Riga autumn guide

Take a look at contemporary Riga

This autumn in Riga is taking on a distinctly contemporary hue. From September 6th to October 6th, the Contemporary Art Festival Survival Kit 15 will be held. Now in its 15th edition, Survival Kit is one of the most significant annual contemporary art events in the Baltics. This year, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the exhibition "Measurements," curated by the festival's artistic director Jussi Koitela. The exhibition will be spread across three locations on both sides of the Daugava River: Amatu Street 4, E. Smiļģa Street 34a, and Strazdu Street 4. As always, the festival will be enriched by an extensive public and educational program, aimed at making contemporary art accessible to diverse groups in society.

Opening Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Wednesday: 12:00–19:00
Thursday: 12:00–20:00
Friday–Sunday: 12:00–19:00

Ticket Prices:

General admission: €5
Students (with ID) and seniors: €3
Family ticket (with 3+ Family Card): €5
Free admission for preschool children, students (with ID), art school students (with ID), people with disabilities and their companions.

Catch a movie

There is no better place to spend rainy autumn evenings than the cinema! From 17 to 27 October, RIGA IFF — Latvia's largest film event — will celebrate its new season. A wide selection of films will screen at Splendid Palace and Forum Cinemas over the course of 10 days — the ten sections that make up the festival's programme will bring together the greatest films from the current season, daring debuts, competitions of feature-length and short films, special retrospective screenings, and films for the whole family. More information about the festival and programme you can find out HERE.

Autumn Riga restaurant Week

The Autumn Riga Restaurant Week will take place from October 28. Riga's restaurants open their doors to all gourmets who are ready to indulge in an enjoyable taste adventure. It is a feast for both sophisticated gourmets and the most simple enjoyers of life. During these days, you can safely experiment, evaluate and heartily taste the 3-course meal offers of Riga restaurants at favorable prices. More info coming soon!

Opera and the ballet

If Riga had a soundtrack for autumn, it would be something as dramatic as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony: rain, wind, and unexpected sunny spring moments. It comes as no surprise that Riga's events schedule is chock-full of breathtaking opera and ballet performances. Madama Butterfly, Dracula and premiere for "Les contes d'Hoffmann" - this is only part of the full performance calendar of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. The events section of our website has information about the future performances.

See the city from above

The red roofs of Old Riga, the luxurious Art Nouveau houses of the Quiet Center and autumn-colored parks in the middle of everything - in autumn, Riga's splendor is best appreciated from above. Fortunately, there is no shortage of viewpoints in Riga - go to the terrace of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the tower of St. Peter's Church or the Skyline bar on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija.

Go on a exhibition tour!

This fall, Riga offers several exhibitions that are definitely worth a visit. For instance, until October 31, you can explore a unique exhibition at the Museum of Fashion, "Vivienne Westwood: A Personal Collection of Clothing and Accessories." At the Latvian National Museum of Art, there's Jānis Deinats' solo exhibition "The First Five Years," which provides a documentary account of the period before Latvia regained its independence. Additionally, you can visit the legendary Latvian photographer Gunārs Binde’s exhibition "Binde 100–10" at the Latvian National Museum of Art, on display until January 19, 2025. For more details on exhibitions in Riga, check out our Events section.

Walk through Riga's parks

Enjoy how the colorful leaves rustle under your feet while taking a walk in Riga's parks. Catch postcard-worthy views at Vērmanes garden park, where the fountain has been recently restored, Bastejkalns and the nearby Kronvalda Park, and little further into Viesturdārzs, whose entrance is adorned by the grandiose Alexander Gate. Likewise, there is no lack of green spots on the left side of the Daugava - in Pārdaugava. Cast a romantic circle around the Māra pond and along the winding paths of Arkādijas Park.

Enjoy live music events

In autumn, life in Riga is bubbling in the indoor spaces of bars, restaurants and hotels, where those gathered can enjoy charming evenings of live music and who knows, maybe even show off their moves on the dance floor! Jazz lovers are invited to go to the concert venue M/Darbnīca, where talented artists perform several times a week, but Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel Lobby bar hosts free jazz concerts every Thursday. Fun and Latvian-inspired dance and live music evenings are regularly held in the "Ala Pagrabs" Folk Club, while in the bars "St.Black", Blues House and "Sidrērija" you can enjoy various concerts - from romantic acoustic to rock music concerts. Find out about other current events by going to the Events section of the LiveRiga website.

Share a slice of cake

If the weather outside the window is not pleasing, it's time to look for joy elsewhere, for example, on the plate. There are many places in Riga where you can leisurely enjoy a piece (or two) of delicious cake – “Parunāsim. Kafe'teeka'' in the very heart of Old Riga, the paradise of freshly baked confectionery delicacies "Mīkla bakery" on Dzirnavu Street and, of course, "Mulberry" with its heavenly cakes. You can get to know other delicious places for cakes and buns by visiting our guide to Riga pastry shops.