Arts and Entertainment Events in Latvia
July 4-10
Welcome to your weekly guide to concerts, exhibitions and festivals in the Latvian capital! Published every Friday morning - follow on Facebook for regular updates.
Learn more about my tours in Riga and Latvia.
Highlight of the Week
This week, Riga resounds with music thanks to the Youth Song and Dance Festival. Scroll down for more info about the events.
Meanwhile, a place that symbolises Latvians' deep love for singing celebrates its 40th birthday. The Hill of Folk Songs in Sigulda's Turaida Museum Park is home to 25 sculptures by Indulis Ranka which reflect the nation's dainas, or folk songs. During the late 1980s National Awakening, folklore concerts held there forged a reconnection with traditional culture after the brutality of Soviet occupation.
The sculpture park was opened on July 7 1985, and this Sunday July 7 will witness moving commemorative events. At 4:00, Katrīna Mačuka on kokle and Rick Feds with finger percussion will give a sunrise concert. At 19:00, the local folklore ensemble Senleja will lead a big singalong. Free entry.
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
youth song and dance festival
This mass gathering of young talent brings music and joy to the city every five years. While seats for the major concerts are sold out, there are lots of free events to enjoy from July 5 to 13.
The grand opening of the festival is choreographed as a meeting between participants from Latvia's diverse regions in their distinctive folk costumes. Viesturdārzs Park, Sunday July 6, 12:00-13:45.
Folklore ensembles bring the farmsteads of the Open Air Ethnographic Museum to life. Tuesday July 8, 11:00-17:00.
Kokle ensembles strum the heartstrings in Saint Mary Magdalene Church. Thursday July 10, 13:00.
Brass bands get together in front of the Freedom Monument on Brīvības laukums. Saturday July 12, 12:00-14:00.
And all week, Vērmanes dārzs Park hosts concerts, theatre productions and arts and crafts.
classical
Līga Ivāne on organ and Rihards Plešanovs on piano play a Black and White Duet in Bulduri Lutheran Church in Jūrmala. Saturday July 5, 18:00, free entry.
Ten top Latvian school choirs, including the cathedral's boys' choir, give a concert of sacral music in Riga Cathedral. Sunday July 6, 20:00, tickets from 12 euros.
jazz & folk
Latvian sax maestro Toms Rudzinskis teams up with Finnish pianist Tuomo Uusitalo for a night of Baltic jazz at Masa gallery and culture bar. Friday July 4, 20:00, tickets are 10 euros.
Every Thursday in summer, enjoy jazz concerts in the garden of the Small Guild. From 17:00, free entry.
Latin
Enjoy Sunset Social Dancing at Majori Sphere beach bar in Jūrmala. Get into a bachata class then groove to salsa, zouk and kizomba rhythms. Sunday July 6, bachata class at 19:00, party from 20:00, all free entry.
Enjoy a sunny stroll in Jurmala, a daytrip to Kemeri National Park, a drive to beautiful Kurzeme or a tour to spectacular Sigulda.
Fun & Games
An hour by train north of Riga, Saulkrasti offers stunning sunsets and a much more laid back vibe than Jūrmala. This weekend the beach town comes to life with its annual festival. See the sand fly at a beach volleyball tournament at 10:00, then drift over to Saulkrasti Meža Parks for live music, handicrafts stalls and kids' activities from 11:00-16:00. The entertainment includes pop band Carnival Youth and afro-influenced Būū. In the evening a raft of Latvian pop stars perform at Saulkrasti Open Air Stage. Saturday July 5, daytime events are free, evening concert 10 euros.
Have some farming fun at the annual Tractor Festival in Tērvete. Cheer on strong men pulling the heavy machines uphill and young drivers showing off their skills, and slake your thirst at the adjacent Tērvete brewery. Saturday July 5, 9:30-16:00, free entry
Food and Drink
Vidzeme Market in the city centre has long been eclipsed by the giant central bazaar. But the historic courtyard on Brīvības iela will buzz with a growers' market on Sunday, with seasonal berries, smoked meats and other tasty treats. July 6, 12:00-18:00, free entry.
Savour Latvian flavours on a one-hour English-language gastro tour in Āgenskalns Market. The price includes tastings from seven vendors of cheese, smoked fish and meat, bread and more. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Every Thursday at 11:00, tickets are 35 euros.
Travel easy in Latvia and Riga with my disabled accessible tours.
Art & Exhibitions
Founded in 1773, the Museum of Riga's History and Navigation is the oldest museum in the Baltics. To help visitors get a grip on the tens of thousands of items in its collection, every week in summer the institution is holding "long Fridays" when it is open till 19:00, as well as tours in English at 14:00 (9.50 euros per adult). More info.
Discover the century-old Splendid Palace Cinema with a guided tour of the magnificent neo-rococo building. 18 June, 12 July and 26 July at 16:00, tickets are 16 euros.
Write a comment