Spring guide in Riga

Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS

From April 10 to April 16, Riga will host the 30th edition of the Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS, inviting audiences this year to explore the theme “ALTERNATIVE.”

The anniversary programme both reflects on the festival’s roots and boldly looks to the future, offering a multi-layered cinematic experience where experimentation, resistance, freedom, and new forms of film language intersect. Alongside film screenings, the festival programme will feature an exhibition, discussions, industry events, and a special anniversary programme.

The 2026 festival theme, “alternative,” is deeply rooted in the history of Latvia’s alternative cinema movement. Its symbolic starting point can be traced back to the experimental film forum “Alternatīva,” first held in 1985, which became a platform for emerging filmmakers seeking to express themselves beyond conventional cinematic frameworks. This movement later inspired the founding of the 2ANNAS festival in 1996, and now, thirty years later, the festival once again highlights cinema as a space for freedom, exploration, and unconventional storytelling.

This year, the festival received more than 2,200 submissions of short and mid-length films, with 130 films from 36 countries selected for the official programme. In addition to the International, Baltic, Mid-Length, Children & Youth competitions, the programme also features the “Pure Queer” section, reinforcing 2ANNAS as the first and only film festival in Latvia with a dedicated LGBTQ+ competition, and the only one in the region with a mid-length film competition.

The anniversary programme is complemented by the exhibition “ALTERNATIVE: From the Underground Space”, on view from April 10 to May 4 at the RAA space (Matīsa Street 8, Veldze Creative Quarter). The exhibition marks the 30-year milestone of 2ANNAS, inviting visitors to reflect on the festival’s history, cultural legacy, and the enduring presence of alternative thinking in moving image art.

Riga Taste festival

In the morning, the scent of freshly baked Vecrīga pastries fills a bakery; at lunch, a seasonal dish awaits in a modern restaurant; and in the evening, a relaxed dinner unfolds in the heart of the city – the Riga Taste Festival invites you to experience Riga through its flavors.

For two weeks, from April 13 to April 26, Riga transforms into a true culinary destination, where restaurants and bakeries offer special menus created for the occasion, inspired by this year’s theme – Old Riga. It’s a chance to rediscover familiar places and explore new ones, enjoying modern Latvian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and creative interpretations.

Choose where, what, and how to indulge – and let yourself taste everything the city has to offer.

Special Holiday Concert of the Light Performance INTERLUDE

While awaiting one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, on Green Thursday, April 2, the multimedia light performance INTERLUDE will be presented as a unique concert with live music at the Riga Reformed Church, featuring composer and guitarist Kaspars Zemītis and the State Academic Choir “Latvija.”

In this concert, Kaspars Zemītis’ composition “Sanctus. The Return” (originally from the Mass “My Prayer” for choir and guitar) will intertwine in a spiritually meditative message with the light paintings created by multimedia artist Māris Kalve. The performance will unfold as an invitation to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of Easter and the world of light art.

The visual narrative, the choir’s singing under the direction of conductor Māris Sirmais, and Kaspars Zemītis’ guitar performance will quite literally surround the audience of INTERLUDE, creating a unique and intimate experience of presence for every listener.

Old Town festival

On April 18, the Old Town Festival in Riga will take place at Dome Square – a one-day free event inviting locals and visitors to enjoy live music, great food, and vibrant springtime atmosphere in the heart of Riga Old Town.

Four popular Old Town bars – B Bārs Restorāns, Cuba Cafe, Bārs Garāža, and Ezītis miglā – will join forces to create a true celebration of spring in Riga.

Old Town Festival Programme:

11:00 – Family-friendly morning with entertainment for children, featuring special guest – children’s ensemble “Dzeguzīte”
15:00 – Open-air dance vibes with live performance by Bitīt’ matos, a lively Latvian–Estonian band
18:00 – Concerts by OLAS, PND, and RAUM, plus a special surprise performance

Throughout the day:

- Local artisan and craft market
- Street food and dining area
- Activities and surprises for all ages
- DJ sets and music by Toms Grēviņš between performances

This year, the festival coincides with World Circus Day, adding a unique atmosphere and marking the beginning of a new tradition in Riga.

Time: 11:00–23:00
Admission: Free entry

Address:

Doma laukums

Bourzma Boutique 2026 – a sustainable fashion and upcycled materials festival in Riga

Bourzma Boutique 2026 will transform the center of Riga on May 21–22 into a meeting place for sustainable fashion and creative culture. Over two days, visitors will have the opportunity to discover emerging designers and creative talents from Latvia and across Europe, experience sustainable ready-to-wear fashion, reinterpretations of recycled materials, and enjoy creative activities and performances in an environment where design, responsibility, and a contemporary urban rhythm come together.

On the first day – a fashion show featuring 10 sustainable fashion designers, with scenographic elements made of glass.
On the second day – a creative sustainable fashion workshop, musical activities, a graffiti competition, dance battles, and a designer market. The day will conclude with DJ sets from international and Latvian artists.

May 21: 19:00–23:00
May 22: 15:00–03:00

Tickets are available HERE.

New hotspots in Riga

Spring is here, and that means one thing – it’s time to get out and explore. Discover the newest restaurants and cafés in Riga, where fresh flavours, creative concepts and great atmosphere await. Whether you're looking for brunch, dinner or drinks, these new spots are worth adding to your list.

Cafe Nostalgia – a calm escape in the very centre of Riga, just steps from the opera. Perfect for a pre-show coffee or wine, and an unhurried evening afterwards. Bonus: late brunch served until 16:00.

Retro bufete Melodija – a colourful journey into the 70s and 80s. A cosy café with cakes downstairs and a vinyl record shop upstairs – coffee comes with a dose of nostalgia.

SWITCH – all-day breakfast and a place where mornings turn into evenings. From classic egg dishes to a popular steak sandwich and cocktails – simple, satisfying and modern.

Cuba Coffee Room – a lively café with quality coffee, brunch and light meals. Don’t miss “Coffee Wednesdays” for a slightly more festive midweek vibe.

L’Artista – authentic Italian cuisine in the Old Town. Classic recipes, fresh ingredients and a setting made for slow, enjoyable dining.

Garšas namiņš – hearty comfort food with Latvian and Greek influences. Simple, flavourful and made for everyday dining.

Kukū bārs – an après-ski inspired bar in the Quiet Centre. Drinks, music and a lively atmosphere that works in any season.

Katkevich  – a well-loved brunch spot now also in central Riga. Known for its homemade sourdough, quality ingredients and all-day breakfast menu.

Voglio Bene  – a vibrant Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza and classics in a warm, stylish setting in the Art Nouveau district.

Mad Mac – comfort food at its best, focused on creative mac and cheese dishes. Rich, satisfying and perfect for a quick, indulgent meal.

Shiyuzu – a modern restaurant by the Daugava River with views of the port. Ideal for relaxed dinners with a refined atmosphere.

Maijas Brasērija – seasonal dishes and a laid-back vibe in Pārdaugava. A great choice for both casual lunches and evenings with friends.

Riga is bubbling with new places – time to dive in and taste it all!

Enjoy a refreshing walk

Enough of sitting at home, it's time to draw strength from the nature for a new act of life! Take a refreshing walk through the small streets of Ķīpsala, listen to one of the unique audio excursions that lead through Viesturdārzs or Čiekurkalns. If you feel hungry, prepare a picnic basket and enjoy a lazy lunch in one of Riga's parks or go for an unusual walk through the unique Riga cemeteries!

Immerse yourself in Cherry blossoms

There is no more romantic time of the year than spring, when you can take your significant other by the hand and take them for a slow walk through the clusters of Sakura flowers. We can guarantee that it will definitely be one of the most memorable dates to experience this time of year. Take into account that the gorgeous Japanese cherries in Riga start to bloom at the end of April.

Captures the dose of vitamins at the market

Best way to break free from the winter hibernation is by taking an extra dose of spring greens. In Riga Central Market, Āgenskalns market, as well as in the Kalnciema quarter market you will find aromatic herbs, vitamin bouquets from vegetables, fruits, berries, and, of course, let's not forget the refreshing birch juice! If you lack freshness in your life, then you know that you can find it in the markets of Riga!

Get into the Botanical World

Have you already stepped into the most intoxicating season of the year? If not, you’ll find the perfect opportunity in Pārdaugava, home to the University of Latvia Botanical Garden.

For those missing snow-capped mountains, here you can admire lush shrubs resembling snowdrifts and capture the triumphant bloom of budding leaves overtaking the last traces of winter. Azaleas burst into bloom inside the greenhouse as early as winter and early spring, fragrant magnolias follow at the end of April, while rhododendrons and lilacs celebrate their grand season from May to June.

Address:

Kandavas iela 2

Walk around the Zoo

The Galapagos Tortoise, the African Lions, the Arctic Foxes – these are just some of the animals you can meet at the Riga Zoo. Operating for more than a century, the Zoo inhabits more than 400 wild animal species. Aquarium, terrarium, tropical house - the Zoo is an educational and fascinating place to while away the hours.