Events & Festivals in Latvia

Ice and snow sculpture festival featuring impressive frozen artworks, ice slides, and winter activities. Artists create elaborate sculptures from blocks of ice in a temporary winter wonderland.

Major exhibitions at Latvia's National Museum of Art's main venue, often featuring Latvian art history or international collaborations. The winter program provides cultural enrichment during the colder months.

Traditional spring markets featuring decorated eggs, Easter foods, and handicrafts. Vendors sell traditional Latvian Easter decorations and foods like paska (sweet bread) and colored eggs.

Showcasing Baltic fashion designers with runway shows, exhibitions, and industry events. Features both established names and emerging talent from Latvia and neighboring countries.

When Latvia hosts this major international tournament, it creates nationwide excitement. Games are held at Arena Riga with fan zones throughout the city. Latvia's passionate hockey fans create an electric atmosphere.

Scenic nighttime race through Riga's illuminated streets with marathon, half-marathon, and shorter distances. The course passes major landmarks including the Freedom Monument and Old Town.

Celebration of Latvian brewing traditions with craft beers, traditional pub foods, and live music. Features local breweries showcasing their best products in a festive atmosphere.

International marathon attracting runners from across Europe with courses passing Riga's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Includes full marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances for all levels.

Latvia's most important traditional celebration marking the summer solstice. Features bonfires, singing, wreath-making, cheese eating, and staying awake through the shortest night. Celebrated nationwide in cities and countryside.

Prestigious opera festival at the Latvian National Opera featuring world-class productions, often with international stars. Includes ballet performances and special gala concerts in the historic opera house.

Ancient pagan celebration now blended with Christian St. John's Day. Features traditional rituals, herb gathering, wreath making, and jumping over bonfires for purification and good luck.

Massive cultural event held every five years (next in 2028) featuring thousands of singers, dancers, and musicians. The grand finale at Mežaparks Open-Air Stage is a UNESCO-recognized tradition showcasing Latvian folk heritage.

Baltic's largest music festival featuring international and local artists across multiple genres. Held in a scenic seaside location with camping facilities, art installations, and food vendors.

Month-long festival in Latvia's medieval gem featuring contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and installations. Artists transform Cēsis Castle and public spaces with site-specific works.

Electronic music festival on the Baltic Sea coast featuring international DJs and producers. Multiple stages, beach parties, and camping create a summer festival atmosphere.

Riga's birthday celebration with concerts, street performances, historical reenactments, and fireworks. The Old Town becomes a massive party zone with events for all ages across multiple stages.

Celebration of Latvian and international cuisine with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and market stalls. Features local producers, chefs' competitions, and opportunities to try traditional Latvian dishes.

Open-air classical music festival held in the stunning setting of Sigulda Castle ruins. Features opera, symphonic works, and chamber music performances under the stars.

Contemporary art festival where galleries, museums, and unusual venues stay open all night with special exhibitions, performances, and installations. Features both established and emerging artists.

Seasonal markets featuring autumn produce, preserves, mushrooms, and handicrafts. Farmers bring their harvest including apples, pumpkins, root vegetables, and wild mushrooms from Latvia's forests.

Latvia's premier film event showcasing international cinema, with competitions, retrospectives, and special programs. Features screenings, masterclasses with filmmakers, and industry events across multiple Riga venues including Splendid Palace cinema.

Commemorates Latvia's declaration of independence in 1918. Features official ceremonies, military parades, concerts, and torchlight processions. The President's speech and laying of flowers at the Freedom Monument are key events.

Festive markets throughout Latvia's towns and cities, with Riga's Dome Square market being the largest. Features handmade crafts, traditional foods like piparkūkas (gingerbread), warm drinks, and seasonal entertainment.

Traditional Christian celebrations with midnight Mass, family gatherings, and special meals. Many Latvians attend church services and enjoy festive foods like roast pork, sauerkraut, and gingerbread.

Fireworks displays and parties nationwide, with Riga's main celebration at Dome Square featuring concerts and midnight fireworks. Many restaurants offer special New Year's menus and parties.