Anyone who does not want to miss one of the most famous festivals in Latvia should attend Riga Opera Festival. Founded in 1998, this festival laid the foundation for public music concerts in Latvia almost three decades ago. Since then, it has become a part of the country's tradition and is conducted every year to encourage and promote Latvian singers and musicians around the world.

The opera is staged in Riga, Latvia's capital city. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of Latvians and foreign visitors coming to enjoy the art of music at the Latvian National Opera which has gained an international reputation. The best and most recently staged performances of the season are shown every year in June as part of the festival. The Latvian National Opera also invites guest performers to bring much more joy and excitement to the audience.

When: To be announced

Where: Latvian National Opera

One of the most famous festivals in Latvia, the Positivus festival is an annual event that attracts many youngsters worldwide for two days. This mega-scale festival takes place in Salacgriva, a picturesque coastal village around 100 kilometers from the city.

If you visit Latvia during the summer months, you should not miss the chance to enjoy this incredible music festival. Each year, the festival provides visitors with not just various amazing performances, but also a wide range of entertainment opportunities, such as sports, arts and crafts shopping, yoga, theater, and film… First held in 2007, the festival promises its visitors a wide range of genres, including indie, pop, folk, electronic, and many others. There are 3 main stages, Tele 2 stage, the Nordea stage, and the Red Bull Music Academy stage. There are also other smaller stages, such as the I Love You and Palladium stages.

When: July

Where: Udens Street 12, Riga 1007, Latvia

Riga City Festival has been held and funded by the Riga City Council and its institutions since 2001. During the festival, the capital city of Riga transforms into a carnival arena. It is one of Latvia's largest cultural festivals in which everyone can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy a wide range of exciting activities: concerts, workshops, theater plays, art performances, street fairs, and even a gourmet festival. People flock to the streets in order to celebrate their culture through cuisine, music, art, and entertainment. The concerts and activities are free to the public, and the spectacular fireworks display is the most anticipated.

As a result, this event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Latvia's people and culture. The majority of the festivities take place along the 11th November Embankment, in Old Town, and in central parks, however, there are a variety of other events taking place across the city.

When: To be announced

Where: Riga, Latvia

Summer and sunshine are only seen for a few months in Latvia as well as other Baltic countries, therefore locals often gather to celebrate the summer solstice and commemorate the event in Midsummer Festival which is called Joni in the local language. Locals often gather in open fields and exchange food. It is also customary to build a bonfire and have a joyful day around it. This custom stems from the assumption that the light from the fires will last until the next solar year. Beautiful flowers are made into wreaths and tossed into streams. In addition, thorns, thistles, and nettles which are said to repel evil spirits and witches are hung on gates, doors, and cars.

During the Midsummer Days, traditional and classic meals such as pies are available all across town. As a tradition, people drink beer and eat cheese because they believe it will facilitate the flourish of barley and the production of cow milk in the next summer. Singing visitors are treated with cheese and beer when they pay a visit to their neighboring houses.

When: June 23th and 24th

Where: All across the country

Latvia is famous for its unique culture and heritage, and Latvians are not hesitant to display it. Cesis Castle Medieval Fair is one of the most famous festivals in Lativa and also the most awaited one. It's a day once a year when the locals dress up in traditional and medieval garb and pretend to be in the Middle Ages. The event takes place in Cesis Castle which is a lovely castle within an hour's drive from Riga, Latvia's capital.

During the festival, the castle lawns, gardens, dungeons, and museum are open to tourists, visitors, and participants, promising visitors to have loads of fun reminiscing the medieval days. More excitingly, people can try different medieval games, gain ancient craft skills and visit the medieval garden in which there are medieval vegetables and spices. On the premises, there is cuisine, art, and dancing, which one may either observe or participate in. During the fair, the doors of the historic Saint John Church are open to anyone.

When: To be announced

Where: Lencu iela 1A, Cesis pielsata, Cesis 4101, Latvia

The International Sacred Music Festival is held in Riga at a time when the concert scene is quiet but the tourist season is flourishing. This festival was first held in 1998. The State Choir Latvija established a new tradition in Riga at the time, with the goal of enriching the city's cultural atmosphere and reinstating spiritual values in today's society.

The Sacred Music Festival introduced a wide range of genres to the festival movement in Latvia, with a focus on large-scale choral, instrumental, and acapella performances. Moreover, a concert featuring new works is one of the festival's core traditions. In 2021, with the theme of peace, the Polish minimalist and contemporary music composer introduced the "Missa pro pace" ("Mesa for Peace") to the audience and at the end, the closing activity was about the tragic events of September 11 in the United States.

When: August to September

Where: Riga, Latvia

To promote Latvian cuisine and the country's gourmet setting, Riga has launched a series of Latvia food festivals, which allow visitors and tourists to sample some of the best Baltic cuisines. It's a week-long celebration during which all of Riga's restaurants offer customers scrumptious 3-course dinners at a food stall price. It's an exciting time to visit the country since one may sample the best of the country's gourmet cuisine at a low cost about 20 - 25 Eur. However, the opportunity to explore new flavors and go deep into the complexity of Latvian cuisine is part of what makes the restaurant week an unforgettable experience.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the Riga Restaurant Week Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Latvia, especially for food lovers. The menu’s details of the special restaurant menus available are often prepared in three languages -- Latvian, English, and Russian. To ensure availability, you should make reservations in advance.

When: To be announced

Where: Riga, Latvia

As an annual tradition, Riga Marathon is organized in Riga. Every year, a 10-kilometer marathon is held to promote sports while also benefiting a charity. Since its establishment in the early 2000s, the marathon has managed to gain international acclaim.

The marathon is divided into three divisions due to a large number of runners (about half a million). The half marathon is around 6 kilometers long, and everyone is allowed to take part in it. The marathon passes through Old Riga and across the Daugava River, beginning and ending near Riga Castle. As of 2019, the marathon winner is awarded a prize of up to 15,000 EUR, plus a bonus if the distance record is also broken. The top eight finishers get cash prizes, with an additional 2000 euros granted to the top-placed Latvian racers in each of the distances.

When: May

Where: 11 Novembra Krastmala, Centra Rajons, Riga 1050, Latvia

Staro Riga Light Festival is a massive event that takes place every year which all tourists are excited to join. It is a light festival because the capital city is covered in a dazzling array of bright lights that adorn all of the major buildings, towers, bridges, and other structures. The festival offers different programs of light and multimedia installations. Therefore, locals and tourists are then delighted by a succession of musical, theatrical, and dance performances.

Along the coastline and in the major squares, food stalls are put up where visitors may view the light show while enjoying some delicious food and drinks. Locals and visitors are also allowed to view unique light art objects. Another selling point is that all event objects are free and accessible to all age groups.

When: To be announced

Where: Riga, Latvia

The Song and Dance Festival is one of the most mysterious Latvia festivals in 2022, where you'll be awed by Latvia's outstanding choral music and folk dance. It is noted that choir singing is an essential part of Latvia's identity. The most important event in Latvian culture and social life has been held since 1873 and takes place every five years.

During the festival, the streets and neighborhood are overrun by singers and dancers dressed in traditional Latvian costumes. There are many exhibitions of photography, art and folk craft, orchestra concerts, and a festive parade. Besides, events and competitions leading up to the event are held throughout the interval between festivals. Although traditional folk songs and classical choir songs are normally sung a cappella, new popular songs have recently been added to the repertoire. For tourists, you can also buy souvenirs and other arts and crafts.

When: July

Where: Riga