Some Estonians invite strangers into their back gardens each summer

From the article:

Kalvik is one of around a dozen residents taking part in Kehra’s annual Kodukohvikute Päev, or "home cafe day", when locals turn private gardens, courtyards and garages into temporary eateries for one day in July. Elsewhere in town, Karolin Vahtre has converted a garage behind her Soviet-era apartment block into a makeshift cafe, selling tempura sushi rolls, chanterelle quiche, chocolate cake and French fries to anyone who stops by.

More than 150 such events are held across Estonia between April and September, a beloved tradition that has spread steadily since the first event almost two decades ago. Some are elaborate, with rented tents, tables and chairs; others are little more than a lemonade stand manned by children. Together, they give visitors a rare glimpse of everyday Estonian life that is usually out of reach.

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Estonia's home cafe tradition began on Hiiumaa, the country's second-largest island, in 2007 when local tourism promoters were looking for a way to attract visitors beyond the peak month of July.

They drew inspiration from Kärdla, the island's capital, and its long association with coffee. In the mid-1800s, the town was home to a broadcloth factory run by a Baltic German baron, who employed coffee-drinking workers from Central Europe. Local Estonians soon adopted the habit, with Kärdla residents eventually earning the nickname kohvilähkrid, or "coffee flasks", for taking coffee into the fields instead of the traditional sour milk or beer.

Fifteen homes took part in Hiiumaa's 2007 cafe days; today, the three-day event in early August attracts thousands of visitors, with dozens of temporary cafes selling homemade food and drinks across the island.