In its fifth summer, Car-Free Avenue was the vibrant heart of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024! From July 6 to August 12, residents and visitors alike were invited to enjoy this unique space, filled with opportunities for fun, reflection, and community.

The Car-Free Avenue reimagines public spaces with a range of engaging activities, encouraging visitors to reflect on what makes a city space welcoming and enjoyable. The lineup included, a water play area featuring flowing water, jets, and a mist cube and a ribbon forest, obstacle course, and carousel for play and exploration. 

Festivities kicked off with the Emajõe and Inland Waters Festival, followed by a grand opening concert. The program concluded with the popular Tartu Food and Wine Festival. During the event, Vabaduse Avenue, from Tartu Turg to Kaarsild, will be closed to car traffic, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly public space.

As a green event, Car-Free Avenue 2024 emphasised sustainability, striving to minimise its environmental impact and inspire all participants to contribute toward ecological goals.
Organised by the Tartu 2024 Foundation, the City of Tartu, and key partners like Tiigi Seltsimaja, Tartu Turg, and the Tartu Youth Work Center, Car-Free Avenue promises was a memorable celebration of culture, community, and sustainable city living. 
 

The Tartu 2024 car-free avenue is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme.