Dates: August 16–18, 2025 (Friday–Sunday)
Locations: Old Town (Vecrīga), 11. Novembra Embankment, city parks, Spīķeri, Vērmanes Garden, Andrejosta, Kalnciema Quarter
Admission: Free
Riga is preparing for one of the brightest events of the year — the grand Riga City Festival 2025, which will take over the city center and bring three days of culture, food, art, and joyful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. It’s a celebration where music, flavors, creativity, and tradition fill the streets, squares, and parks of the Latvian capital.
If you’re wondering what to do in Riga in August, or looking for a summer city escape with a rich cultural program — this festival is your answer. From August 16 to 18, central Riga turns into a stage full of events, flavors, and surprises. 🎈
Festival Program 🗓️🎭🎵
The Riga City Festival spans dozens of locations throughout the city center. Each one offers its own atmosphere and programming:
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Music stages throughout Vecrīga, Vērmanes Garden, Spīķeri, and Kalnciema Quarter. Expect everything from jazz to indie bands and electronic DJ sets.
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Historical re-enactments at Dome Square — see medieval Riga with knights, craftspeople, street performances, and traditional food.
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Dance zones from Latvian folk to tango under the open sky.
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Craft fairs with handmade goods, local artists, wooden toys, ceramics, and jewelry.
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Children and youth areas featuring games, face painting, puppet shows, LEGO corners, robots, and interactive science shows.
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Outdoor cinemas in Vērmanes Garden and Spīķeri showing Latvian and European films.
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Flash mobs and city quests to enjoy with friends or family.
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Evening shows on the Daugava River — lasers, light installations, music projections, and drone performances. 🌃
Taste of Riga Festival: The Heart of Festival Flavors 🍜🥘🍼
If music is the festival’s heart, food is its soul. Taste of Riga Festival is a celebration of local cuisine and culinary creativity. It’s a highlight of the city celebration, uniting traditional recipes with modern interpretations by top chefs and restaurants.
🍽️ Where: Mazā Jauniela 5, Vecrīga (in a dedicated food court area and surrounding streets)
🕒 When: August 16–18, daily from 14:00 to 23:00
🍳 August 17: On Town Hall Square, live cooking shows, masterclasses, and tasting challenges hosted by top Latvian chefs like Elmārs Tannis and Pipars.
Highlights of the menu:
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Seasonal produce from local farmers, presented in fresh, modern dishes
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Baltic flavors: marinated herring with cranberries, cold beet soup, mushroom sauces, herbal infusions
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Craft ice cream, natural lemonades, Latvian ciders, and artisanal jams
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Vegan options and a Zero Waste food corner 🌱
There will also be a kids’ food zone, where children can decorate cupcakes, assemble their own sandwiches, and participate in culinary games.
What Else Awaits You? 🎉
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Krastu mačs — a 24-hour basketball marathon along the Daugava. Two banks, one game. Be a fan, player, or just enjoy the buzz.
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Street Music Festival — dozens of venues, hundreds of performers, every genre from folk to techno.
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Rīga Aug — light installations, fire shows, and water-based theater events in the evening.
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The Night Parade and Fireworks Show — on the closing night, watch thousands of lights illuminate the Daugava from 11. Novembra Embankment. 🎆
Good to Know ✍️
📍 The city center will be fully pedestrianized. Plan to walk or use electric scooters.
🛴 Scooter and bike rentals available citywide.
🚲 Bike parking will be available at all main festival hubs: Vecrīga, Spīķeri, Kalnciema Quarter.
🛏️ Accommodation tip: MIRO Rooms — boutique apartments in the heart of Riga with top-notch design and soundproofing. You’ll be just minutes from every stage and event.
Build Your Weekend Itinerary 🧭
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Friday (Aug 16): Stroll through Spīķeri’s fair, grab street food at Taste of Riga, catch the opening concert by the riverside.
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Saturday (Aug 17): Family fun in Vērmanes Garden, chef masterclasses on Town Hall Square, marching bands and a night show.
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Sunday (Aug 18): Join a city quest, chill with music at Kalnciema Quarter, and end with fireworks over the Daugava.
Bring comfy shoes, a water bottle, your power bank, and good vibes — you’re in Riga, and this city knows how to celebrate! 🎒🎈📸