Riga's birthday celebrations

Celebrate Riga

On 16 August, 11. novembra krastmala will transform into the epicentre of Riga’s birthday celebrations, where the city’s diversity will be revealed through environmental installations, history stories, cultural activities, an antique car parade, poetry battles, diverse culinary experiences, concerts, and DJ sets.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a variety of creative workshops, taste stations, and relaxation zones – offering the chance to experience the city’s birthday in all its richness.

12:00–19:00 – Themed zones

“Taste, Riga!”
Riga’s flavour zone in cooperation with Riga Central Market.
Visitors can meet local producers, sample delicacies, and experience the charm of Latvia’s and Riga’s market culture.

“Poetise, Riga!”
In cooperation with the art centre Totaldobže.
Talks with poetry slam organisers, the opportunity to ask questions, exchange books, sign up for a poetry masterclass and the evening slam.
Participants include Leons Jūlijs Strupītis, Grēta Volkoviča, Dainis Deigelis, Ligija Purinaša, Katrīna Rudzīte, Ivars Šteinbergs, Artūrs Bricis, Elvīra Bloma, and others. The poetry slam final will take place on the small stage together with DJ Magnuss Eriņš!

“Watch Films, Riga!”
In cooperation with the Riga Film Museum.
Latvian short films and animated films, a make-up table, and an animation workshop for children.

“Know, Riga!”
In cooperation with Latvijas Ekspedīcija.
Photo orientation competition “Riga’s Birthday Expedition” in Old Riga and the city centre. Teams will receive their materials at the “Know, Riga!” zone tent on 11. novembra krastmala between 12:00 and 14:30. The large route takes 3 hours per team, the small route 1 hour, with the last team finishing at 17:30. The winners will be announced between 18:30 and 19:00.

Registration for the large route is open until 13 August at 23:59 by filling out an online form (link in Latvijas Ekspedīcija’s Facebook account). If places remain after this deadline, registration will also be possible at the event. No prior registration is required for the small route.

“Discover Porcelain, Riga!”
In cooperation with the Riga Porcelain Museum.
Participants can try their hand at porcelain craftsmanship and decorate colourful unglazed ceramic tiles, guided by a museum educator, inspired by examples prepared specially for the celebrations. Each workshop session lasts about 20 minutes.

“Art Nouveau – 120 Years Ago in Riga”
Art Nouveau–themed creative workshops for adults and children, with the opportunity to take photos with ladies and gentlemen in period costumes or on a specially created romantic photo bridge.

“Read, Riga!”
In cooperation with the #laikslasīt movement and the Friends of the National Library of Latvia.
Visitors can take part in various book-related activities – both educational and interactive.
17:00–17:30 – #laikslasīt book readings with DJ Magnuss Eriņš on the small stage, featuring authors Inga Grencberga, Zane Zusta, and Zane Nuts.

“Be Safe, Riga!”
Informative and educational activities by Riga’s safety and emergency services – learn about their work, get answers to your questions, and find out how to act in different situations. Participants include the Emergency Medical Service, State Fire and Rescue Service, and Riga Municipal Police.

“Food Courtyards”
Public catering and refreshing drinks will be available along 11. novembra krastmala.

12:30–16:30 – Retro car exhibition

12:00–02:00 – Stage programme

12:00 – Opening of the event

13:00 – Katrīna Dimanta and Zeltrači

14:30 – Būū

16:00 – Rolands Če

17:30 – Musiqq

19:00 – Concert performance “Festival of Other Songs”, featuring Orchestra “Rīga”, Riga Chamber Choir Ave Sol, and actor Sandis Runge

21:00 – Intars Busulis and Abonementa orķestris

22:00–02:00 – DJ show “Riga’s Tomorrow” in cooperation with the Riga DJ School. DJ battles featuring DJ Dubra, DJ Magnuss Eriņš, DJ All-Viss, and DJ Linda Samsonova.

At 01:00, a special “back 2 back 2 back” DJ set with DJ Mamania (Lithuania), DJ Dubra, and DJ Aspirīns.

These celebrations invite everyone – both Riga residents and visitors – to come together and experience the unique spirit of Riga.

The musical fountains “Serenade to Riga”

Enjoy the interplay of light, music, and water – a spectacular and captivating show for the whole family at the City Canal, where dancing fountains, dazzling light effects, and beautiful melodies merge into a single work of art, turning the evening into an unforgettable experience!

The musical fountains “Serenade to Riga” – a nearly 200-meter-long series of colorfully illuminated fountains along the City Canal, featuring a special musical arrangement created for Riga’s birthday. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere where water, light, and music come together in harmony – an experience you’ll want to relive again and again. The performance can be enjoyed from both sides of the canal.

Start: 9:00 PM
End: 1:00 AM

The fountains will be located from the K. Valdemārs Street Bridge to the Bastejkalns pedestrian bridge, and from the Brīvības Square Bridge to the Timma Bridge near the Latvian National Opera. With their gentle murmur and play of light, they will delight visitors even during the daytime – on August 15 from 3:00 PM, and on August 16 from 10:00 AM.

Riga’s Stories

Step into the story! Every Riga resident, building, street, and even a tree leaf has its own story. As part of Riga’s birthday celebrations, the event “Riga’s Stories” will become a place where these stories come to life.

PROGRAMME

12:00–16:00
Creative workshops – Riga “sugar rooster” workshop, “Ziedonis Class” workshops, comics workshop, Zero Waste workshop, storytelling workshop

12:00–16:00 – “Read Riga Creatively with the Riga Central Library”
The Riga Central Library invites children of all ages and their parents to participate in a variety of creative and educational reading- and book-themed activities.

13:00–14:00 – Meet Latvian authors Laura Vinogradova and Zane Zusta, with opportunities to get acquainted and take part in engaging conversations about books.

12:00–18:00 – Book fair

12:00–18:00 – On the small stage:

12:00–15:00 – International Contemporary Circus and Street Art Festival “Re Rīga!” – Riga Circus School workshops and performances by students. Collective author performance “Run Away with the Circus”

15:00 – Blue Wonders – experiments and ice cream making

15:40 – Drawing Theatre – stories and improvisations combining live drawing on stage, music, dance, and acting. Hosted by Varis Klausītājs

16:30 – Two Dogs and Richard Wagner – a modern historical tale: presentation of Sergejs Timofejevs’ book “Moka and Roberts. About Two Riga Dogs Who Never Met” and meeting with the authors

17:30 – Magical Stories with the Pecolli family and the illusion theatre Mystero

On the Vērmanes Garden open-air stage:

13:00–13:30 – Magical Stories with the Pecolli family and the illusion theatre Mystero

13:45–14:45 – Independent theatre Kvadrifrons performance “Brown Cheese”

15:00–15:20 – Magical Stories with the Pecolli family and the illusion theatre Mystero

15:30–16:00 – Ukuleles concert

16:15–17:00 – Nils Īle and the ethnic percussion group ZemeDunn

18:00–18:45 – Band Neaizmirstulītes (“Forget-me-nots”)

19:00–22:00 – Concert programme “Riga’s Stage” featuring Ance Krauze, Inga Ulmane, Antra Stafecka, Mārtiņš Kanters, Ieva Sutugova, and Artis Robežnieks, with backing by MC Orchestra

“Stelzen-Art” Street Performers (Bremen)

“Stelzen-Art” Street Performers (Bremen)

The artist collective Stelzen-Art from Bremen congratulates Riga on its birthday, offering everyone the chance to experience a vivid and colourful adventure.

On 16 August in Bastejkalns, visitors will encounter fairy-tale cultural ambassadors from Bremen – striking large-scale winged figures bringing joy and light.

For more than 20 years, Stelzen-Art has been one of the leading street performance collectives, giving over 250 performances each year at city celebrations and festivals in Germany, neighbouring countries, and across the world.

Their artists have performed at events such as Formula One races in Bahrain, Chinese New Year celebrations in Macau, and festivals in Dubai, Namibia, and even by the pyramids in Cairo. Now it’s Riga’s turn to experience the magic of colourful wings.

Performance times:
15:00–15:40
17:00–17:40
19:00–19:40

Festival in Old Riga

On Riga’s birthday, Old Riga will turn into a vibrant, musical, and creative celebration stage!

On 16 August, during the festivities, street musicians will fill ten different spots in Old Riga with music of all styles and moods – from classical to jazz and popular tunes. At every turn, the festive atmosphere will be enhanced by mimes, whose improvisations and playful antics will bring smiles to the faces of both young and old.

You’ll find the musicians in favourite spots of street performers – at the corner of Kaļķu and Vaļņu streets, by the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, at Līvu Square and Dome Square, near St. John’s Church and Jāņa sēta, in the Town Hall Square, on Mazā Pils Street near the Three Brothers, by the Jacob’s Barracks, and by the Powder Tower at the corner of Torņa and Smilšu streets.

Meanwhile, at the very heart of Dome Square, a crafts fair will take place, where masters from various regions of Latvia will offer both traditional and contemporary handmade items. Visitors will be delighted by wooden and linen products, woven textiles, artistic ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, and pottery – all created with care and love for the craft.

During the event, donation boxes from the association Tavi draugi (“Your Friends”) will be placed at each of the 10 musician locations, inviting everyone to support the people of Ukraine both in Latvia and in Ukraine.

Come to Old Riga – let’s celebrate Riga’s birthday with music, creativity, and a sense of togetherness!

Alternative Riga

Riga’s Birthday celebrations in Uzvaras Park are an inspiring meeting place, where throughout the day the city, its people, and its creative spirit are honoured.
Here, different generations and interest communities come together to celebrate with movement, music, conversations, and creative happenings.

12:00–18:00 DAY PROGRAMME

Stage programme with emerging bands

12:00–12:40 – “Aģentūra”
Their sound blends jazz, fusion, and contemporary improvised music. The group is characterised by creative freedom, musical playfulness, and a serious attitude towards performance.

13:00–13:40 – “Melnā Straume”
A pop/rock and alternative rock band from Rūjiena. The members, aged 17 to 24, unite their individual feelings and inspirations in their shared music.

14:00–14:40 – “Grēcīgie partizāni”
A radical folk ensemble, balancing between traditional music and punk rock, performing original songs about freedom, longing, and fear. Their arsenal includes the violin, guitar, banjo, and washboard.

15:00–15:40 – DABA
An artist from Riga who combines indie, alternative, and pop sounds to create something truly unique. Constantly exploring new sonic landscapes, he pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.

16:00–16:40 – “Atkala”
Their music can also be described as contemporary Latvian rock without unnecessary filters.

17:00–17:40 – “Honey Blue”
Original music embodying the character of soul, indie, R&B, and jazz. The band’s name symbolises two contrasting yet constantly interacting emotions – “honey” for warmth and tenderness, and “blue” for melancholy and emotionality.

Across the park, creative workshops, contemporary performances, science shows by the AHHAA Science Centre, discussions, and sporting activities will take place. Creative communities and other organisations will invite residents to participate and explore the many faces of the city, while animators will engage visitors in themed games and activities. The digital content workshop will host practical sessions for young people with content creators from various platforms – Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.

In the skate park area, BMX, rollerblading, skateboarding, and scooter shows will be performed by professional athletes, alongside masterclasses where everyone – from experienced riders to beginners – can learn new skills or simply try out the sports with equipment provided. Safety tips and practical advice will be accompanied by demonstration materials. Meanwhile, the Slackline LV team will offer balance challenges and demonstrations – both beginners and advanced participants will be able to learn the basics of the sport under the guidance of professionals.

18:00–24:00 EVENING PROGRAMME

The Uzvaras Park stage will transform into a platform for current, alternative, and independent artists, offering an exciting concert series that will bring together audiences of all ages, especially young people.

18:00–18:40 – “Nielslens Lielsliens”
Genre: spoken word / hip-hop / poetic performance theatre
Playing with words on the border between poetry and rhythm, delivering a powerful message with an ironic look at the world.

19:00–19:40 – “YŪT”
Genre: experimental indie / post-pop
Debuting at the Left Bank Festival in 2024, the group has since gained wider recognition. Their sound is atmospheric, introspective, and dynamic.

20:00–21:00 – “Laika Suns”
Genre: alternative rock / indie pop
Offers an ethereal yet dynamic sound with a lyrical touch and introspective themes.

21:30–22:30 – ansis
Genre: alternative hip-hop / experimental electronics
One of the most prominent voices in contemporary Latvian hip-hop.

23:00–24:00 – DJ Aspirīns
Genre: electronic music / experimental / lo-fi groove
An electronic and experimental music DJ whose lo-fi groove performance will close the evening with a hypnotic, atmospheric sound. His set merges sonic experimentation, rhythmic lo-fi, and an urban vibe – a moment when music becomes an experience.

Throughout the day, visitors will also be able to enjoy a food court – a place to take a break and enjoy flavours during the celebrations.

Football Festival

“Riga Football Festival” is a two-day sports and community event, organised by the association Streetbasket (Ghetto Games). Its aim is to promote an active lifestyle, community involvement, and a festive atmosphere right in the heart of the city – with children’s, youth, neighbourhood, and celebrity games, side activities, and musical performances – two full days of sports, movement, and togetherness!

Saturday, 16 August
The event will begin at 10:00 with the official opening.

10:30–13:00 – Children’s and youth tournament in age groups U8 to U16

13:00–18:30 – Riga Neighbourhood Championship preliminary rounds, where teams from different city districts compete

19:00–21:30 – Special evening event “Star Cup”, featuring public figures, athletes, entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives
Additional activities: foot darts, photo zone, and DJ performances.

Sunday, 17 August

10:00 – Open fitness training for everyone

12:00–14:00 – Riga Neighbourhood Championship finals

14:30–19:30 – Star Cup finals and exhibition matches
The closing ceremony and awards will take place around 20:00.

Throughout both days, spectator zones, stands, food stalls, DJ music, and various interactive activities will be available.