Riga is a city where historic architecture meets art, opera, theatre and cinema. If you are planning a getaway in Riga, autumn is the perfect season to explore not only Riga Old Town at a leisurely pace, but also the city’s diverse cultural scene.
From 23 September to 4 October, one of Riga’s major cultural events this autumn will be the international film festival Baltic Pearl 2026, with screenings taking place at the historic Splendid Palace cinema.
If you are planning a Riga getaway and would like to add a special cultural event to your stay, the Baltic Pearl festival will undoubtedly be a highlight of your autumn itinerary. It is one of the oldest film festivals in the Baltic States, with a history dating back to 1993 – a period when Latvia’s cultural life was undergoing rapid change following the restoration of the country’s independence.
The festival acquired an international profile within its first few years. Over time, it has brought some of the biggest names in world cinema to Riga, including Gina Lollobrigida, Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve, Pierre Richard, Klaus Maria Brandauer and other cinema legends.
The festival’s format has also evolved over the years. Originally, it featured a competition programme, jury and awards, but since 2004 Baltic Pearl has followed a different approach. Rather than selecting winners, the festival presents a carefully chosen selection of noteworthy films, with a particular focus on classics of world cinema and retrospectives dedicated to celebrated directors. This connection between the history of cinema and contemporary filmmaking has become one of the festival’s defining characteristics.
In 2026, Baltic Pearl continues this tradition. The festival will take place from 23 September to 4 October, presenting both contemporary cinema and classics of the silver screen.
This year, special attention will be devoted to Italian director Luchino Visconti, marking the 120th anniversary of his birth and the 50th anniversary of his death. Three of his films will be shown on the big screen – Rocco and His Brothers, Death in Venice and Ludwig.
However, you certainly do not need to be a dedicated cinephile to enjoy the festival when planning a trip to Riga. A single festival screening can easily become part of a much broader cultural weekend in the city.
The festival venue itself is well worth discovering. Splendid Palace is more than just a cinema – it is one of Riga’s cultural and architectural gems, with a history spanning more than a century.
The cinema opened its doors on 30 December 1923 and was once one of the most modern and luxurious cinemas in the Baltic States. Its façade was designed in the Neo-Baroque style, while the interior is dominated by elegant Neo-Rococo features. The Grand Hall, with its painted ceiling, is particularly impressive.
Splendid Palace is one of the few historic cinemas in Europe to have retained both its original function and its authentic interior. This is why attending a Baltic Pearl screening here is more than simply going to the cinema – it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Riga’s cinematic history for a few hours.
If your screening begins in the evening, you can complement your Riga getaway with a leisurely exploration of the city’s artistic and architectural landmarks. Start the day with a stroll through Riga Old Town and a visit to Riga Cathedral, then walk past the Latvian National Opera and along the city canal towards central Riga. Art lovers can visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, while architecture enthusiasts can continue to Alberta Street and Riga’s Art Nouveau district. You can find even more ideas for your itinerary in our guide to museums and art galleries in Riga Old Town.
In this way, a single day can encompass a wealth of cultural experiences – from the medieval architecture of Riga Old Town to Art Nouveau and fine art – before ending with a Baltic Pearl screening in the magnificent halls of Splendid Palace.
Choose Carillon Aparthotel for your stay in Riga Old Town and the aesthetic experience can continue long after your festival screening, museum visit or exhibition. The hotel is located at 13 Pils Street, in the very heart of Riga Old Town, in a historic building dating back to the 19th century. Its interior combines Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences with contemporary design, while carefully preserving historic details such as timber structures, tiled stoves, ceramic tiles and decorative features. The result is an elegant setting where the historic character of Riga Old Town meets modern comfort.
Choose one of the Baltic Pearl screenings, add a museum, architectural landmarks and leisurely walks through Riga Old Town to your itinerary – and an autumn weekend in Riga can become a truly memorable cultural experience.
