Ligo and Jani events in Riga and Latvia 2026: programme and times

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Latvia’s Midsummer is a once-a-year chance to celebrate outdoors the way locals truly do. In 2026, the key nights fall right around 23–24 June, when Riga and many towns stay awake until sunrise. If you want a classic city celebration, Riga offers several big, easy-to-join events with late-night dancing. If you prefer something quieter, look for solstice rituals by the sea or in small municipalities with a strong folk feel. This guide focuses on events with verified dates and times, so you can plan confidently. Start by deciding whether you want a market-and-prep day, a full-night bonfire party, or a concert-led programme. Many celebrations are free, but a few special concept events require paid entry, so it helps to choose early. If you are travelling with children, look for events that begin earlier in the evening and include workshops or activities. If you are chasing the authentic ritual mood, pick programmes that include sunset, fire, and night-long dances. If you want to sleep later, aim for venues with clear end times so you can plan transport. Riga’s parks are convenient for visitors, while coastal and regional programmes can feel more immersive. Consider bringing a light jacket, because nights by the sea and near water can feel cool even in late June. Wear comfortable shoes, because most events involve standing and dancing for hours. If you are driving, check local traffic restrictions and parking options well in advance. If you want to wear a flower or oak-leaf wreath, the pre-holiday markets are the easiest place to buy one. For a memorable photo, choose a venue with open space, firelight, or a seaside backdrop. If you want a more curated experience, choose a ticketed programme with a defined concept and hosting. If you want maximum flexibility, pick a free city event with food stalls and come-and-go timing. If you want to mix multiple celebrations, plan an early evening market or solstice event and a late-night dance venue afterwards. The entries below are grouped by date so you can build a realistic Midsummer itinerary. Choose your vibe, pick your place, and enjoy Latvia at its brightest.

19 June 2026 - Midsummer market in Old Town (Dome Square, Riga)

Date/time: 19 June 2026, 09:00–19:00.
Programme: 09:00 - Market opens; 19:00 - Market closes.
Venue/city: Dome Square, Riga.
Why go: Best one-stop place to buy wreaths, herbs, cheese, and festive treats before the main nights.
Tickets/entry: Free entrance.

20 June 2026 - “Jāņu riti” pre-Midsummer celebration (Uzvaras Park, Riga)

Date/time: 20 June 2026, 15:00–02:00 (into 21 June).
Programme: 15:00 - Celebration area opens and activities begin; 21:00 - Craft and home-producer market ends; 02:00 - Event ends.
Venue/city: Uzvaras Park, Riga.
Why go: A large-scale warm-up with workshops and traditions before the main holiday night, ideal if you want an earlier start.

21 June 2026 - Summer Solstice in Rūjiena: Līgo fair and market-square opening

Date/time: 21 June 2026, 10:00–15:00.
Programme: 10:00 - Fair opens; 15:00 - Fair closes.
Venue/city: Brīvības iela 12 (new market square), Rūjiena.
Why go: A daytime solstice stop with a community feel, perfect if you want a relaxed, local-market atmosphere.

21 June 2026 - Summer Solstice in Jūrkalne Ugunspļava (Ventspils Municipality)

Date/time: 21 June 2026, 20:00–03:00 (into 22 June).
Programme: 20:00 - Solstice celebration begins in Ugunspļava; 22:00 - Sunset gathering by the sea with local dance groups; 23:00 - Concert “Lec, saulīte” at Vējturu nams; 00:00 - Fire-mill ritual in Ugunspļava; 00:30 - Solstice dances until 02:00.
Venue/city: Ugunspļava, Jūrkalne sea cliff area (Ventspils Municipality).
Why go: One of the strongest coastal solstice programmes with clearly timed rituals, concert, and late-night dancing.

22 June 2026 - Summer Solstice in Lēdurga 2026 (Sigulda Municipality)

Date/time: 22 June 2026, from 20:00.
Programme: 20:00 - Solstice activities and workshops begin; 20:00 - Live music block runs until 21:30; 22:00 - Sunset farewell and Jāņi fire lighting; 23:00 - Singing together and dancing until 01:00; 01:00 - Torch procession and ritual at the river meadow; 02:30 - “Dejas ar uguni” (fire dance performance); 03:00 - Night songs and dances continue until sunrise; 04:00 - Morning dew ritual at the meadow.
Venue/city: Lēdurga, Sigulda Municipality.
Why go: A full-night ritual-style solstice with many timed moments, from fire lighting to the morning dew tradition.
Tickets/entry: Entry fee 5 EUR.

23 June 2026 - Jāņu night in Grīziņkalns Park (Riga)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 20:00–04:30.
Programme: 20:00 - Start of celebrations; 04:30 - Event ends.
Venue/city: Grīziņkalns Park, Riga.
Why go: A central Riga option for a full-night celebration with an easy park setting and late finish.
Tickets/entry: Free entrance.

23 June 2026 - Traditional Jāņi in Dzegužkalns (Riga)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 20:00–04:30.
Programme: 20:00 - Start of celebrations; 04:30 - Event ends.
Venue/city: Dzegužkalns, Riga.
Why go: A classic Riga Midsummer location known for a tradition-forward atmosphere that lasts until dawn.
Tickets/entry: Free entrance.

23 June 2026 - Līgo evening concert and Midsummer Night ball in Reņķa dārzs (Ventspils)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 21:00–04:00 (into 24 June).
Programme: 21:00 - Līgo evening concert (runs until 22:00); 22:00 - Midsummer Night ball begins with the band “Express”; 04:00 - Event ends.
Venue/city: Reņķa dārzs, Ventspils.
Why go: A well-timed, free city programme that moves smoothly from concert into dancing through the night.
Tickets/entry: Free entry.

23 June 2026 - Festival “LĪGO VIŠĶOS 2026” (Lukna Lake, Augšdaugava)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, from 20:00.
Programme: 20:00 - Festival begins.
Venue/city: Višķi area by Lukna Lake, Augšdaugava.
Why go: A large-format Jāņi night by the lake with a clearly stated start time and a strong concert and dance focus.
Tickets/entry: Advance tickets 10 EUR (discount 5 EUR); event-day tickets 15 EUR (discount 10 EUR); children up to age 6 free.

23 June 2026 - “Līgo Fest pie ezera – Tradīcijas ar stilu” (Silene Resort & SPA)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 19:00–02:00 (into 24 June).
Programme: 19:00 - Programme starts; 02:00 - Programme ends.
Venue/city: Silene Resort & SPA, Augšdaugava area.
Why go: A curated, concept-led Midsummer with hosting and live music in a resort setting by the lake.
Tickets/entry: Programme fee without accommodation: 85 EUR adult (until 31 May), then 100 EUR adult from 1 June; 30 EUR per child; children up to 4 free.

23 June 2026 - Festival “Jāņi Salacgrīvā” (Fishermen’s Park, Salacgrīva)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, entry from 12:00; festival starts at 14:00.
Programme: 12:00 - Entry opens; 14:00 - Festival starts.
Venue/city: Fishermen’s Park, Salacgrīva.
Why go: A two-day festival format built around traditions, activities, and an all-day-and-night celebration setting.

23 June 2026 - Līgo market in Skrunda (Kuldīga Municipality)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 09:00–13:00.
Programme: 09:00 - Market opens; 10:00 - Kapela “Strops” invites everyone to join in games and festive singing; 13:00 - Market closes.
Venue/city: Skrunda market square, Skrunda.
Why go: A compact morning plan that combines shopping with a timed folk-music moment.

23 June 2026 - Midsummer Festival “Līgo” at Stropu Open-Air Stage (Daugavpils)

Date/time: 23 June 2026, 19:00.
Programme: 19:00 - Event begins.
Venue/city: Daugavpils Stropu Open-Air Stage, Daugavpils.
Why go: A straightforward city gathering with a clearly announced start time, ideal if you want a simple plan in Latgale.

Practical planning tips

Start with timing: pick a daytime market, then choose one main night event with a clear start time so you do not overcommit.
Dress for the night: bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes, especially for seaside and park venues.
Transport matters: plan how you will return after midnight, and avoid relying on last-minute options at closing time.
Arrive earlier than you think: the best spots near stages, bonfires, and ritual areas fill up long before peak hours.
If you want a wreath, buy it before 23 June: markets are the easiest place to find herbs, oak leaves, and festive food in one stop.