Riga in Summer

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Fair

The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Fair 2026 will take place on June 6 - 7, offering visitors an immersive experience of traditional Latvian culture and craftsmanship. Held annually since 1971, this is Latvia’s largest and most iconic crafts fair, bringing together hundreds of artisans and local producers from all over the country and abroad.

The fair is a unique opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of handmade crafts, natural cosmetics, books, textiles, and locally produced food, all crafted with care and rooted in centuries-old traditions.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live performances by folk ensembles, dance groups, singers, instrumentalists, and traditional game masters, all celebrating Latvia’s rich cultural heritage in the scenic setting of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Riga.

Don’t miss this festive weekend filled with authentic experiences, meaningful souvenirs, and the vibrant spirit of Latvian folk culture.

Riga Opera Festival 2025

The Riga Opera Festival 2026, held from June 4 to 20 at the Latvian National Opera, is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Latvia and the entire Baltic region. Since its founding in 1998, the festival has become a beloved tradition, celebrating the best of Latvian opera and showcasing world-class productions on an international stage.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience high-quality opera performances, including revivals of the season's most popular productions as well as new premieres, featuring talented soloists, conductors, and stage directors from Latvia and abroad.

Set in the heart of Riga, the Latvian National Opera’s stunning 19th-century building adds to the atmosphere, making the Riga Opera Festival an unforgettable cultural experience for opera lovers and international visitors alike.

Plan your visit to Riga in June and discover the elegance of classical music in one of Europe’s most charming cities.

Thursday, 4 June, 7:00 PM — Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème

Friday, 5 June, 7:00 PM — Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème

Saturday, 6 June, 7:00 PM — ballet Peer Gynt

Sunday, 7 June, 6:00 PM — two one-act ballets Concert (or, The Perils of Everybody). Cacti

Wednesday, 10 June, 7:00 PM — two one-act operas Cavalleria rusticana. Pagliacci

Thursday, 11 June, 7:00 PM — ballet Casanova

Friday, 12 June, 7:00 PM — Gaetano Donizetti's comic opera L'elisir d'amore

Saturday, 13 June, 7:00 PM — ballet The Sleeping Beauty

Sunday, 14 June, 6:00 PM — Ballet Antonia #Silmaci by Juris Karlsons

Wednesday, 17 June, 7:00 PM — Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème

Thursday, 18 June, 7:00 PM — Georges Bizet opera Carmen

Friday, 19 June, 7:00 PM — Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida

Saturday, 20 June, 7:00 PM — Riga Opera Festival Gala Concert

Holi Music Festival

The start of summer in Riga will be celebrated in spectacular fashion with the return of Holi Music Festival at Wondersala, located in the industrial waterfront district of Andrejsala. Inspired by the world-famous Festival of Colours, the event combines music, colour, dance, and positive energy into one of the city's most vibrant summer celebrations.

Three festival stages will offer a diverse programme for all tastes. The main stage will feature some of Latvia’s most popular artists, including Prusax, Patrisha, Galeniex, Stirna, Sofia Avoli, Paula Dundere, and Maija Rozīte. Electronic music fans can enjoy the Hydrat3 stage with international DJs from the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Ibiza, and London, while the European Hit Radio Party Bus will deliver an energetic summer party atmosphere. This year’s special guest is the Swedish folk techno duo Dyur, joined by Chilean reggae artist Tiano Bless, adding an international flavour to the programme.

Alongside the concerts, visitors can take part in the festival’s signature colour-throwing celebrations, foam parties, family-friendly activities, and entertainment for children and teenagers. A large street food area will offer a wide selection of food, drinks, and summer treats throughout the day.

Holi Music Festival is designed for all generations - from families with children to music lovers and festival-goers looking to experience a colourful, high-energy summer day in Riga.

pre-Midsummer festivities in Riga

June in Riga would not be complete without pre-Midsummer festivities, flower-crown weaving, folk songs, and the anticipation of the summer solstice. As the shortest night of the year approaches, the city comes alive with traditions, folklore, and festive celebrations, inviting both locals and visitors to experience one of Latvia’s most cherished annual traditions.

Pre-Midsummer Celebration at Labietis
On June 11, head to the courtyard of Labietis for a beloved annual pre-Midsummer celebration. As tradition dictates, meadow flowers and herbs will be available for weaving wreaths, birch branches will decorate the venue, and plenty of craft beer will be flowing throughout the evening. The musical programme features performances by Iļģi, Grodi, and Garataka, while the folk dance ensemble Ogre will keep the dance floor moving. Visitors are also invited to join traditional sing-alongs led by the folklore group Priedājs. Expect an authentic introduction to Latvia’s Midsummer traditions, filled with music, dancing, and festive spirit.

Pre-Midusummer Celebration at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
On June 13, from 11:00 to 15:30, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum invites visitors to discover ancient Midsummer traditions and learn how Latvia’s ancestors celebrated the summer solstice. The programme will explore traditional rituals, seasonal customs, and the rhythms of rural life, all within an authentic historical setting where Latvian cultural heritage has been preserved for generations.

Pre-Midsummer Celebration at Kimmel Quarter
On June 18, the spirit of Midsummer arrives at Kimmel Quarter, one of Riga’s most creative and vibrant urban destinations. Set within the grounds of a historic brewery complex that today blends culture, gastronomy, and contemporary city life, the event will offer a unique summer solstice atmosphere in the heart of Riga. More details about the programme will be announced soon, but Kimmel Quarter is already set to become one of the city’s most exciting places to welcome the approach of Midsummer.

Līgo celebration and Summer solstice

The celebration of the summer solstice can be considered the most traditionally Latvian holiday, celebrated according to pagan customs.

Līgo and Jāņi Day are festivities with a touch of mysticism - after all, who doesn’t know that on Jāņi night one must search for the mythical fern flower, wash their face in the morning dew, and gather medicinal herbs believed to have special powers on this day?

Jāņi is truly a countryside, outdoor holiday, so everyone tries to fulfill the yearly minimum of being in nature, sipping beer, and looking for the fern blossom. However, cities and their fast-paced lifestyle have given Jāņi a modern twist, with new traditions emerging, such as celebrating Līgo in city centers. Revelers are also warmly welcomed to join lively celebrations across all regions and cities of Latvia. Visitors to these events will have the chance to greet the dawn of Jāņi Day by warming themselves by bonfires, dancing in circles, and witnessing traditional customs and rituals.

Dancing and singing together with Latvia’s best folklore groups and popular musicians will turn the shortest night of the year into an unforgettable adventure.

More detailed information about:

Traditional Midsummer Celebration at Dzegužkalns can be found HERE

Midsummer event at Grīziņkalns can be found HERE

Riga Photography Biennial 2026

An international contemporary art event analysing visual culture and artistic representation. The term 'photography' in the title of the biennial is used as an all-embracing concept encompassing a mixed range of artistic image-making practices that have continued to transform the lexicon of contemporary art in the 21st century. The biennial covers issues ranging from cultural theory to current socio-political processes in the Baltics and the wider European region. The programme also includes educational events.

The program of 2026 Biennial marks a decade-long journey. It thematically examines the phenomenon of self-existence / coexistence in various possible contexts, including the impact of technology on human nature, the relationship between man and nature, as well as the informative code of the contemporary image.

Key events of the Riga Photography Biennial 2026:

17.04.-14.06. Riga Contemporary Art Space (Kungu iela 3) – Central event of the Riga Photography Biennial, exhibition "Zoom In: Ecology". 
17.04.-07.06. Riga Contemporary Art Space (Kungu iela 3)  – Priyageetha Dia's solo exhibition "everything you need to see is already in front of you".
18.04.-20.05. Gallery ASNI (Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 17A) – Group exhibition "A Vocabulary for Ghosts".
19.04.-31.05. Gallery ALMA (Tērbatas iela 64) – Māra Brašmane's solo exhibition "My Friends".
24.04.-03.07. ISSP Gallery (Berga Bazārs, Marijas iela 13 k.3) – Rūta Kalmuka's solo exhibition "Dzen".
28.04.-29.05. Gallery Istaba (Krišjāņa Barona iela 31a) – Group exhibition "Colour as Messafe. Colour Photograohy Before the Digiral and AI Era".
30.04. 18:00 Riga Contemporary Art Space (Kungu iela 3) – Lecture by Adam Mazur "Coexistence: Natural/Artificial. Polish Photography After AI".
10.05.-24.05. Riga public transport stops – Outdoor Project "Indoors-Outdoors. Rigans in Salon Photography. Late 19th Century-1940".
21.05. Riga Contemporary Art Space (Kungu iela 3) – Symposium "Togetherness".
10.06.-27.09. Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre (Kaļķu iela 16) – Ieva Epnere's solo exhibition "Tuesday".

Rīgas Ritmi

From July 1 to 4, Riga will once again become a hub for jazz, improvisation, and world music. Celebrating its 26th edition, the contemporary jazz and world music festival Riga Ritmi will bring together outstanding musicians and music lovers for a diverse programme featuring internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talents, and unique musical collaborations.

This year’s highlights include a performance by the world-renowned Senegalese guitarist Hervé Samb Trio, blending African rhythms with contemporary urban jazz, as well as the special project Italian Opera Meets Jazz featuring Claron McFadden and Mike del Ferro, where the elegance of Italian opera meets the freedom of jazz improvisation.

Festival Programme

Wednesday, July 1
20:00 – Gerda Timrota Quartet
Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel
Free admission

Thursday, July 2
19:00 – Hervé Samb Trio featuring Sonny Troupe and Reggie Washington
Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre
Tickets: €35–55

20:00 – Mike del Ferro Trio
Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel
Free admission

Friday, July 3
19:00 – Italian Opera Meets Jazz featuring Claron McFadden and Mike del Ferro
Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre
Tickets: €45–75

20:00 – Beāte Meirāne 5tet featuring Paula Saija
Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel

Riga Contemporary Art Fair

From July 3 - 4, Riga Contemporary will return to Hanzas Perons, bringing together galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world for its second edition. Organised by the Kim? Contemporary Art Centre in collaboration with the Riga City Council, the fair continues to strengthen Riga’s position as one of the leading contemporary art hubs in the Baltic and Nordic region.

This year, more than 40 galleries from over 15 countries will present works by more than 100 artists from Europe, Asia, and North America. From Tokyo to New York, from Tbilisi to Bratislava, Riga Contemporary creates a platform for international dialogue between diverse artistic communities while highlighting the growing importance of the Baltic region on the global contemporary art map.

Alongside the gallery presentations, visitors can explore an extensive public programme featuring discussions, lectures, performances, and other interdisciplinary events. The fair offers a unique opportunity not only to discover current trends in contemporary art but also to engage with artists, gallerists, and cultural professionals from around the world.

Open to both industry professionals and the wider public, Riga Contemporary aims to make contemporary art more accessible while fostering cultural exchange between Riga and the international art community. Admission is free with prior registration.

Calvin Harris Live in Riga!

On August 6, Riga will become the capital of electronic dance music as Calvin Harris takes the stage for an exclusive open-air concert at the Mežaparks Great Bandstand. This will be the artist’s only performance in the Baltic States during summer 2026, attracting electronic music fans from across the region.

Calvin Harris is one of the world’s most successful and influential DJs and producers, with chart-topping hits that have dominated international music rankings for more than a decade. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with global superstars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, and many others, while his music has accumulated more than 56 billion streams worldwide.

Renowned for his spectacular live shows, cutting-edge visual production, and high-energy performances, Calvin Harris regularly headlines some of the world’s biggest music festivals and concert venues. This summer, his schedule includes major events such as Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and Open'er Festival, with Riga joining the list of exclusive tour stops.

This will be one of the largest concerts of the summer in Latvia and a rare opportunity to experience one of the biggest names in electronic music live on the stage of Mežaparks Great Bandstand.

Kalnciems Quarter Summer Concerts

Summer evenings at Kalnciems Quarter have become one of Riga’s most beloved cultural traditions. Throughout the season, the courtyard of the restored 19th-century wooden houses in Āgenskalns comes alive with live music, bringing together music lovers in a unique setting surrounded by blooming apple trees and the relaxed atmosphere of Riga’s historic left bank.

The open-air concert series showcases a diverse range of musical genres, featuring both well-known Latvian artists and emerging talents. Visitors can enjoy carefully curated food and drink offerings from local cafés and restaurants, alongside wines, coffee, and sparkling refreshments, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely summer evening under the open sky.

Concerts take place every Thursday from June through the end of August, from 18:00 to 22:00, offering one of the most authentic outdoor cultural experiences in Riga.

Free admission.

Riga’s 825th Birthday Celebrations

On August 15th, Riga will celebrate its 825th anniversary with a city-wide programme of festivities in the heart of the Latvian capital. The Old Town, 11 November Embankment, and several city parks will come alive with music, culture, food, and entertainment, marking this important milestone in Riga’s history.

Throughout the day, residents and visitors alike can enjoy diverse concert programmes, performances by street artists, activities for children and families, artisan and craft markets, and a wide range of culinary experiences. From morning until late evening, the city will offer something for every age and interest.

One of the celebration’s most anticipated traditions is the 24-hour basketball tournament “Krastu Mačs”, where teams representing the right and left banks of the Daugava River compete in a nonstop sporting event. The tournament will be accompanied by live music, DJ performances, competitions, and entertainment for spectators.

The full programme will be announced soon, but Riga’s 825th Birthday is already set to become one of the city’s largest and most vibrant events of the summer.

Boat Tours

During the summer season, visitors to Riga can explore the city from a unique perspective by taking a ride on the Riga Canal boats. The route winds along the picturesque city canal and the Daugava River, offering beautiful views of the Old Town, parks, bridges, and major landmarks. It’s a peaceful and romantic way to enjoy Riga’s sights from the water.

Hunt for Hidden Treasures at Riga’s Flea Markets

One person clears out a shelf, another discovers their next great find. From vintage fashion and retro home décor to antiques, vinyl records, and rare collectibles, Riga’s flea markets are a paradise for anyone who loves browsing, discovering, and giving pre-loved items a second life.

During the summer season, head to the historic Spikeri Creative Quarter, home to the legendary Riga Flea Market. Here, among antique furniture, porcelain, crystal, vintage jewellery, old photographs, and unique design objects, you can uncover everything from practical everyday items to one-of-a-kind collector’s pieces. Every market is different, and that sense of surprise is part of its charm.

For year-round treasure hunting, visit KRĀMINIEKS at Agenskalns Market. Held every weekend in the market courtyard, it offers an ever-changing selection of household goods, books, maps, clocks, lamps, tools, antiques, and unexpected finds waiting to be discovered.

Riga Flea Market at Spikeri
Spikeri Square, Lastādijas iela 8
June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22
10:00–16:00
Free admission

KRĀMINIEKS at Āgenskalns Market
Āgenskalns Market Courtyard
Every Saturday and Sunday
08:00–15:00

One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure. Perhaps this summer, you’ll find yours in Riga.

Riga from above - take a ride on the Ferris wheel

Discover Riga from a whole new perspective aboard Riga Rise, the city’s brand-new 65-meter-high Ferris wheel, located in the heart of the recently renovated Victory Park on the left bank of the Daugava River.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Riga’s skyline, take a peaceful walk through the park, and see the capital in a whole new light. The wheel features 30 enclosed cabins, each ride lasts approximately 15 minutes, and the attraction can accommodate up to 240 visitors at a time. Riga Rise is open all year round.

Ticket Prices:
– Adults – €17
– Children (ages 3–12) – €13
– Students (with valid ISIC card) and seniors – €15

Plan your visit and take in one of the most stunning views in Riga – from above.

Unwind by the water

Rent a kayak or SUP board from Rīgas Laivas, experience your first trip with a jetboard on the Daugava River, and see Riga from a different perspective—glide through the winding canals and watch the sunset in the middle of the expansive Daugava. If you prefer a more relaxed activity, take advantage of the opportunities offered by river cruises or Riga by Canal and enjoy a boat ride along the Riga canal or watch the sunset on the Daugava. But if you want to cool off after the summer heat, head to one of Riga's well-maintained beaches and go for a swim!

More info about activities near water you can read here!

Discover Riga's nightlife!

Riga comes alive after dark during the summer months, offering a dynamic and diverse nightlife scene that attracts both locals and visitors. Whether you're searching for the best bars in Riga, lively nightclubs, or unique open-air venues, the city has something for every taste and mood.

From the historic charm of Old Town (Vecrīga) to the creative energy of Miera iela and Āgenskalns, Riga’s neighborhoods are buzzing with possibilities. Enjoy summer cocktails on rooftop terraces, dance to live DJ sets, explore local music events, or relax in cozy courtyards with live performances.

Looking for what to do in Riga at night or where to go when the sun sets? Explore our curated guide to Riga’s top nightlife spots, summer events, and hidden gems that make the city one of the best nightlife destinations in Northern Europe.

Discover the best places to experience Riga’s summer nightlife right HERE!

Taste the summer goodies

When you visit one of Riga's favorite market squares, you know you will enjoy fresh berries, vegetables, greens, and hearty conversations there. An authentic experience awaits you at the Central Market Night Market, which operates from 17:00. There, farmers offer the best and tastiest produce to buyers on summer evenings. During the day, right here in the Central Market, you can not only savor the fresh and delicious aromas but also delight your eyes with colorful summer goodies.

Heading towards Pārdaugava, you must visit the picturesque Āgenskalns Market, which has become a favorite meeting and shopping place for both local residents and tourists. Here you can buy not only fresh products but also enjoy a delicious meal or taste refreshing cocktails on the second floor of the market, as well as experience the events held frequently during summertime!

On Saturdays, you can go to the Kalnciema Quarter Market, where visitors will be delighted with a rich selection for their palate, hobbies, and home. Here you will find a diverse range of artworks created by craftsmen, homemakers, caterers, and other masters.

Picnic in the park

Having a picnic together and getting away from home is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you want to spend the day in sunny Lucavsala or seek refuge from the heat in the shady parks of Riga, enjoying an ice-cold latte and watermelon with friends and family will create fabulous memories to cherish. If you want to enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and snacks at your picnic, the Bakeries and coffee guide in Riga will help you. And remember, if you want to enjoy amazingly tasty and cool ice cream, head to Molberts!