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Old Town Festival 2026

Spring in Riga comes alive with one of the city’s most vibrant events – the Old Town Festival in the heart of Vecrīga. If you're planning to visit, why not turn it into a full experience by combining the festival atmosphere with a unique stay at Camping & Yachts in Ķīpsala?

A Festival in the Heart of Riga

The Old Town Festival transforms Dome Square into a lively hub filled with music, street food, local crafts, and entertainment for all ages. From live performances to family-friendly activities and evening concerts, the festival captures the true spirit of Riga in spring.

It’s free to attend, easy to access, and perfect for both locals and travelers looking to experience the city’s culture in an authentic way.

Location

• Festival: Dome Square, Old Town (Vecrīga)
• Stay: Ķīpsala – just across the river, walking distance

Date

• April 18

Program & Activities

10:00 – 13:00 | Family & Kids Activities
Start your day with a relaxed visit to Dome Square. Expect games, creative workshops, and entertainment for children – perfect for families.

12:00 – 17:00 | Street Food & Market
Local producers, street food, and crafts fill the square. Grab lunch, explore Latvian flavors, and enjoy the spring atmosphere.

14:00 – 18:00 | Live Music & Performances
Daytime concerts and performances begin. A mix of local artists and entertainment keeps the vibe lively.

18:00 – 22:00 | Evening Concerts & Party
Main stage energy rises with popular Latvian artists, DJs, and a festive crowd. This is the highlight of the day.

Stay Differently: Camping & Yachts in Ķīpsala

Located just across the Daugava River, Camping & Yachts in Ķīpsala offers a refreshing alternative to traditional accommodation. Whether you're traveling with a camper, tent, or simply looking for a peaceful waterfront stay, this spot combines nature with proximity to the city center.

Why it pairs perfectly with the festival:

• Walking distance to Old Town – reach the festival in minutes
• Waterfront views – relax by the river after a busy day
• Flexible stay options – camping, yachts, and more
•  Quiet atmosphere – a calm retreat from the city buzz

The Perfect Riga Getaway

Imagine starting your day with coffee by the river, heading into Old Town for music and food, and ending the evening watching the sunset over the water. That’s the kind of balance Riga offers – and Ķīpsala is the perfect base for it.

Whether you're visiting for the festival or just exploring the city, combining it with a stay at Camping & Yachts creates a more memorable and immersive experience.

Riga Taste Festival

Riga is a city that knows how to celebrate food, and during the Rīgas Garšas svētki: restorānu un konditoreju nedēļa, it truly comes alive. This special week-long event invites locals and visitors alike to explore the capital’s vibrant dining scene through curated menus, creative desserts, and unforgettable flavors.

A Week of Exclusive Menus

During the festival, some of Riga’s best restaurants open their doors with specially designed tasting menus at accessible prices. It’s a unique opportunity to experience fine dining without the usual cost barrier. Chefs use this platform to showcase their creativity, often blending Latvian traditions with modern culinary techniques.

From elegant multi-course dinners to carefully crafted seasonal dishes, every menu tells a story — one that reflects both the chef’s personality and Latvia’s rich food culture.

A Sweet Spotlight on Pastry Art

What makes this event stand out is its focus not only on restaurants but also on pastry shops and dessert artisans. Throughout the week, local bakeries and patisseries present signature creations, limited-edition cakes, and refined desserts.

Visitors can discover everything from classic layered cakes to contemporary pastry designs that push the boundaries of texture and presentation. Each dessert is a reflection of the pastry chef’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Discover Riga Through Taste

The Rīgas Garšas svētki: restorānu un konditoreju nedēļa is more than just a food event — it’s a way to explore Riga itself. Moving from one restaurant to another, or stopping by cozy cafés in the Old Town, becomes a journey through different atmospheres, styles, and culinary philosophies.

It’s the perfect excuse to:

• try places you’ve never visited before
• revisit favorite spots with a fresh perspective
• enjoy a social dining experience with friends or loved ones

If you’re inspired by the outdoor and lifestyle side of the festival, you can find more information about camping and yachting experiences at Camping&Yachts.com, where food, travel, and leisure come together beyond the city setting.

For full event details, participating venues, and the latest updates, visit Riga.lv and explore the official page of Rīgas Garšas svētki: restorānu un konditoreju nedēļa.

Happy easter from Camping&yachts

May Easter bring a sense of renewal, lightness, and fresh beginnings by the water.

As nature awakens, we wish you peaceful moments, gentle spring breezes, and time to truly unwind. Whether by the riverside or out on the water, may this season fill your days with calm, joy, and quiet inspiration.

Here’s to longer days, brighter mornings, and new adventures ahead.

Wishing you a refreshing and joyful Easter from Camping&yachts team! 

Elektrum training sessions as the start of the outdoor season

With the arrival of spring, Riga slowly transitions into a more active outdoor lifestyle. One of the best ways to kick off the season is by joining the “Elektrum Energetic Training Sessions”, part of the Rimi Riga Marathon preparation program.

The training sessions take place every Sunday in Mežaparks, with meeting point at the big stage (Lielā estrāde area). Sessions typically start at 10:00, bringing together participants of all fitness levels – from beginners to experienced runners.

But what does this have to do with camping and yachting?

At camping&yachts, we see these training sessions as more than just running. They represent the mindset of an active outdoor lifestyle – something that connects runners, campers, and boating enthusiasts alike.

From running trails to coastal routes

Training in Mežaparks offers a perfect natural environment – forest trails, fresh air, and open space. It closely reflects the kind of experiences people seek when going camping or spending time near the sea with a boat.

These sessions help build endurance and physical readiness for longer outdoor adventures, whether it’s a weekend sailing trip or a camping journey.

Participants are divided into pace groups and guided by experienced coaches, making the training accessible and structured for everyone.

When and where

• Location: Mežaparks, near the Grand Stage (Lielā estrāde), Riga
• Time: Every Sunday in March and April
• Start: 10:00

The sessions are free of charge and open to anyone interested in enjoying outdoor activity.

PetExpo

if you love animals, PetExpo is one of the most exciting spring events in Riga. This international pet and zoo industry exhibition brings together hundreds of animals and offers visitors the chance to discover the latest products, services, and trends in the pet world. Guests can also enjoy entertaining shows and demonstrations featuring various animal breeds.

When?

14 March – 10:00 to 18:00
15 March – 10:00 to 18:00

Where?

Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre
Address: Ķīpsalas iela 8, Riga

What to expect?

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of pets – pedigree dogs and cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, and even exotic animals. The exhibition also features breed presentations, competitions, and interactive activities for animal enthusiasts.

More information:campingyachts.lv

Happy Women’s Day!

Happy Women’s Day!

Today we celebrate the strength, inspiration, and adventurous spirit of women everywhere. Whether sailing the open waters or enjoying peaceful moments in nature, may every journey bring joy and unforgettable memories.

The Camping & Yachts team wishes you a beautiful and inspiring Women’s Day! 

Explore “Galeriju vēlās ceturtdienas” — Riga’s Monthly Art Adventure

Rīga is a city full of surprises — from scenic riverfront marinas to buzzing art scenes — and one of the most captivating cultural experiences you can catch here is “Galeriju vēlās ceturtdienas”, also known as Riga Last Thursdays.

What Is “Galeriju vēlās ceturtdienas”?

Held on the last Thursday of every month, Riga Last Thursdays transforms the city’s contemporary art galleries into lively cultural hubs late into the evening. Between 18:00 and 22:00, dozens of galleries across the city open their doors for free, welcoming both art lovers and curious explorers alike.

It’s the perfect way to combine an urban stroll with creative discovery — wander through diverse exhibitions, meet artists and creatives, join curator-led tours, or take part in hands-on workshops across Rīga.

Next Date to Save

Mark your calendar — the next edition is on 26 February 2026. 

Where It Fits Into Your Travels

At Camping&Yachts, we love highlighting experiences that bring you closer to your destination — beyond the guidebooks. After a day exploring Latvia’s incredible nature, pitching a tent under the stars, or sailing in from one of the Baltic’s scenic marinas, Galeriju vēlās ceturtdienas gives you a fresh way to connect with Rīga’s urban culture.

More info - https://www.facebook.com/rigalastthursdays/

Happy Valentine’s Day from Camping & Yachts!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean crowded restaurants, fixed menus, and predictable roses. This year, trade the city lights for starlight and celebrate love surrounded by nature.

At Camping & Yachts, we believe romance is best experienced where the world slows down — whether that’s beside a glowing campfire or drifting across open waters.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Camping & Yachts!

Experience the International Ice Sculpture Festival in Jelgava

Each February, the historic Latvian city of Jelgava turns into a winter wonderland for the International Ice Sculpture Festival — one of the most visually captivating events in the region. In 2026, the 27th edition takes place on February 7–8, drawing visitors from near and far to witness incredible ice artistry and festive outdoor fun.

The festival brings world-class creativity to life through ice carvings by sculptors from numerous countries. With the theme “Power of Illusion,” ice becomes a medium for surreal experiences where reality and imagination blur together. Sculptures line iconic locations such as Pasta Island, the open-air concert hall Mītava, and public gathering spaces around the city — many lighting up with colored projections after dark.

Tickets & Info
Tickets are available online and at local box offices, usually offering day tickets that allow multiple entries to the festival space on the same day.

Where: Jelgava city center, Latvia (Ice art displays across Pasta Island, the ice rink, and public boulevards)
When: February 7–8, 2026

Beyond the sculptures, the festival also includes live demonstrations, illusion shows, concerts by Latvian artists, ice games, children’s creative programs, and even science showcases — offering entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Perfect Add-Ons: Camping & Yachts Travel

If you’re planning a short winter getaway, consider pairing your visit with camping & yachts adventures around Latvia.

Experience “Da Vinci Genius” in Riga

Riga is now home to an extraordinary cultural event — “Da Vinci Genius”, a multimedia art experience that invites you to step inside the world of Leonardo da Vinci like never before. This immersive exhibition transforms the former Vidzeme Market (Brīvības iela 90A) into a space of sound, light, visuals and interactive storytelling, blending art with the latest technology.

When?
Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, with shows starting every full hour and lasting approx. 47 minutes.

Where?
Rīga — Vidzemes tirgus (Brīvības iela 90A).

Tickets & Prices
Tickets range from approximately €11 to €49 depending on time and type (standard or flexible).

Unlike a static gallery, this experience brings more than 50 of da Vinci’s works and innovations to life through immersive 360° projections and a spatial audio landscape that feels like walking inside his thinking process.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay in Latvia’s capital, Da Vinci Genius makes a fantastic cultural highlight. Pair your visit with other experiences — imagine a weekend camp by a nearby camping site Campings & Yachts watching the sunset after your exhibition tour, or cruising into Riga’s marina to enjoy the city from the water aboard a yacht before heading into this world of art and tech. It’s a great way to combine inspiration, sightseeing, and leisure in one memorable itinerary.

Snow Park

When winter truly arrives in Riga and the city is covered in snow, Snow Park (Sniega Parks) becomes one of the most exciting outdoor destinations for both kids and adults. Located in the Mežaparks area near the Great Stage, it offers active winter fun right in the city, without the need to travel to the mountains.

Tubing – the Main Attraction

The highlight of Snow Park is snow tubing — a fun and safe winter activity where visitors slide downhill on special inflatable tubes. The park provides:

•  many different tubing rings designed for comfort and safety

•  A lift system that brings you back to the top after each ride

• Clear safety rules, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone

Tubing is suitable for friends, families, and anyone who wants to feel the joy of winter in a playful way.

Prices & Equipment Rental

Snow Park offers tubing rentals with flexible time options:

• 30 minutes – €10

• 1 hour – €15

• 2 hours – €20

Location

Snow Park is located in Mežaparks, Riga, and is easy to reach by car or public transport.

Active Winter

Winter in Latvia offers a variety of opportunities for active recreation, and downhill skiing is one of the most popular winter activities for both locals and visitors. Although Latvia does not have high mountains, there are several well-equipped ski resorts with ski lifts, prepared slopes, and on-site equipment rental, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.

If you are staying in Riga or at Camping & Yachts, downhill skiing can be a great idea for an active winter day. Many ski resorts are located within easy driving distance from the capital.

Popular Downhill Ski Resorts in Latvia

Riekstukalns (Baldone) is the largest ski resort in the Baltics and one of the most popular destinations for skiers from Riga. It offers several slopes of different difficulty levels, ski lifts, and full equipment rental on site. Ski equipment rental usually costs around €10–15 per hour, while lift ticket prices depend on the selected duration.

Milzkalns, located near Tukums, offers wide slopes, ski lifts, and equipment rental for both skiing and snowboarding. It is a good choice for families and intermediate skiers looking for an active day outside the city.

Žagarkalns, near Cēsis, is especially popular during the winter season. It offers slopes for different skill levels, ski lessons, and on-site equipment rental. Prices usually start from around €10 per hour, depending on the equipment and time of day.

Do You Need Your Own Equipment?

No — all major downhill ski resorts in Latvia offer equipment rental. On site, you can usually rent:

• ski or snowboard sets,

• boots and poles,

• helmets and goggles.

This means you can decide to go skiing spontaneously, without special preparation.

A Winter Activity Idea

If you are staying at Camping & Yachts and would like to add variety to your winter holiday, downhill skiing is an excellent way to combine physical activity, fresh air, and a true winter atmosphere. Several ski resorts are easily accessible from Riga, allowing you to enjoy skiing for a few hours or an entire day.

Winter in Latvia offers more than it may seem at first glance — all you need to do is dress warmly, choose a ski destination, and enjoy the snow.

Winter Joy in the Heart of Riga

When winter settles over Riga, one of the city’s most beautiful public parks — Uzvaras Park — comes alive with the spirit of winter sports. During the cold season, cross-country skiing becomes a popular activity here, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity for active recreation and quality time outdoors.

If you are staying at Camping & Yachts and are looking for some winter activity, cross-country skiing in Uzvaras Park is a perfect option. The park’s well-prepared trails offer fun for both beginners and experienced skiers.

The Ski Track – What Can You Expect?

The ski track in the park forms a loop of about 1 kilometer, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. It is designed to support both classic and skating techniques, thanks to artificial snow and well-maintained trail preparation.

The track is located close to Uzvaras Boulevard (address: Uzvaras bulvāris 15, Riga), and its use is free of charge if you bring your own equipment.

For those without their own gear, there is a ski rental service available in the park. Skis, boots, and poles can be rented at an affordable price:

• Adults: around €5 per hour

• Children and seniors: around €4 per hour
  The rental operates daily from 10:00 to 21:00.

Winter Fun for Everyone

The ski track is popular with families, sports enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike. When temperatures drop below zero and snow conditions are right, people of all ages gather to enjoy the magic of winter — beginners and experienced skiers, young and old, all sharing smiles on the snowy trail.

Weather conditions may shorten the season, but as soon as snow appears, Uzvaras Park becomes one of the best places in Riga for healthy and enjoyable winter activities.

Inspiration for Winter Days

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy winter without leaving the city, skiing in Uzvaras Park is an excellent choice. It offers physical activity, fresh air, and a chance to spend time with friends or family. Even when natural snowfall is limited, artificial snow and careful maintenance ensure a quality skiing experience.

Glide Through Winter: Public Ice Skating in Esplanāde Park

Winter turns the heart of Riga into a magical playground — and one of the best winter highlights is the public ice skating rink in Esplanāde Park. 

When & Where

• Open: 2 January – 1 March (weather permitting)

• Esplanāde Park, Riga, just steps from the city’s best shopping, cafés, and historic streets. 

Opening Hours

• Weekdays: 11:00–22:00

• Weekends: 09:00–22:00
  (Short maintenance breaks may occur during the day.) 

Prices

• Free entry if you bring your own skates. 

• Skate rental:
  – Children (up to 10) — €2.00/hour
  – Adults & older children — €2.49/hour 

Heated changing rooms and toilets make it comfortable even on chilly afternoons. 

This public rink is a must-try winter experience for anyone exploring Riga’s winter charm — whether you’re strolling from the old town, grabbing a coffee, or heading out with friends. For travelers drawn to outdoor living and seasonal adventure (think camping&yachts lifestyles that embrace fresh air and freedom year-round), it’s a perfect urban twist on winter recreation: outdoor fun without leaving the city.
Enjoy gliding under the winter sky, a true city-center highlight! 

Happy New Year from Camping & Yachts!

A new year is a fresh chapter — full of new routes to explore and new experiences to discover. At Camping & Yachts, we welcome the year ahead with a spirit of adventure, freedom, and passion for life on land and water.

May the coming year bring you exciting journeys, peaceful moments, and confidence to follow new horizons. Here’s to a year of great stories, open paths, and smooth sailing.

Happy New Year from Camping & Yachts! 

Run, Give & Celebrate

Every December, the heart of Riga fills with Christmas spirit — and this year, the festive highlight is the Santa Fun Run, a cheerful charity run with a heart. On 7 December 2025, hundreds of Santas — families, friends, even pets — will gather at Doma laukums in Old Town for the 18th edition of the event. 

Participants don full Santa costumes (included with the ticket), and the route winds through the scenic, historic streets of Riga — creating a joyous sea of red hats and laughter. 

When & How It Happens

• Date: Sunday, 7 December 2025 

• Location: Doma laukums, Old Town, Riga 

• Schedule:

  • 12:30 — Distribution of Santa suits & ticket sales begin 

  • 14:30 — Warm-up before the run 

  • 15:00 — Start of the Santa Fun Run! 

  • 15:30 — After-run party with DJ and Christmas songs 

All proceeds go to a good cause: the funds will support RMHC Latvija (Ronald McDonald House Charities Latvia), helping provide mobile healthcare services to children in need across Latvia. 

Combine the Run with a Cozy Getaway

If you’re visiting Riga from outside or want to make a true winter escape of it — consider combining your trip with a camping & yachts adventure. Imagine: arriving by yacht at the port, or spending a night under the stars in a cozy camping setup — then joining the Santa Fun Run by day, and wandering Old Town by night, warm with mulled wine and holiday lights.

This mix of winter travel, adventure, and Christmas spirit makes for an unforgettable holiday — perfect for friends, families, or couples looking for something different.

Christmas Spirit in Riga — Doma Square Christmas Market 2025

Riga’s Old Town becomes truly magical during the holiday season, and the Doma Square Christmas Market is where the city’s winter charm shines brightest. In 2025–2026 the market will be open from 28 November 2025 until 4 January 2026, giving locals and visitors plenty of time to enjoy its festive atmosphere.

 the market opening hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 21:00

• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00

• Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00

Around the holidays, hours may be extended to accommodate celebrations and festive events.

More than 80 vendors offer handmade Latvian gifts — wool scarves, wooden ornaments, natural candles, amber jewelry, cozy winter accessories, and festive decor. Food stalls fill the air with the scent of gingerbread, roasted nuts, and warming mulled wine, and offer seasonal treats and traditional Latvian dishes.

This season, many visitors — including those arriving via Champing & Yachts winter getaways or staying in cozy camping spots — flock to the market to soak up the holiday mood, browse unique crafts, and enjoy a warm drink after a day of exploring the city.

With live music, Santa’s house, children’s workshops, family activities, beautifully decorated wooden huts, and twinkling lights under the winter sky, the Doma Square Christmas Market captures everything people love about Christmas in Riga: warmth, tradition, community, and a truly magical winter glow.

Greetings on the 107th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia!

Staro Rīga 2025

From 15 to 18 November 2025, Riga will once again transform into a glowing canvas for the Staro Rīga light festival — a city-wide spectacle where art, technology and public space merge into a magical evening experience. 

What’s happening

This year’s theme, “Rītausmas vēstneši” (Heralds of the Dawn), invites us to reflect on new beginnings, change and hope.Districts and landmarks across the city will be illuminated with more than 40 light installations by Latvian and international artists.

The festival route is divided into six loops:

• the “Light Castle” loop around the Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka

• the Old Town loop

• the Brīvības piemineklis (Freedom Monument) loop

• the City Centre Parks loop

• the Brīvības Street loop

• the Miera Street loop
  

Whether you stroll all six loops (approx. 6 km) in one evening or spread them over multiple visits, you’ll encounter luminous artworks, ambient soundscapes and a renewed sense of the city at dusk.

Experience Staro Rīga from Camping&Yachts

Just a short walk across the Vanšu Bridge, Camping & Yachts is the perfect place to experience the festival in your own way. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Riga’s illuminated skyline and the reflections of the lights dancing on the Daugava River.

After strolling through the glowing streets, relax by the water and unwind in a calm, cozy atmosphere — Camping & Yachts offers the ideal riverside setting to take in the magic of Staro Rīga.