Storm forces cancellation and postponement of several weekend events across Latvia

Due to a strong storm forecast by meteorologists, several events across Latvia are being cancelled or rescheduled this weekend. An orange weather warning has been issued nationwide, with gusts expected to reach 20-27 meters per second Saturday afternoon and into Sunday night, and up to 32 meters per second along the Vidzeme coast and in Riga. Heavy rain is also expected, especially in Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme.

Cancelled events

The traditional Lamprey Festival in Carnikava will not take place this year — the Ādaži municipality cancelled it for safety reasons. The European Family Festival planned at Uzvaras Park in Riga has also been cancelled.

Postponed events

Many organizers chose to postpone rather than cancel. The band Sudden Lights' concert has been moved to August 30, with existing tickets remaining valid. The Baltic dog frisbee competition stage in Jelgava municipality has been shifted to Sunday, as have the “Mesa” and “Gacho” concert at Mežaparks Great Bandstand and the street art and culture festival “Row Baltics.” Jaunmokas Palace's Garden Festival, featuring a cake competition, has also moved from Saturday to Sunday.

Mārupe municipality's anniversary closing event has been postponed to September 1, though this evening's “Svinam Babītē” event will go ahead as planned. The Jelgava night half-marathon has been postponed to September 5, with all registrations automatically carried over — participants can also use them next year or transfer to the “We run Riga” race.

The Riga Zoo will operate on reduced hours Saturday, open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with entry until noon, and will be closed entirely on Sunday due to elevated risk from the many large trees on its grounds.

Organizers urge the public to monitor event and municipal social media accounts, as the situation may continue to change.