Spring is the time when Riga wakes up from winter hibernation, offering a variety of events that entice you to step outside and see the city from a new perspective. From traditional Spring Equinox rituals, gastronomic festivals, and educational cultural events to active outdoor entertainment, spring 2025 in Riga promises to be an exciting season!
Welcoming the Sun on Spring Day
On the eve of the spring equinox, on March 20, Riga will celebrate the Spring Day – a ritual of welcoming the sun, also known as the day, when the symbolic gates of winter close. Accompanied by Latvian folklore groups, from 6:00 to 8:00 AM in Arkādija Park, on the eastern end of Zaķusala, and on Lucavsala, everyone will have the opportunity to engage in old traditions and celebrate the arrival of spring with songs, dances, dart throwing, and decorating swings. During these rituals, participants will receive a surge of energy for the entire season and experience a deep connection with nature and its cycles.
Seasonal Festival at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
This will be a true adventure for those who want to take part in celebrating traditional Latvian rituals! On March 22, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum will offer a rich program for celebrating the spring equinox, filled with Latvian traditions. Visitors will be able to participate in egg painting and rolling – symbols of life’s renewal – and swing on decorated swings, welcoming spring as a symbol of fertility. Children will enjoy creative workshops, while adults can savour Latvian cuisine and explore cultural heritage. And, of course, no Latvian festival would be complete without traditional dances and songs.
Riga Wine & Champagne 2025
An event in Riga that will be a true celebration for champagne and wine lovers! The festival will take place over four days, from March 27 to 30. It will feature exquisite tastings, including the Epic Rosé Party, where guests can enjoy various rosé champagnes in a lively atmosphere, as well as Burbuļu parāde (“Bubble Parade”), which will allow attendees to compare the taste nuances of different wines and other beverages. The festival will conclude with a Harvest Festival by champagne farmers from the most prestigious French region of Champagne, featuring unique champagne tastings. This is an excellent opportunity not only to enjoy drinks but also to learn more about the champagne production process and its traditions.
Riga Restaurant Week
Discover new flavours and the diverse restaurant scene in Riga! From March 31 to April 13, the city will celebrate Riga Restaurant Week, offering everyone the chance to enjoy specially curated three-course menus at exclusive, reduced prices. You can taste both classic Latvian cuisine and the latest culinary trends. More information and a list of participating restaurants can be found here.
Organ Music Concerts at Riga Cathedral
Riga Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is not only the largest medieval church in the Baltics but also an important centre of culture and spiritual life. The cathedral’s organ, built in 1883, is a unique late Romantic instrument, representing an outstanding example of organ craftsmanship, with few equals in Europe. From March to May, visitors to Riga Cathedral can enjoy the magnificent sound of this unique instrument during Concerto Piccolo performances (20 minutes of organ music) almost every day at 12:00 PM, as well as evening concerts on Fridays at 7:00 PM. Discover music from different eras in a historic setting!
Guided Tour of the Latvian National Opera
The Latvian National Opera, located next to the picturesque Bastejkalns Park, offers the opportunity to explore behind the scenes and learn how opera and ballet performances are created. Visitors will be able to tour rehearsal rooms and the main stage, gaining insight into the production process, while guides will share stories about the building and the traditions that have shaped Latvian culture. Tours take place from March to May.
Museum Night
A major cultural event set for May 17, offering free museum access late into the night. Visitors will be able to participate in special guided tours and creative workshops, deepening their understanding of Latvia’s rich culture and history. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit museums free of charge and see exhibitions, showcasing the diversity of Latvian art, history, and traditions. More information is available here.
Riga Art Week
A contemporary art festival will take place from May 26 to 29, offering a rich program for both art professionals and the general public. The highlight of the event will be Gallery Late on May 29, when more than 20 galleries and art spaces will remain open until late in the evening. Additionally, the high-rise Zunda Towers will feature the installation “Meatrack,” curated by James Taylor-Foster in collaboration with the architecture studio Ēter. This special event offers a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art in a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.
Rimi Riga Marathon
Probably, the biggest sports event in the Baltics, taking place on May 17–18. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in various distances – from a full 42 km marathon to an exciting 5 km run and children’s races. The positive atmosphere and sense of unity will make this event a true adventure for everyone. The marathon not only provides a chance to test your limits but also allows participants to admire Riga’s most beautiful landmarks, as the routes of the run pass through the city streets. The energy, support from spectators, and camaraderie among runners will create an inspiring atmosphere, encouraging everyone to reach their goals.
A Walk in Riga Zoo
In spring, after the winter slumber, nature and animals come back to life. Riga Zoo invites visitors to enjoy a spring walk, observing a variety of animals both in outdoor enclosures and in heated pavilions and aquariums. Families with children will especially enjoy educational and entertaining activities, animal feeding demonstrations, as well as spacious walking paths, relaxation areas, and playgrounds.
Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a sports lover, or looking for family-friendly activities, Riga offers a wide range of events to suit every taste. Enjoy the magic of spring and explore our vibrant city!
