Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Fair 2026 - Program, Times, Craftsmen and Traditions

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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.