Skaņu mežs 2026 – Riga, October 10, 2026

Skaņu mežs 2026 – Riga, October 10, 2026

The second evening of the “Skaņu mežs 2026” festival will take place on October 10, 2026, at Hanzas Perons in Riga. It is an experimental music festival whose programme encompasses various directions of contemporary music. The festival will take place over two days – October 9 and 10. The October 10 programme will feature the Norwegian alternative pop duo Smerz. Free jazz musician Joe McPhee will also perform with John Edwards and Klaus Kugel. Among the evening’s participants is Gudrun Gut, a pioneer of Berlin’s underground music scene. The programme includes an alternative hip-hop performance by Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals. Charlemagne Palestine’s work “KKAARREENNIINNAA” will be performed by Oren Ambarchi and Daniel O’Sullivan. The festival focuses on changes in music and brings together hip-hop, metal, hyperpop, noise, free improvisation and contemporary composition. It will appeal to listeners interested in bold and genre-diverse music. The evening’s programme offers both song-based music and improvisation, as well as audiovisual performances. “Skaņu mežs” is an important meeting place for those interested in contemporary and avant-garde music.

What to Expect at the Event

The second evening’s programme will feature Smerz, Joe McPhee, John Edwards and Klaus Kugel, Gudrun Gut, Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals, as well as Oren Ambarchi and Daniel O’Sullivan. Smerz represent alternative pop music, the Joe McPhee trio represents the free jazz tradition, while Gudrun Gut’s performance offers an insight into Berlin’s contemporary electronic music scene. The programme will be complemented by politically charged alternative hip-hop and an interpretation of a minimalist work.

Venue and Time

The event will take place on October 10, 2026, at the Hanzas Perons cultural venue, 16A Hanzas Street, Riga. Doors open to visitors at 18:00.

Tickets

Tickets for the October 10 event cost from EUR 30. A two-day ticket costs EUR 60. Pair tickets, when purchasing two at the same time, are available for EUR 50 per ticket.

Important Information for Visitors

• The festival’s second evening takes place on October 10, while the full festival programme also covers October 9.
• Doors at Hanzas Perons open at 18:00.
• The venue address is 16A Hanzas Street, Riga.

Why Attend

“Skaņu mežs” brings together contrasting musical experiences in one evening – from alternative pop and hip-hop to free jazz, electronics and minimalism. It is an opportunity to hear international artists and discover a broad spectrum of contemporary experimental music.