In 2026, Riga once again invites residents and visitors to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a rich programme of public events. Festivities will take place from the evening of 23 June until the early hours of 24 June and will include concerts, folk performances, traditional rituals, dancing, wreath-making workshops, and bonfire ceremonies.
Main celebration venues include:
Guests will have the opportunity to experience authentic Latvian folklore, traditional music, festive dances, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the shortest night of the year.
The Midsummer celebration “From Sun to Sun” at Grīziņkalns will begin at 8:00 PM with flower crown weaving, traditional Jāņi customs and folk games. At 10:20 PM, visitors will be invited to take part in the sunset farewell and bonfire lighting ceremony together with the ethno group Ogas, post-folk band Rikši and folklore ensemble Kokle. After midnight, the celebrations will continue with a DJ set and a performance by the popular Latvian music group Raxtu Raxti. From 2:00 AM, guests will be able to dance at an open-air party with the band Zuši, followed by DJ Kaspars Zaviļeiskis from 4:00 AM.
As usual, Midsummer celebrations at Dzegužkalns will take place in a traditional atmosphere. The programme will begin at 8:00 PM, led by Midsummer hosts Zoja Heimrāte and Edgars Lipors, together with members of the Riga Dance Club and ethno group Zeidi. From 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, visitors will be invited to join traditional singing rituals and Midsummer customs led by Zeidi. From 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the post-folk group Iļģi will perform traditional Midsummer songs. From 11:00 PM until midnight, everyone will be welcome to join a grand traditional folk dance session led by Ilga Reizniece and Iļģi, with dancers from the Riga Dance Club teaching the steps. After midnight, all participants named Jānis will be honoured in a special ceremony, followed by a musical performance by Rahu to symbolically drive away the darkness. At 2:00 AM, guests will await the sunrise together with the contemporary folk group Jauno Jāņu Orķestris, while the post-folk group Rikši will accompany the final moments before sunrise.
At the Mežaparks Green Theatre, the Riga Open-Air Dance Celebration will begin at 8:00 PM. The evening programme will feature the post-folk group Rikši, singer Žoržs Siksna and his accompanying band. From 10:30 PM, the band Laika upe will entertain Midsummer revellers. Shortly before midnight, at approximately 11:40 PM, popular Latvian singer Aija Andrejeva will perform with her band. At around 1:00 AM, the group Labvēlīgais tips will take the stage, followed shortly after 2:00 AM by singer Ralfs Eilands and his band. At 3:30 AM, the band Zelta kniede will perform for the most energetic guests. The traditional sunrise awakening ritual will take place at 4:25 AM. The event will be hosted by actors Imants Strads and Elīna Vāne.
Admission to all events is free of charge. Traditional Midsummer food and refreshments will be available for purchase at each event location
If you are interested about Midsummer Warm-up Events in Riga, take a look HERE
Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your Midsummer experience, wear comfortable clothing, bring a light jacket for the cooler night hours, and prepare to stay awake until sunrise. Watching the first rays of the morning sun is one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of Latvian Jāņi celebrations.
We wish you a joyful Līgo celebration and an unforgettable Summer Solstice experience in Riga!
