Music Festivals

Festival season, offering exciting concerts, is one of the highlights of summer in Latvia, held in the most beautiful locations – on the beach in Liepaja, in picturesque Sigulda and other historical towns and, of course, in the concert halls and outdoor venues in the Latvian capital - Riga.

#1 Positivus

JULY

Positivus, the largest and most popular of music festivals in the 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.

#2 Summer Sound

AUGUST

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!

#3 Skaņu Mežs

OCTOBER

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.

#4 Riga Opera Festival

JUNE

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.

#5 Sigulda Opera Music Festival

AUGUST

Picturesque Sigulda becomes a focal point for opera fans when the ruins of the majestic castle there serve as backdrop for outstanding opera stars, choirs and orchestras during the Opera Music Festival.

#6 Song and Dance Festival

JULY

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 2018.

#7 Jazz Festivals

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

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