Riga celebrates its 825th anniversary with citywide festivities

Riga is celebrating its 825th anniversary today with events spread across several parts of the city, including the November 11th Embankment, Old Riga, Vermanes Garden, Uzvaras Park, Esplanade and the square by the Congress Hall.

Main venue

The central celebration, "Open Riga! Code: 825," begins at 1 p.m. at the November 11th Embankment with creative workshops, followed by a musical lineup of Latvian performers throughout the afternoon. From 10 p.m., the concert program "My Score — Riga" will feature a wide range of artists, accompanied by dancers and extreme sports performers. At 11:30 p.m., a laser, fountain and video projection show is planned on the Daugava River, followed by a DJ program continuing on the embankment.

Motorsport and historic vehicles

The legendary pre-war race car "Auto Union Type C," driven by an experienced Audi factory pilot, will be on display near the Freedom Monument. Meanwhile, Eksporta Street will host the Red Bull Showrun featuring a genuine Formula 1 car and appearances by several motorsport stars, including a MotoGP legend and rally drivers.

Family and cultural events

Vermanes Garden will host an international cultural and circus festival during the day, with representatives from various countries and evening concerts. Uzvaras Park will run an international street circus program until midnight, featuring troupes from several European countries. Old Riga will host a craft market and a street music festival.

Sports and dining

The Esplanade will host a round-the-clock basketball tournament, while the square by the Congress Hall will hold a football festival with tournaments for different age groups. Near the National Opera, a festive restaurant will operate with live music into the late evening.

Traffic restrictions are in place in central Riga during the celebrations, but public transport and municipal parking are free on August 15 and 16.