This year, Riga will host grand celebrations to mark its 825th anniversary, inviting everyone to enjoy a diverse, month-long program of festive events throughout August. The celebrations will span local neighbourhoods, musical parks, and a major birthday event on the 11. novembra krastmala (November 11th Embankment) on August 15th and other locations across the city.
The core theme of Riga’s birthday this year is “Open Riga! Code: 825”, which calls for celebrating and discovering Riga as a living, polyphonic city whose soundscape is shaped by its people, neighbourhoods, history, and culture.
Throughout the entire month of August, the festive spirit will resonate via the Musical Parks program at the Dzegužkalns Open-Air Stage, the Ziemeļblāzma Culture Palace Park, Vērmanes dārzs, and the Kalnciema Quarter. Street Art Month events will also take place in Sarkandaugava, culminating in the street art festival “Row Baltics 2026” on August 22nd.
At the end of the month, on August 29th, the grand opening of the Traditional Culture and Crafts Center “ĪRGA” will take place in Old Riga at Mazā Jauniela 5 and the adjacent parking lot. As the day draws to a close, the Vakarbuļļi Beach will host the magical rituals of the Ancient Fire Night (Senās uguns nakts).
