Spring guide in Riga

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.

Scent + Art Festival 2026

An international festival in Riga (May 6-10) exploring the intersection of scent, contemporary art, technology, music, and performance. The programme offers immersive, multi-sensory experiences for visitors interested in culture, innovation, and experimental art.

Programme:

May 6 – Opening Day
Festival opening featuring a keynote lecture, future technology demonstrations, scent-based choral music, a fragrance dance performance, and immersive olfactory experiences.

May 7 – Exhibition Day
Opening of exhibitions alongside masterclasses, lectures, workshops, and live performances.

May 8 – Fragrance Archive
A day dedicated to scent memory and preservation, including a keynote lecture, masterclasses, workshops, and dance and art performances.

May 9 – Through the Mist of Uncertainty
Keynote lecture, performances, music and dance events, and technology demonstrations exploring themes of uncertainty and perception.

May 10 – Closing Day
Final day programme with a lecture, performances, poetry readings, music, and technology showcases.

Address:

Radošā rūpnīca Veldze, Matīsa iela 8, Bruņinieku iela 25

Rimi Riga Marathon

From May 16 to 17, the "Rimi Riga Marathon" will take place in Riga. In this sporting adventure, everyone will be able to choose the route that suits them best - a distance of 42 km, a half marathon or 21 km, 10 km or 7 km, DPD mile or 1609 m and already beloved Kid's day distances. The routes will lead through the historical streets of the Old town, along the architectural pearls and over the bridges, combining the pleasant with the useful - sports and getting to know the city!

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.

Night at the museum

There is at least one night a year when you can stay awake and wander the bustling city streets. Museum Night marks the beginning of summer every year and does so in a very original and educational way, allowing visitors to enjoy the permanent as well as specially prepared exhibitions in the evening and at night. Museum Night in Latvia will take place on May 23 this year, marking its 22st edition. More info coming soon!

Light Performance INTERLUDE

Take 30 minutes just for yourself in an unforgettable journey of sound and light.

The majestic interior of the Reformers’ Church comes alive in a meditative multimedia experience, where the guitar of Kaspars Zemītis and the immersive, three-dimensional sound of the Latvian State Academic Choir Latvia blend seamlessly with visual projections by Māris Kalve.

This is more than a performance - it’s a deeply personal experience that takes you beyond everyday life and closer to yourself. 30 minutes of light, sound, and reflection. A moment to be fully present in your body, your thoughts, and your inner world.

A quiet return - to yourself, to peace, to something greater.

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.