Music festivals

Positivus

Positivus, popular music festival in all three Baltic States, gathers an audience of 35,000 in the coastal town of Salacgriva in July every year. Groove to good music in great company, breathe in the refreshing aroma of a pine forest and catch the lazy sunsets on the beach. Headliners in previous years have included Muse, Scissor Sisters and Fatboy Slim. The festival’s atmosphere is "relaxed and international" as it well-attended by fans from the neighboring Baltics, but not only.

Summer Sound

Fancy a party right on the beach? Summer Sound, held in July every year on the white sand of Liepaja, is the place to enjoy summer to the fullest. Listen to local and foreign performers and dance till dawn!

Skaņu Mežs

Skaņu Mežs, called the festival of adventurous music and related arts, every October gathers experimental music performers, artists and filmmakers from many countries. The festival has a diverse program open to both pop musicians and performers of classical music. It moves to a different location every year, taking the audience to new places not yet overtaken by the mainstream public, such as the historical movie house Splendid Palace.

Riga Opera Festival

Riga Opera Festival, featuring local and foreign star performers, is traditionally hosted by the Latvian National Opera at the close of the season every year.

Song and Dance Festival

The Nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Festival is the most magnificent choral music and folk dance event in Latvia, actually the apex of all events. The Grand Finale concert at the Mezaparks Open-air Stage in Riga boasts about 400,000 participants. No doubt that during the festival the Latvian capital is completely swarmed by singers and dancers in Latvian national (regional) costume. Interesting souvenirs and ethnic and modern Latvian arts and crafts can be purchased at the Song Festival’s fair.

The next Song and Dance Festival will be held in 2023.

Riga Jurmala Music Festival

Riga Jurmala Music Festival showcases world-famous orchestras and conductors, as well as outstanding soloists. During four weeks Riga Jurmala Music Festival offers more than 20 symphonic and chamber music concerts. Festival’s dual location of Latvia’s historic capital city, Riga, and the forested seaside resort of Jūrmala appeals to visitors, who enjoy the unique settings for this new music festival.

Jazz Festivals

Jazz music lovers will find to their taste Saulkrasti Jazz Festival in July, and Rīgas Ritmi, the festival that takes place in many locations across Riga with concerts organized all year round.