August in Riga marks the peak of the summer season, packed with celebrations of every kind and scale. The city’s parks, waterfront and concert venues transform into vibrant stages where classical cultural traditions meet contemporary art and world-class entertainment. If you are planning to spend your August holiday in Riga, Carillon Aparthotel in the heart of the Old Town is the perfect base from which to explore all the must-see places in Riga in August 2026.
The final month of summer begins with a spectacular concert. On 6 August, world-renowned DJ Calvin Harris, whose chart-topping hits regularly dominate international music charts, will perform at the big stage of Mežaparks. His Baltic concert promises to be a spectacular show featuring stunning visual effects and high-energy performances that will fill Mežaparks with thousands of electronic music fans.
The big stage of Mežaparks is easily accessible from Carillon Aparthotel by public transport or taxi, allowing you to return to the peace and comfort of your apartment in the Old Town after the concert.
On 6 August, St Paul’s Church in Riga will host a concert transporting audiences into the glamorous world of Hollywood cinema. The evening programme features iconic music from internationally acclaimed films, including James Bond, Titanic, A Star Is Born, The Great Gatsby and many others. The concert will be performed by Latvian National Opera soprano Julia Vasiļjeva. Film music, specially designed lighting effects and the neo-Gothic architecture of St Paul’s Church will combine to create an unforgettable atmosphere, just a few minutes from Riga Old Town.
On 8 and 9 August, Riga Cathedral, located just a short walk from Carillon Aparthotel, will host the International Organ Music Festival. Visitors can look forward to performances by outstanding organists, a varied programme of classical music, and the opportunity to hear one of the world’s most celebrated historic pipe organs, whose remarkable sound is enhanced by the exceptional acoustics of Riga Cathedral.
From 6 to 20 August, every Thursday, Zuzeum Museum, in cooperation with Kino Kults, invites visitors to its open-air cinema nights. Audiences can enjoy a carefully curated selection of films in English with subtitles in the relaxed summer atmosphere of the museum’s courtyard. Watching films under the open sky, surrounded by twilight and the venue’s industrial setting, creates a unique cinema experience unlike any traditional screening.
From 11 to 15 August, Riga will host the international RE RIGA! festival, offering unique and captivating performances for the whole family by artists from around the world. Acrobatics, juggling, street theatre and contemporary circus performances will take place both at the Riga Circus, close to the Old Town, and in the blooming Vērmanes Garden, one of the city’s largest parks, creating a magical and inspiring atmosphere in the heart of Riga.
On 13 August, art lovers and admirers of aesthetics will gather for the international art fair Wings of Riga. The event has become an important meeting place for talented artists from Latvia and abroad. Visitors will be able to admire a wide variety of works, ranging from fine graphic art and paintings to original ceramics and designer pieces. It also offers a unique opportunity to purchase original artworks directly from their creators.
On 14 August, one of the summer’s most unusual parties will take place in the Tallinas Quarter in central Riga – the special summer edition of Silent Disco. Wearing wireless headphones, guests will be able to choose their favourite music channel and DJ, spending a warm August evening dancing in the unique atmosphere of one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
On 14 and 15 August, Riga will celebrate its 825th anniversary with a vibrant programme of events across the Old Town, the 11 November Embankment and the city’s parks. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy concerts, street markets, a food zone, creative workshops and activities for the whole family, while the evening will culminate in a special concert performance, a laser and fountain show, and an open-air celebration.
Riga’s festive restaurant ‘Open a Window to Riga!’
To mark Riga’s 825th anniversary, an elegant open-air restaurant, Open a Window to Riga!, will open beside the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. The Opera Square will bring together some of Riga’s finest restaurants and bars, accompanied by live music, the opportunity to taste the legendary ‘Vecrīga’ pastry, and a variety of musical performances throughout the event.
Red Bull Showrun Latvia
On 14 and 15 August, central Riga will host Red Bull Showrun Latvia for the first time, one of the most spectacular highlights of the city’s 825th anniversary celebrations. On 14 August, Red Bull Showrun Village will open on Eksporta Street, where visitors can get up close to the vehicles and meet the drivers. On 15 August, the streets of Riga will transform into a dynamic motorsport circuit featuring demonstration runs by an authentic Red Bull Formula 1 car, drift cars, rally cars and MotoGP motorcycles, creating an unforgettable spectacle of speed and adrenaline in the heart of the city.
Craft market at Dome Square
On 15 August, Dome Square, located just a few steps from Carillon Aparthotel, will host the traditional craft market as part of Riga’s anniversary celebrations. Residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to purchase authentic Latvian handicrafts, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, wooden and leather goods, while meeting local artisans and discovering traditional craftsmanship.
From 6 to 27 August, every Friday, the Small Guild Garden in Riga Old Town will host the free jazz concert series Jazz in the Old Town. Evenings will feature both well-loved classics and contemporary jazz performed by talented musicians, with spontaneous interaction between the performers and the audience creating an atmosphere driven by emotion, energy and improvisation.
From 2 to 28 August, Riga Cathedral will present its traditional evening concert series featuring classical music from different periods performed by Latvian and international artists. Many of the concerts will also showcase the world-famous historic organ of Riga Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of late Romantic organ building.
From 6 to 27 August, the Kalnciema Quarter in Āgenskalns will host its traditional open-air concerts featuring performers from a wide range of musical genres. Kalnciema Quarter is one of Riga’s finest ensembles of wooden architecture, with its carefully restored 19th-century buildings preserving their authentic historic character and representing an outstanding example of the city’s wooden architectural heritage. It is easily accessible from Carillon Aparthotel by public transport or taxi.
Bringing the summer season to a close, READY FEST will take place on 29 August at Wondersala in Andrejsala. The festival will feature popular artists and bands, delivering an energetic celebration of music and dancing on the banks of the River Daugava until late into the night, marking the final weekend of summer.
In August, Riga becomes one of Europe’s liveliest cities, offering world-class concerts, cultural events and a vibrant summer atmosphere. By choosing to stay at Carillon Aparthotel in Riga Old Town, you will be just a short walk from the city’s most popular cultural attractions and best restaurants. Book your stay and experience the very best of Riga while enjoying the comfort of staying in the heart of the Old Town.
