Summer in Riga is a little life of its own. The city’s parks come alive with concerts and festivals, the streets of the Old Town fill with tourists, while restaurant terraces echo with lively conversations and cheerful laughter. From traditional midsummer celebrations and open-air concerts to contemporary art events, you can expect a plenty of places to visit in Riga to fully enjoy the vibrant, diverse and memorable experiences of summer 2026.
If you are planning a holiday in Riga, comfortable accommodation in the city centre is essential. An excellent choice is Carillon Aparthotel – a modern aparthotel in Old Riga, offering both privacy and comfort while placing you just a short walk away from the city’s main event venues and best restaurants in Riga.
Open-Air Ethnographic Museum fair
On 6 and 7 June, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum invites visitors to its traditional annual fair – one of Latvia’s largest celebrations of traditional crafts and folk culture – perfect for a daytrip from Riga.
Craftsmen, local producers and artisans from across Latvia will gather here, offering high-quality handmade goods, ceramics, linen products, jewellery, cosmetics and local delicacies. Visitors will also enjoy folk ensembles, dance groups, traditional music performances and live demonstrations of craftsmen at work.
“Hollywood Legends” concert
On the evening of 12 June, St. Paul’s Church will transform into a stage celebrating the history of film music. The “Hollywood Legends” programme will feature not only iconic melodies from Titanic and the dynamic James Bond films, but also music from other cinematic classics. The acoustics of the church’s neo-Gothic vaults will give these familiar compositions a unique and majestic sound.
Summer in Riga would not be complete without Līgo and Jāņi celebrations. This year will be no exception, with a wide variety of midsummer events allowing visitors to experience old traditions, songs, dances and festive celebrations.
Midsummer Eve Celebration at the Open-Air Museum
On 13 June, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum invites visitors to a special celebration of evening before Jāņi. From 11:00 until 15:30, guests will be able to take part in traditional rituals, discover midsummer customs from different Latvian regions and enjoy communal singing and traditional games.
Traditional Herb Market
On 19 June, the traditional Herb Market will take place in Dome Square, just a few steps away from Carillon Aparthotel. An essential part of the Līgo celebrations, the market will offer herbs for Jāņi, oak-leaf wreaths, artisan crafts, cheese, honey and other local produce. Musical performances and festive entertainment will create a particularly special atmosphere. For guests of Carillon Aparthotel, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Līgo right around the corner from the hotel’s doorstep.
Līgo Fair at Vērmanes Garden
From 19 to 23 June, Vērmanes Garden – Riga’s oldest public park, located within walking distance of the Old Town – will host the traditional Līgo Fair. Over five days, craftsmen, farmers and designers from across Latvia will create the atmosphere of a true midsummer celebration right in the heart of the city.
Visitors will be delighted by colourful flower bouquets, Līgo decorations and oak-leaf wreaths, as well as a wide selection of local delicacies including cheese, honey, smoked meats, freshly baked rye bread, pickles and beverages from small local wineries. There will also be designer clothing, jewellery, handbags, natural cosmetics, ceramics, porcelain, wooden products and many other creations by local artisans.
The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by traditional Līgo music, homemade cuisine, family-friendly activities, face painting for children and entertainment throughout the day – a perfect way to experience the spirit of the summer solstice in the very centre of Riga.
Līgo celebrations in Riga: from sunset to sunrise
On 23 and 24 June, Latvia traditionally celebrates the summer solstice. It is the time when nature reaches its peak and light finally triumphs over darkness, marking the shortest night and the longest day of the year. This summer, Riga will once again host an extensive festive programme, with further details to be announced closer to the celebrations. Everyone will be welcome to take part in traditional activities – weaving wreaths from herbs believed to possess magical powers, joining cheerful folk games and enjoying energetic folk dance performances. Bonfires will burn until sunrise, while communal singing and concerts create a unique sense of togetherness.
Rīgas Ritmi
From 2 to 4 July, the Rīgas Ritmi festival will transform Latvia’s capital into the heart of Baltic jazz. The programme will feature internationally acclaimed jazz, soul and world music performers alongside promising young talents, offering unforgettable musical discoveries. Concerts will take place across various cultural venues throughout Riga, providing the perfect soundtrack to your summer.
Riga Contemporary Art Fair
From 2 to 5 July, the Riga Contemporary Art Fair will bring together galleries, collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase contemporary artworks, discover Baltic and international art trends, and meet artists and gallery representatives in person.
International Art Exhibition and Fair “Wings of Riga”
On 13 August, Riga will host the international art exhibition and fair “Rīgas spārni”, becoming a meeting place for talented artists and lovers of aesthetics from different countries. Guests will enjoy a diverse exhibition ranging from refined graphic art and paintings to original ceramic works. It is a unique opportunity not only to admire a wide variety of artworks, but also to expand a private collection by purchasing pieces directly from the artists themselves.
Riga birthday celebrations
On 15 August, Riga’s birthday celebrations will transform the capital into a grand festive stage where music, culture and the joy of togetherness intertwine. From the historic streets of Old Riga to the banks of the Daugava River and the city’s green parks, Riga will come alive with concerts, craft markets and exciting entertainment for the whole family. Visitors will once again enjoy performances by street artists, while the now traditional 24-hour basketball tournament “Krastu mačs” will add a spirited sporting atmosphere to the festivities.
Summer is perfect for leisurely meals on the terraces of top restaurants and bars in Riga. The historic architecture of Old Riga, its lively streets and unique atmosphere create an ideal setting for romantic dinners, gatherings with friends or peaceful evenings after concerts and sightseeing.
By choosing a hotel in Old Riga, most restaurants, cultural venues and summer events will be just a few minutes’ walk away. Near Carillon Aparthotel you will also find the popular Two More Beers restaurant, where guests can enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks and beautiful views over Old Riga.
A summer holiday in Riga is an adventure where old Latvian traditions and the magic of midsummer meet contemporary festivals and artistic performances. From vibrant open-air concerts to relaxed moments in the cafés of Old Riga, every moment in the city is filled with a special energy and the lightness of summer.
To experience this atmosphere to the fullest, choose a hotel in Old Riga. Carillon Aparthotel is an oasis of serenity within a dynamic city, combining the comfort of modern apartments with an exceptional location. Here, the city’s most popular events, Riga’s top restaurants and best concerts are all within easy reach, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Riga.
