In August, Riga will be filled with the sounds of an extensive cultural program prepared for residents and guests by the Riga City Council. This year, Riga celebrates its 824th birthday, and everyone is invited to attend a variety of cultural events united by the slogan "RakstuRīga” (Riga in patterns).
"Summers in Riga have always been special to me. As a child, I spent them riding the carousels in Mežaparks with my friends, and now I spend them with my own children and see that the city has its own special magic in summer. This year's Riga Summer Program is truly diverse – from events in the neighbourhoods to concerts and events in the city centre. I am sure that everyone will find a suitable way to celebrate both Riga and summer," says Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of the Riga City Council.
This year, Riga's Summer Program is united under the motto "RakstuRīga", which invites everyone to discover and appreciate Riga's rich cultural heritage and look for characteristic features of contemporary urban cultural life, both in the neighbourhoods and at the central events celebrating Riga's birthday. The visual image of Riga Summer was created by artist Ella Mežule. She points out that this year's visual identity is deeply inspired by two powerful stories — 500 years since the first book was printed in Latvian and the dynamic life that characterizes Riga. Therefore, the visual identity includes references to printed and written letters, as well as scenes from the everyday lives of Riga's residents. The concept consists of seven main themes that explore the many ways in which Riga residents live, work, celebrate, play sports, enjoy music and read. These themes showcase the city's unique energy and diversity, and serve as a map to navigate the program of events.
Musical parks, neighbourhood festivals and ancient fire night
This year, Riga's birthday month will be celebrated with the slogan "Skani, Rīga!” (Sing, Riga), with three musical parks offering a wide and varied program of concerts. In Vērmane Garden, you will be able to hear Shipsea, The Sound Poets, the Riga Dome Choir School gospel choir and young artists, while in Dzegužkalns you will be able to enjoy artists such as Olga Rajecka, the bands Bel Tempo, Sigma, Kaut kaili and Chris Noah. while Dauderi Park will feature K.R.E.D.O (Kopā Reti Esošu Draugu Organizācija), cellist Valters Pūce and pianist Dainis Tenis, the band Autobuss debesīs, and the Mirage Jazz Orchestra with soloists Aija Vītoliņa and Laima Rācenāja.
Throughout August, traditional neighbourhood celebrations will take place, highlighting the unique characteristics of each neighbourhood and inviting not only residents of the surrounding areas, but all Riga residents to attend. On 2 August, the celebration will take place under the slogan "Grezno, Rīga!” (Decorate, Riga); there will be a festival in Ziepniekkalns Ēbelmuiža Park, on 9 August, with the slogan "Brīnies, Rīga!” (Wonder, Riga!), a festival for families with children, "Mana Rīga – rotaļīga" (My Riga - playful) will take place in Nordeķi Park, and on 14 August, a music and film evening dedicated to the memory of composer Juris Kulakovs will take place in Grīziņkalns Park. On 23 August, under the slogan "Sporto, Rīga!" fans of an active lifestyle are invited to a festival in Dreiliņkalns Park, while the festivities in the neighbourhood will conclude with an ancient fire night event called "Senču gaismu piedzīvot" (experience the light of our ancestors). On 30 August, everyone who cares about the Baltic Sea and its preservation, ecology and green lifestyle issues is invited to Vakarbuļļi Beach.
This year, for the first time, the Kalnciema Quarter will participate in Riga's birthday month celebrations with a program entitled "Vasara ārā. Vasara kopā” (Summer Outdoors. Summer Together), offering music nights, dancing, karaoke and delicious food on Thursday evenings in August in the apple orchard of Kalnciema Quarter. The events will feature performances by the group Jaunība, music selected by Riga's most discerning music lovers, glam karaoke by the theatre troupe Kvadrifrons, and the first-ever concert by Čipsis and Dullais. Throughout August, the Kalnciema Quarter Gallery will host a retrospective exhibition of works by ceramic artist Andrejs Ķiģelis.
Craft market, street musicians, "Riga(s) Stories" and "Alternative Riga"
Riga's 824th birthday celebrations "Svini, Rīga!" (Celebrate, Riga!) On 16 August, the festival will begin with a crafts market in Doma Square, where residents of Riga and visitors to the city will be able to view and purchase authentic, traditional handicrafts from various regions of Latvia. During the street music festival in the streets of Old Riga, professional musicians and well-known street musicians will offer a wide variety of music styles and moods, giving everyone a real sense of celebration.
On 16 August, the embankment along 11 November Street will become the epicentre of Riga's birthday celebrations, where the city's diversity will be revealed through environmental installations, historical stories, an antique car parade, poetry competitions, diverse culinary experiences, concerts and DJ sets. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Riga's stories – from the port to the bustle of the market, from the city's rich history to its creative present.
Vērmane Garden will be hosting the event "Rīga(s) Stories," which is especially geared toward families with children. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to enjoy exciting, educational and entertaining activities, including theatre performances, concerts, magic tricks, scientific experiments, and a special book fair dedicated to children and young people. From 18:00, the Vērmane Garden stage will invite Riga residents and visitors to dance to the rhythms of well-known pop artists Ance Krauze, Ingus Ulmanis, Antra Stafecka, Mārtiņš Ruskis, Ieva Sutugova, Artis Robežnieks and accompanying musicians led by MC Orchestra.
Uzvaras Park with the motto "Katram savs raksturs. Katram sava Rīga” (Everyone has their own character. Everyone has their own Riga) on Riga's birthday the city will host the event "Alternative Riga", transforming the park into a place where different generations and communities of interest can meet to celebrate with movement, music, conversations and creative activities. The park will host creative workshops, contemporary performances, shows by the AHHAA science centre, discussions, and sports activities. Creative communities and other organizations will invite residents to participate, and BMX, skateboarding, roller-blading, and scooter shows will take place in the skate park. From 18:00, the Uzvaras Park stage will become a platform for current, alternative and independent artists, offering an exciting series of concerts that will bring together audiences of different generations, especially young people.
Basketball Tournament and Football Festival
In Esplanāde, Riga's birthday will be celebrated in a sportive spirit with the traditional 24-hour basketball tournament "Krastu mačs" (Coastal Match). From 13:30 on 16 August until 15:00 on 17 August, fierce battles between Riga's right and left bank teams, matches between actors and musicians, and games between influencers and politicians are expected.
Football fans can look forward to the Riga Football Festival, which will take place at the Riga Congress Centre on 16 and 17 August. The festival will feature a children's and youth tournament, the Riga District Championship, and the Star Cup, which will be attended by well-known personalities. Throughout the day, there will be spectator areas, grandstands, food outlets, DJ music and various interactive activities.
More information about Riga Summer and birthday events is available on the website rigasvasara.lv, as well as on the Riga City Council social media pages “Rīga” and “Rīgā notiek”.
Information was prepared by Ineta Miglāne, Project Coordinator of the External Communication Division of the Communication Department of the Riga local government, e-mail: ineta.miglane@riga.lv
