From Old Town festivals to craft beer: Riga’s big September weekend

A large open‑air celebration turning Riga’s Old Town into a lively pedestrian zone with concerts, dance performances, craft and food markets, and creative workshops for all ages. Family‑focused activities run through the day, with music, street theatre, and gastronomy continuing into the evening, making it ideal for weekend visitors wanting to feel the city’s atmosphere.

A popular Saturday market in a restored wooden‑architecture quarter offering Latvian design, crafts, seasonal produce, street food and local wine. The atmosphere is relaxed and family‑friendly, with live music or small performances often complementing the stalls – perfect for combining shopping with a coffee or brunch.

A harvest‑themed city market showcasing regional products from across Latvia, including cheeses, smoked fish, honey, seasonal vegetables and traditional pastries. Expect tasting stands, live folk music and demonstrations of rural crafts, offering a flavorful snapshot of Latvian countryside traditions within the city.

One of the Baltics’ notable craft‑beer gatherings, bringing together around 30 local and international breweries for an afternoon and evening of unlimited tastings. Expect rare and small‑batch beers, street‑food vendors and a sociable atmosphere that appeals to beer enthusiasts and casual weekend travellers alike.

A community running event winding through the green surroundings of Mežaparks, suitable for both recreational runners and more serious athletes. Distances typically range from shorter fun runs to longer routes, offering an active way to explore Riga’s forested parkland on a Saturday.

A special evening featuring Latvian folk‑metal band Skyforger and collaborators, staged in one of Riga’s major open‑air concert venues. The show mixes heavy music with Baltic folklore and visual staging, drawing both local fans and curious visitors looking for a uniquely Latvian concert experience.

A late‑night indoor series of poker tournaments and side events at a major casino venue, attracting both international players and local nightlife‑seekers. Even if you are not playing, the bar, lounge and spectator areas provide a lively atmosphere into the small hours.

The official season‑opening of Riga Castle as a museum complex, with guided tours, family activities and special programmes at associated sites. It’s a good opportunity to explore Latvia’s history in an iconic riverside landmark and visit smaller museums connected to the castle.

A programme of guided tours and thematic events at museum branches such as the Popular Front Museum and Dauderi, focusing on Latvia’s 20th‑century political and cultural history. Ideal for visitors interested in understanding the country’s independence narratives and social changes.

A relaxed day to enjoy Riga’s parks and riverside promenades after the busy Saturday festivals. Pair a stroll through Bastejkalns and Kronvalda parks with coffee by the canal or a short boat ride, taking advantage of quieter city vibes while many venues still host smaller Sunday events.