When to visit Latvia - What's On?
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
When planning a trip to Latvia, you might like to consider which national holidays or festivals you would like to avoid or attend. Whether you are planning a quiet break or you like the idea of embracing the celebrations of Latvia's national holidays and festivals - it is best to check what is open/closed before you book. There will be music and food festival dates added as they become available, so please check back!
Below is a list of the main holidays and festivals in Latvia to help you plan your trip.
What's on in Latvia 2025
October 27- November 01: ARENA contemporary music festival - Riga
November 15-18: Staro Riga Light Festival
November 18: Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia (marks Latvia's declaration of independence in 1918)
December 24-25: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (expect some restaurants & attractions to be closed)
December 26: Boxing Day (double check opening times for venues)
December 31: New Year's Eve (early closing for attractions, dinner reservations or events to be pre-booked)
What's on in Latvia 2026
January 1: New Year's Day (some venues and attractions will be closed)
February tbc: Meteni - an ancient Latvian spring holiday traditionally tied to the day before Ash Wednesday and Lent, celebrated seven weeks before Easter. The Latvian Open-Air Museum and Turaida Castle host events.
April 3-6: Easter weekend (Good Friday and Easter Sunday are commonly known as Liela Piektdiena and Lieldienas in Latvia: expect some venues to be closed)
May 4: Day of the Restoration of Latvian Independence (marks Estonia's 1990 restoration of independence)
June tbc: Riga Opera Festival - dates
June 23-24: Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer's Day (commonly known as Ligo and Jani in Latvia) Expect closures and a relatively quiet city as people celebrate in the countryside and celebrations can last all night long)
July tbc: Jurmala Festival - dates coming soon
July 24-26: Laima Rendezvous Jurmala
July 18: Ethno Festival SVIESTS, Valmiermuiza
July-August tbc: Cesis Art Festival
August 2: International Ballet Festival “Ballet Stars in Jurmala”
August tbc: Positivus Festival - dates coming soon
August tbc: Riga City Festival - dates coming soon
November tbc: Staro Riga Light Festival - dates coming soon
November 18: Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia (marks Latvia's declaration of independence in 1918)
December 24-25: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (expect some restaurants & attractions to be closed)
December 26: Boxing Day (double check opening times for venues)
December 31: New Year's Eve (early closing for attractions, dinner reservations or events to be pre-booked)
Latvian Song & Dance Festival
The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is the largest celebration of Latvian culture featuring thousands of performers wearing traditional dress and taking part in choir, dance, music concerts and exhibitions. Recognised by UNESCO and rooted in the heritage of Latvian folklore and traditions, the festival typically takes place every 5 years in the first week of July. The next festival is scheduled for 2028 so plan your visit early, tickets are in demand and sell out early.