The Mežaparks Great Bandstand is one of Riga’s most important cultural landmarks and the symbolic heart of Latvia’s Song and Dance Festival tradition. The first bandstand here was built in 1955 to give a permanent home to this massive choral event, which brings together tens of thousands of singers. Its design, with a sweeping open-air structure set among the pine trees of Mežaparks, makes it a truly striking cultural monument.
The venue has been completely rebuilt and modernized in recent years. After a major reconstruction in 2021, the Great Bandstand gained improved acoustics, expanded seating, and modern facilities, ensuring that this historic stage continues to host one of Latvia’s most treasured traditions as well as large-scale pop music concerts.
Why visit
The Great Bandstand is more than a concert venue - it is a place where Latvia’s collective spirit comes alive through song, dance, and shared tradition. At the same time, it stands as an impressive piece of architecture, blending sweeping forms with the natural beauty of Mežaparks. Outside of major events, the wide steps and open spaces have become popular with local sports enthusiasts, who use the site for outdoor workouts, runs, and group exercises. And during the warm season many people come here simply to enjoy the sun and the fresh air of the surrounding Mežaparks. You can also find the Song and Dance Festival museum inside the main bandstand building, which offers interactive exhibitions that shed light on this Latvian cultural tradition.
Historical highlight
Built in 1955 to host the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, this stage replaced earlier versions of the festival setting and became a permanent cultural landmark.
How to get there
You can easily reach the venue by tram or bus; many public transit routes stop near Meža prospekts, the main thoroughfare leading into the park. Once inside, follow signage through the trees toward the open-air stage.