sinimustvalge flag, enjoy performances and the gorgeous Estonian Book 500 tapestry the ladies have been working on will be on display. Adelaide brings music front and centre with Vikerkaar and Hapu Koor filling the Estonian House with song and cheer.
Melbourne rounds out the celebrations on 1 March with choir performances, folk dancing and a viewing of the President’s speech — because what is Independence Day season without at least one official address and a few thoughtful nods to Tallinn? Whether you prefer anthem-singing in a forest, theatre humour, or a hall full of familiar faces and shared food, there is something beautifully Estonian happening near you.
Wherever you are this Independence Day season, come along. Wear something blue, black or white. Bring a friend. Teach a child to say: “Elagu Eesti!” (Long live Estonia!). Stay for cake and great company. We’ll be glad to see you!
Happy birthday, Estonia!
Editorial note
Our listing includes events with publicly available details at the time of publication; we also understand that Independence Day was marked in Perth earlier in February alongside the Mamma Lood performance.
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