When to visit Latvia - What's On?
Monday, 18 May 2026
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 2026
January 1: New Year's Day (some venues and attractions will be closed)
February: 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 4-20: Riga Opera Festival
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 12-18: Jurmala Festival a week of classical, opera, and orchestral music.
July 24-26: Laima Rendezvous Jurmala
July 18: Ethno Festival SVIESTS, Valmiermuiza
July 18-August 30: Cesis Art Festival
August 2: International Ballet Festival “Ballet Stars in Jurmala”
August: Positivus Festival - dates coming soon
August 14-16: Riga City Festival
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 2027
January 1: New Year's Day (some venues and attractions will be closed)
February 6: 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.
March 26-29: 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: Riga Opera Festival - dates to be announced
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: Jurmala Festival - dates coming soon
July: Laima Rendezvous Jurmala - dates coming soon
July 18: Ethno Festival SVIESTS, Valmiermuiza
July-August: Cesis Art Festival - dates coming soon
August 2: International Ballet Festival “Ballet Stars in Jurmala”
August: Positivus Festival - dates coming soon
August: Riga City Festival - dates coming soon
November: 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.