Arts and Entertainment Events in Latvia
May 2-8
Welcome to your weekly guide to concerts, exhibitions and festivals in the Latvian capital! it's published every Friday morning - follow on Facebook for regular updates.
Learn more about my tours in Riga and Latvia.
Highlight of the Week
Due to the tremendously turbulent 20th century, Latvia has not one but two birthdays.
The first marks the November 18, 1918, declaration of independence in Riga's National Theatre, which after a yearlong fight against Bolshevik invaders and renegade Germans led to the First Republic.
The second celebrates the declaration on May 4, 1991, by the fledgling parliament re-establishing independence from the USSR. After the dramatic Barricades of 1991, today's free Latvia came about.
This weekend, the country marks the second of these joyous occasions, and there will be lots of celebrations in Riga.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to bring flowers to the Freedom Monument to form an epic floral map of Latvia. May 4 9:00-May 5 22:00, free entry.
Enjoy a Latvian movies marathon in Splendid Palace Cinema. Films will be shown in both halls of the cinema as well as an al fresco evening screening in the courtyard. May 4, 13:00-23:00, free entry, more info.
Enjoy concerts and folk dancing on Rātslaukums from 12:00, followed by a folk costume parade to the Freedom Monument at 15:00. At the monument there will be a concert by folk groups Teikas muzikanti, Daba San, Vilkači and Garataka, followed at 17:50 by a big show with choirs and pop stars.
May 2 and 5 are public holidays in Latvia.
I'm your guide for walks around Old Riga, marvellous Art Nouveau architecture, and the highlights of the Latvian capital.Or for a blast from the past on a Soviet history tour.
Live Music
classical
Estonia's Aare-Pau Lattik plays works by Bach and other composers on the grand organ of Riga Cathedral. Friday May 2, 19:00, tickets from 15 euros.
Graduating student Beāte Riekstiņa presents a concert in dance called Letters, a reflection on her feelings and memories about four years studying at the Music Academy of Latvia. Tuesday May 6, 19:00, tickets are 5 euros.
Also at the Music Academy of Latvia, students from the Organ Department play a concert of Bach, Handel, Verdi and other composers. Wednesday May 7, 18:00, tickets for 5 euros.
Pianist Benita Rose (USA) plays works by Western European and Latvian composers in St. Peter's Church. Wednesday May 7, 18:00, free entry.
jazz & folk
A talented sextet plays a tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. Part of International Jazz Week. At Masa gallery and culture bar, Friday May 2, 20:00, tickets for 15 euros.
The Kristaps Vanadziņš Trio play a special independence day gig at M/Darbnīca. Sunday May 4, 21:00, tickets from 30 euros.
rock & blues
Have fun all day Saturday as Angārs concert hall celebrates its third birthday. From 14:00, kids can do face painting while grownups get into beer joga, then from 19:00 Muud and Carnival Youth bring the house down. The afternoon fun is free, concert tickets from 25 euros.
Enjoy a sunny stroll in Jurmala, a daytrip to Kemeri National Park, a drive to beautiful Kurzeme or a tour to spectacular Sigulda.
Fun and Games
Swing into spring at the Latvian Plant Parade on Sigulda's Svētku laukums. Over 300 growers from across the country will show off their wares, backed up by artisan crafts and food stalls. Riga Zoo will provide games for youngsters. May 3 & 4, 10:00-16:00, free entry.
Have a sweaty independence day at the Jūrmala Fun Run on Majori beach. Adults can choose a 5 km or 10 km course and there's a 500 metre event for kids. Or break out the sticks for a 21 km, 10 km or 5 km Nordic walking challenge. Sunday May 4, 9:00, register by May 2.
Food and Drink
Latvians traditionally celebrate May 4 with a feast at a table covered with a white tablecloth.
Pick up a tablecloth and other linen items and enjoy a picnic under the blossoming apple trees at a special Independence Market at Kalnciems Quarter. Savour pīrāgi pastries, smoked chicken and fish and check out a display of National Guard equipment. Saturday May 3, 10:00-16:00, free entry.
On Sunday, there'll be lots of white tables at Āgenskalns Market, where patrons can enjoy traditional and offbeat meals from the market cafes to the sound of live Latvian music. Sunday May 4, 9:00-17:00, free entry.
Travel easy in Latvia and Riga with my disabled accessible tours.
Exhibitions
Move "Up, Down and All Around" at an exhibition by porcelain art tandem Ingūna Skuja and Melissa Braden. Riga Porcelain Museum, until June 8.
Ride over to "Galloping through thee Clouds," a show where more than 60 artists from the 19th century to today depict horses. At Art Platz, until May 11.
Warm up with an exhibit of early 20th century radiators and other central heating equipment. Riga Art Nouveau Centre, until May 11.
Relive the dramatic events of 1990-1991 in the outdoor photographic exhibition We are Free and Independent on Līvu laukums. Until May 30.
Ponder a retrospective of three late Soviet-era Baltic artists - Malle Leis, Maija Tabaka and Marija Terese Roženskaite in "Beyond the Frame." Contemporary Art Centre Zuzeum, until May 18.
Discover the career of architect Gunārs Birkerts, creator of Riga's "Castle of Light," at "Birkerts. Libraries. Light." National Library of Latvia, until January 17, 2026.
Examine paintings, sculptures, graphics and installations nominated for the Purvītis Prize. National Art Museum of Latvia, Until June 8.
Tread gently through "Layers", a new exhibition by 24 Baltic glass artists at Riga's Museum of Decorative Art and Design. Until May 18.
Explore paintings, drawings and murals by contemporary artist Diāna Adamaite in "Frequencies in Space", as well as music by Kristaps Pētersons composed for Diāna's art. At Dubulti Art Station, until May 4.
Delight in "The Garden of Past Pleasures," a retrospective for Latvian contemporary master Līga Purmale. National Art Museum of Latvia, until August 10.
Write a comment