Camping&Yachts - Blog

Old Town Festival 2026

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:48:00 +0000

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

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:16:00 +0000

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

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:54:00 +0000

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

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:27:00 +0000

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

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:59:00 +0000

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!

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:18:00 +0000

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

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:29:00 +0000

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!

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:36:00 +0000

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

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:31:00 +0000

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

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:03:00 +0000

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.