Festivity Guide for Summer 2025 in Latvia

Art and Music Festivals Light Up Summer Across Latvia

Summer in Latvia promises to be a vibrant season, with a variety of festivals set to entertain and delight locals and visitors alike. Here's a roundup of some of the most anticipated events taking place across the country.

Zobens un Lemess (June 6-8)

The heavy music and history festival Zobens un Lemess will once again grace Bauska Hillfort from June 6 to 8. This year, the lineup includes bands such as Avulsed, Archgoat, Isole, Khors, Severoth, Dymna Lotva, Frailty, and Māra, promising a thrilling experience for metal music enthusiasts.

Ecosystemic (June 12-13)

The alternative music festival Ecosystemic will take place at Mežaparks Stage on June 12 and 13. This year, Eivor, Mars Red Sky, The 3rd and the Mortal, Of the Wand and the Moon, and other alt-indie-post-punk bands will perform, offering a unique blend of music genres.

Sigulda Opera Music Festival (June 26-29)

The annual Sigulda Opera Music Festival will take place on two weekends, with various performances such as The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata, as well as solo concerts and a Gala concert. The festival will be held in Sigulda, offering a picturesque setting for these timeless operas.

Positivus (August 8-10)

Once again, the Positivus festival will take place at Lucavsala, Riga, with headliners Rag N'Bone Man, Milky Chance, Mura Masa, Two Feet, Elderbrook and many many other artists. This three-day event is a must-attend for music lovers, offering a diverse lineup of artists and a lively atmosphere.

Valmiera Summer Theater Festival (August 1-3)

Between August 1 and 3, the Valmiera Summer Theater Festival will take place in various city squares and outside the city, showing premieres and performances. This festival is a celebration of theatre and the arts, offering a unique and immersive experience for attendees.

Summer Sound 2025 (August 1-2)

The popular music festival Summer Sound 2025 will feature the Swedish dance music sensation Galatnis and UK hitmaker Jonas Blue, as well as local artists such as Ozols, Olas, Carnival Youth, Fiņķis and others. This two-day event promises to be a lively and energetic celebration of music.

Other Notable Festivals

Other notable festivals include the art festival "Cēsis 2025" from July 18 to August 30, gathering visitors to cultural events at various venues; the Fāze 25 music festival at the Zentene Castle, Tukums municipality, on July 18-19, featuring Latvian bands and artists; the Riga Rhythms jazz festival from July 2-5, held in various venues in Rīga; the Saldus saule festival on July 25-26, bringing together many bands in Saldus Kalnsētas Park; and the Bauska Country Festival at the Bauska hillfort on July 5 and 6, featuring Latvian and foreign country stars.

In addition, there are several festivals dedicated to specific genres, such as the Straume hip-hop festival, the Saldus Schlager Marathon music festival, and the colour festival Holi. The annual conversation and discussion festival Lampa will take place in Cēsis from June 20-21, offering thought-provoking discussions and debates.

Lastly, the international folklore festival "Baltica" will take place in Rīga, Sigulda, and Daugavpils from June 26-29, showcasing traditional Latvian and foreign folk music and dance. The annual art and nature synthesis festival Ezera skaņas (The Sounds of the Lake) will take place at the Kāla lake in Madona municipality, Vestiena parish on July 26-27.

With such a diverse range of festivals taking place across Latvia, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Whether you're a music lover, a theatre-goer, or a culture enthusiast, there's no shortage of exciting events to attend. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of Latvia's summer festivals!