Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Fair 2026 - Program, Times, Craftsmen and Traditions
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Fair 2026 is expected to be one of the largest and most visited traditional culture events in Latvia. Every year the fair brings together thousands of visitors from Latvia and abroad who want to discover historic Latvian crafts, folklore, folk music and the atmosphere of an authentic market. The event takes place in the wide museum grounds by Lake Jugla, where historic farmsteads, old buildings and the surrounding nature create the feeling of a Latvian village from another time. The fair has been organised for more than fifty years and has become an important tradition marking the beginning of summer. Visitors will be able to buy handmade goods, watch craft demonstrations, take part in activities and enjoy live music throughout the day. The event is especially popular with families, because creative workshops, folk games and activities for children will be available across the grounds. Traditionally more than 500 craftsmen from all regions of Latvia take part, offering ceramics, woven textiles, wooden objects, jewellery, metalwork and local food. Guests can also taste freshly baked bread, smoked products, cheese, honey and other rural delicacies. Folklore groups, folk dances and traditional music will add a special festive atmosphere.
Fair 2026 Dates and Venue
Dates: June 6 and 7, 2026
Time: 09:00-17:00
Venue: Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, Brivibas gatve 440, Riga
Fair 2026 Program - Saturday, June 6
09:00 - Fair Opening
From the morning, the museum grounds will open with the craftsmen market, local food producers, traditional food areas and demonstrations of old crafts. Throughout the day visitors will be able to explore Latvian craft traditions and buy handmade items.
Folklore and Music Program
Performances during the day will include:
- Folk dance ensemble "Dancitis"
- Ethno company "Zeidi"
- Riga Dance Club
- Folklore friends group "Skandinieki"
- Sigulda folklore group "Senleja"
The grounds will host traditional dances, folk song programs and musical performances.
Theatre Performances
Near the Western Gate:
- 11:00 - Rudolfs Blaumanis play "Zagli"
- 14:00 - Rudolfs Blaumanis play "Zagli"
The performances will be staged by Skulte amateur theatre "Vinda".
Tradition Demonstrations and Activities
At the "Lurki" farmstead in the Kurzeme fishing village:
- Churning white butter
- Knitting mittens and shoulder shawls
- Taking photos in Rucava folk costumes
- Folk games and dances
- Demonstrations of old traditions
Fair 2026 Program - Sunday, June 7
09:00 - Market Opening
The craftsmen market, tastings and various family activities will continue.
Music Program
Performers will include:
- Kocini band
- Musical group "Svetki"
- Agenskalns musicians
- Teika musicians
- Ethno group "Ogas"
Folk dance and folklore performances will also be available during the day.
Theatre Program
- 11:00 - "Skroderdienas Silmacos"
- 14:00 - "Skroderdienas Silmacos"
The performances will be staged by Balozi People's Theatre.
Family Activities
- Children's activities
- Folklore performances
- Live craft demonstrations
- Tastings of traditional foods
- Handmade goods from more than 530 craftsmen
What Visitors Can Buy at the Fair
Visitors will be able to buy:
- Ceramic goods
- Handmade jewellery
- Linen clothing
- Folk costumes
- Wooden products
- Metalwork
- Basketry
- Wool blankets
- Natural cosmetics
- Honey and beekeeping products
- Bread and pastries
- Smoked products and cheeses
- Herbal teas
- Candles and sauna goods
Transport and Access
During the event there will be additional trips on trolleybus route 31, extra buses to the Open-Air Museum and traffic organisation changes from 08:00 to 17:00. Organisers recommend arriving early, because parking areas and access roads are expected to be very busy.
About the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe. It was founded in 1924 and preserves a unique cultural and historical heritage of Latvia. The museum grounds include historic buildings from different Latvian regions, traditional farmsteads, windmills, granaries and craft workshops. During the fair the museum becomes a centre of Latvian traditional culture with an authentic atmosphere and setting.