Biathlon World Cup stage brings exciting activities and a cultural programme to Otepää

From 12–15 March 2026, Otepää will host the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage at the Tehvandi Sports Centre for only the second time in history. In addition to top-level biathlon competitions, visitors can enjoy a diverse cultural programme over four days, offering musical experiences and exciting activities for the whole family.

The Tehvandi stadium will open to spectators three hours before the start, and a varied stadium programme will begin one hour before the competitions. The stadium entertainment will be hosted by Henrik Kalmet, who will lead the lively stadium TV programme. The competition will be commented on by local stadium voices Alvar Tiisler and Vahur Teppan. The energetic Priit Oks and Monika Tuvi will keep the stadium crowd moving with song and dance.

On Saturday, 14 March, the Eurovision-famous ensemble Puuluup will kick off the competition day at the stadium.
Evening entertainment will take place in the public tent, where Smilers will perform on Friday, 13 March, and Dawhy Not on Saturday, 14 March, featuring Inga Tislar, Kaia-Liisa Kesler and Rahel Ollisaar. The audience programme also includes a live recording of the biathlon podcast “Varupadrun” and the Legends’ Hour, where visitors can meet several legendary biathletes. “The public tent is an integral part of every Biathlon World Cup stage. It is a place where sports fans can spend the whole day together in a great atmosphere,” said Aivar Nigol, Chairman of the Organising Committee.

The audience programme also highlights the culture of South Estonia, which distinguishes the Otepää stage from other Biathlon World Cup events. “The Otepää stage should have a clearly recognisable local character, as this is what international visitors will take home with them from Estonia. The central meeting point of local culture is the special feature area, where visitors are welcomed by a winter club concertina, the warmth of a bonfire, and the good food and drinks of South Estonia. In the special area, visitors can also capture their time in Otepää in photos and take the memory home with them,” described Evelin Leima, programme manager of the special area. Performers in the special area include fantasy instrument master Silver Sepp, the ensemble Tuulebant, and Toomas Valk.

The Tere youth area offers activities for the whole family before and after the competitions, organised by Tere, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, and the Competence Centre for Physical Activity. Various DJs, including Rozell, will create the atmosphere throughout the competition day. On Saturday, 14 March, the well-known singer and songwriter Emily J will perform a live set between the two competitions. “In the youth area, visitors can also try laser rifle shooting and test their knowledge in Kahoot quizzes. The best participants will receive prizes,” said Hans Markus Danilas, programme manager of the Tere youth area.

The BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage in Otepää will take place just a few weeks after the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, giving spectators the opportunity to cheer on freshly crowned Olympic medallists. Over four competition days, athletes will compete in the sprint, pursuit, mixed relay, and single mixed relay. Entry is free for children up to 12 years old. All competition visitors can attend the concerts free of charge.

Photo: Jarek Jõepeera