Riga City Festival: a must-visit for locals and guests alike

Riga City Festival 2015 — the largest event in town, starts Friday, August 14 and will last thru Sunday, August 16.

The Festival a.k.a. Rīgas Svētki organized by the City Council boasts many concerts, exhibitions, installations and competitions that you just can not miss! In total, an impressive 80 different and entertaining festivities to be held in the capital of Latvia this week-end.

What to do in Riga in August? Not even a question.

This year, Riga City Festival takes place in honor of the 815th Anniversary of the Port of Riga. The celebration reminds us of the times when the city was first born — the waters of Daugava River brought sailing ships with foreign goods, the aroma of herring and sprat was in the air, and the narrow streets of cobblestone were filled with the Brethren and Knights of the Order.

Riga has always been gateway to the world, the Daugava — a road connecting nations and people. The City Festival events conjure up ancient historical sights both on water and on land.

Aerial demonstrations are taking place in the skies above the meadows at Spilve Airport, while the popular festival venues in the Old Town — the 11th November Embankment, Vermanes Park, and other locations — are filled with entertaining and educational activities for all generations: musical and theatrical surprises, special offers from Riga cafes and restaurants, goods sold at Riga City Festival markets by Latvian farmers and craftsmen.

Check out the full program of events on the Riga City Festival website.

If you get lost in the great amount of events and can’t choose where to go next, make sure you hit one of the Riga City Festival information centers — you’ll find them at the Laima Clock and in the 11th November Embankment as well as in most of the event locations.

Another way of deciding on your next step — is the official interactive map of the Festival, we’re sure you’ll find it handy.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the event of the year to the fullest!

Moreover, the public transportation in Riga will be free of charge. So plan as much as you can — and have fun!