What to do in Riga? Events in Riga!
11th of November - LÄÄplÄsis Day
Every year on November 11, countless candles are lit in Latvia to commemorate the victory of the Latvian army against the West Russian volunteers led by General Pavel Bermont-Avalov on November 11, 1919. On this day, Latvia pays tribute to Latvian freedom fighters.
The day is named after the Latvian hero LÄÄplÄsis, who had the strength of a bear. He has become a symbol of heroism and devotion to this country.
The day begins with a memorial service, various events are held throughout Latvia. In the evening, thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Daugavaās River in Riga and lit candles at the Riga Castle to pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters. Special concerts and torchlight parades will also be held at various locations.
Ā
November 18 ā Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia
For every Latvian, November 18 is the most important national holiday, remembering the creation of the independent Latvian state in 1918.
Event program in central Riga:
- 9:00 Riga Dome Cathedral
Ecumenical church service - 10:00 Freedom Monument
Flower laying ceremony - 11:00-18:00 Latvian National Museum of History
Various events are being held in celebration of Independence Day. One such event is an exhibition showcasing the complete set of the Military Order of LÄÄplÄsis, along with a lecture on the order’s creation, stories, and a tour of the exhibition. Additionally, there are several other exhibitions currently on display, including Constitution 100+, Crowning, Archaeological, Ethnographic and Contemporary Wreaths in Latvian Culture, Colorful Latvia, The Founding of the Latvian State, and Money in Latvia.
Free entry, info: www.lnvm.lv
Events in Riga! - November 11
13:00 Embankment
Military parade of the National Armed Forces, units of the Interior Ministry, and units of foreign armed services
17:00 Latvian War Museum
Concert: SONG – SOURCE OF THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE. Folklore and ancient battles collective VilkaÄi.
19:00-23:00 Freedom Square
Celebratory event on the 105th anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic of Latvia
19:00-20:00 - Ceremonial concert - The Voice of the People in Song
Latvian men’s choirs under the direction of composer JÄnis Strazds, as well as soloists Ance Krauze, Ilze Ķuzule-SkrastiÅa and RÅ«ta DÅ«duma-Ķirse. The event will be moderated by actor Egils MelbÄrdis.
20:00-20:07 Ceremonial address by Latvian President Edgars RinkÄviÄs
Latvian national anthem
20:10-20:20 Multimedia laser show over the Freedom Monument
Show will be repeated four times each hour until 23:00
18:00-23:00 Along the city canal from the Latvian National Opera to Freedom Square and Bastejkalns
Live fire objects River of Fire
Events in Riga! - November 17, 18 and 19
18:30-23:00 ArkÄdijas Park
ArkÄdijas Garden of Light. Fire and light installations in festive atmosphere
21:00 Riga Culture and Folk Art Center - MazÄ Ä¢ilde
Concert – It Burns and Glows, and Will Not Go Out. Youth choir Balsis, Gundars ÄboliÅÅ”, instrumental group conducted by JÄnis MiltiÅÅ”.
Riga Restaurant week
Along with the riot of colors in the parks and gardens, Riga Restaurant Week is back again, bringing gourmets exquisite cuisine and a cozy atmosphere on autumn evenings! This year will the master chefs create remarkable works of art in the kitchen using the freshest local products that the colorful harvest offers. The Riga Restaurant Week will take place from October 30 to November 12, and more than 50 restaurants in the city offering specialty three-course meals worth 30, 35 and 40 euros.
We would like to remind you that you must reserve a table in advance in order to enjoy your meal at the desired time
Fair at Kalnciema Quarter
Every Saturday at the Kalnciema Quarter Fair, Latvian Farmers offer local goods and hand craftsmen come to sell unique handicrafts. Children are invited to take part in creative workshops and ride the colorful Carousell for free. The fairās theme changes to reflect seasonal festivities, which also include concerts, exhibitions, open-air performances and other events at the fair.
āHaving qn event like this on one of the main streets in the center of Riga is a positive signal for all visitors to Rigaā, says KÄrlis, a proponent of the renovation of wooden buildings and an authentic lifestyle, a property owner in the area. MÄrtiÅÅ” Dambergs said. āThe Kalnciema Quarter is like an eye-catching brooch on Rigaās dress and we were delighted to have the opportunity to rub against it. āThe brooch looked particularly bright while on vacation
Kids can join in various creative workshops, enjoy the carousel, taste the delicious homemade ice-cream and take a well-deserved nap in a hammock while the adults can enjoy a kidās free time and look at delicious products by local farmers and homemade goodies (jams, teas, meat, peppermints, fish, and other merchandise).
Besides, each visitor should come to the fair hungry. Multiple local handcraft and jewelry are also on sale, like design objects, glass items, etc…
Exhibition Christmas in Art Nouveau Style
At the end of the year, the Riga Art Nouveau Center extends a warm invitation to its cherished patrons for the customary Christmas exhinition
Step into the enchanting world of Art Nouveau Christmas decor ā adorned trees, periodappropriate ornaments, and artist TamÄra Äudnovskaās exquisite creations, inspired by early 20th-century traditions. The exhibit is enriched with hand-painted glass baubles by Aleksandra Äudnovska, authentic decoupage artorks, and captivating photographs capturing winter vistas from Rigaās parks. Additionally, guests will have the pleasure of persuing vintage Christmas postcards from the museumās esteemed collection.
Working hours
Mo:
–
Tu:
10:00 – 18:00
We:
10:00 – 18:00
Th:
10:00 – 18:00
Fr:
10:00 – 18:00
Sa:
10:00 – 18:00
Su:
10:00 – 18:00
Exhibition "Field of Vision"
The Zuzeum Arts Center kicks off the fall season with the exhibition āField of Visions,ā which explores the fragmented nature of oneās perception of the world. This perception is constantly influenced by a person’s physical and mental disabilities. The exhibitionās curator, TÄ«na PÄtersone, focuses on āblind spotsā ā topics that, for various reasons, we donāt notice, donāt understand or ignore, and so they slip out of our field of vision.
āVisionsā brings together 80 artworks (including paintings, sculptures, and audiovisual media) from ZuzÄnsā extensive collection. Works of art are evidence of an era that emerged under the influence of various political systems, cultural trends, and social norms. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how their relationships with themselves impact their ability to form healthy connections with other members of society, from romantic partnerships to political alliances to the coexistence of humans and nonhumans.
Art educators will be present in the galleries throughout the exhibition to facilitate discussion and dialogue about the artworks on display. As part of the project’s public program, a variety of workshops, lectures and discussions will be held, all of which can be found on the Arts Center’s website
Working hours
Mo:
–
Tu:
11:00 – 19:00
We:
11:00 – 19:00
Th:
11:00 – 20:00
Fr:
11:00 – 19:00
Sa:
11:00 – 19:00
Su:
11:00 – 17:00
Exhibition - Colorful Latvia
The exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the history of Latvia spanning over a century, depicted in authentic colors. It presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of color photography since the early 20th century, showcasing a range of significant milestones. These include the earliest colored photographs, the inaugural slides captured within Latvia’s borders in 1910, and the exceptional private color photographs from the interwar period in the 1930s. Furthermore, the exhibition highlights the accomplishments of photographers during the Soviet era, leading up to the advent of modern color photography, coinciding with Latvia’s regained national independence in 1990.
In addition to the captivating photographs sourced from the Latvian National Museum of History, the exhibition also places great importance on the contributions of Latvian families. This inclusion adds a personal touch to the vibrant portrayal of Latvia’s history.
Working hours
Mo:
–
Tu:
10:00-17:00*
We:
10:00-17:00
Th:
10:00-17:00
Fr:
10:00-17:00
Sa:
10:00-17:00
Su:
10:00-17:00
* 01.06.ā31.08.: II 11:00ā19:00
Guides Tours at the Latvian National Opera (in English)
A guided backstage tour of the Latvian National Opera offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a remarkable architectural masterpiece of the 19th century. During the tour, visitors will have the chance to go behind-the-scenes and learn about the technical and artistic aspects of producing an opera or ballet performance.
Throughout the tour, the Opera’s knowledgeable guides will share insights into the history and traditions of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Visitors will learn about the various roles and responsibilities of the production crew, from the lighting and sound technicians to the stage managers and directors. If available, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the rehearsal rooms and practice halls where performers refine their skills. The tour includes a visit to the stage itself, where visitors can witness the various mechanisms and technologies that bring productions to life.
The guided backstage tour of the Latvian National Opera promises to be a captivating and enlightening experience, providing an intimate glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most esteemed performance venues in the Baltics.
Christmas market at VÄrmanes Garden Park.
Baltic Expo
