Autumn in Riga is traditionally rich in cultural events – from contemporary art and film festivals to colourful fairs, national holiday celebrations and light installations. The city will host both beloved annual events and unusual experiences offering a completely different perspective on Riga.
If you are planning an autumn break in Riga, Carillon Aparthotel allows you to combine exploring the city with a comfortable stay in the very heart of Riga Old Town. Dome Square is right next to the aparthotel, while the 11 November Embankment, Latvian National Opera, cinemas and many other cultural and entertainment venues are within walking distance.
Contemporary culture forum White Night 2026
On 5 September, Riga will become a vast stage for contemporary culture, with art projects and performances taking place across the city, in cultural venues, parks, churches and other unusual locations. White Night (“Baltā nakts”) offers an opportunity to discover a wide variety of contemporary cultural forms in a single evening and see familiar places in Riga in an entirely new light.
Contemporary Crafts Festival
On 5–6 September, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum will bring together craftspeople and artists at the Contemporary Crafts Festival, showcasing works in which centuries-old traditions meet contemporary design. It is an opportunity to discover modern Latvian craftsmanship, meet the artists themselves and buy original pieces made from ceramics, textiles, wood, leather and other materials.
Royal Corgi Walk
On 11 September, central Riga will host one of the autumn’s most unusual and heart-warming events – the Royal Corgi Walk, dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II and her well-known affection for the breed.
At 17:45, corgis and their owners will gather in Bastejkalns Park to pose for an official group photo and then set off on a walk past the Freedom Monument, through the Esplanade and on to Kronvalda Park. The evening will conclude with a Royal British Tea Picnic.
Riga Tweed Run
On 19 September, one of Riga’s most colourful cycling events will return to the city’s streets – the Riga Tweed Run. Participants are invited to dress in classic and retro outfits, decorate their bicycles and explore Riga’s streets and most beautiful locations together on two wheels.
The participants’ costumes give the event its distinctive atmosphere, ranging from 19th-century tailcoats and evening gowns to 1970s disco fashion. To join the run, all you need is a bicycle, a stylish outfit and a desire to experience Riga a little differently.
Baltic Pearl 2026 international film festival
From 23 September to 4 October, Splendid Palace cinema will welcome film lovers to the Baltic Pearl festival. The films are carefully selected from the programmes of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals, taking into account the views of film industry professionals, critics and audiences. Splendid Palace is also worth visiting for the building itself – this magnificent historic cinema is one of the most beautiful in Riga and is within walking distance of Carillon Aparthotel.
Miķelis Day fair
On 26 September, the traditional Miķelis Day Fair is scheduled to take place in Dome Square, in the very heart of Riga Old Town and just a few steps from Carillon Aparthotel. It is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Riga in autumn, with Latvian handicrafts, local produce, the autumn harvest and traditional customs.
If you would like to discover Latvian traditions in greater depth, head to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum on 27 September, where Miķeļi – the traditional autumn harvest festival – will be celebrated. Visitors can look forward to medieval harvest rituals, activities for the whole family and a bustling market featuring craftspeople and local producers offering seasonal treats.
Riga International Film Festival RIGA IFF
From 15 to 25 October, the Riga International Film Festival RIGA IFF will take place in Riga for the 13th time. Latvia’s largest film festival will present a carefully curated selection of contemporary cinema from Latvia, the Nordic countries, the Baltic Sea region and beyond across more than 100 screenings. Alongside films by internationally acclaimed directors, the programme will feature premieres, competition screenings, a children’s film programme and special cinema events. Splendid Palace will once again be one of the festival’s main venues.
Mārtiņi celebrations
On 7 November, visitors to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum will have an opportunity to discover the traditions of Mārtiņi, which marks the end of the autumn working season in the Latvian traditional calendar. The programme will include a procession of masked participants, traditional songs, games and dances, creative workshops and blacksmithing demonstrations. There will also be a market featuring craftspeople and local food producers.
Lāčplēsis Day
11 November is one of the most emotionally significant dates in Riga’s autumn events calendar. On Lāčplēsis Day, Latvia honours the memory of all soldiers who have fallen for the country. In the evening, residents traditionally light thousands of candles along the wall of Riga Castle on the 11 November Embankment.
The Daugava embankment and Riga Castle are only a few minutes’ walk from Carillon Aparthotel, making the hotel a particularly convenient choice for those wishing to experience the atmosphere of this important national commemoration.
Celebrations of the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia
On 18 November, Riga celebrates the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia. Throughout the day, the city traditionally hosts ceremonies, concerts and other events marking the national holiday, while Riga Old Town and the Daugava embankment become the centres of the celebrations.
Staro Rīga 2026 light festival
From 15 to 18 November, during Latvia’s national holiday celebrations, the city will light up in new colours. Over four evenings, the Staro Rīga light festival will transform Riga’s streets, squares and historic buildings with artist-created light displays, installations and multimedia stories. The most impressive installations in and around Riga Old Town can easily be incorporated into an evening stroll through the illuminated city, with Carillon Aparthotel located right in the heart of the Old Town.
Grand wine parade – TOP 100 Wines + Chefs
On 21 November, food and wine lovers can enjoy Top 100 Wines + Chefs, where guests will have the opportunity to taste 150 award-winning wines from the Wine of the Year 2026 competition, including gold- and silver-award champagnes, as well as white, red and fortified wines from around the world. The event will conclude with an exquisite dinner. It will take place at the Hanzas Perons cultural venue – an excellent opportunity to enjoy world-class wines just a short journey from your hotel.
In autumn, Riga Old Town becomes calmer than in peak summer season, but the city’s cultural and gastronomic life shows no signs of slowing down. A cooler day can be spent visiting a museum or exhibition, followed by an afternoon stop at one of the Old Town’s cafés and an evening at the cinema, a concert or over a leisurely dinner. The Two More Beers restaurant is also located close to Carillon Aparthotel – an ideal place for dinner or a drink after a day spent exploring the city.
From contemporary art and international cinema to concerts by international artists, traditional fairs and November’s light festival, Riga offers plenty of reasons to visit for an autumn break or weekend away.
By choosing Carillon Aparthotel, you will be staying in the very heart of Riga Old Town, with Riga’s top restaurants, main attractions, and autumn events all just a few minutes’ walk away.
