To mark Riga's birthday month, on August 3rd, the city's council invites all residents of Pārdaugava, along with their guests, relatives, neighbours, and friends, to celebrate the Left Bank holiday in Victory Park. Throughout the day, we will fill the park with laughter, joy, and patriotism, along with activities for both the young and the old festival visitors.
On August 3rd, Victory Park will be filled with various activities. Starting at 12:00 PM, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the neighbourhoods of Pārdaugava in a creative way, participate in various workshops and physical activities, watch performances and shows, experience contemporary art, and visit the market. There will be opportunities to dance at the DJ stage, discover young Latvian musicians, and enjoy fantastic concerts in the evening featuring Chris Noah, the bands “Muud”, “Lādezers”, and a unique premiere of the song game “Verandas burtnīca”, created specifically for this holiday.
Day programme:
- From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, “Kreisais krasts kustībā” (Left Bank in Motion) will feature four physical activity stations where you can engage in dance, movement, acrobatics, and meditation sessions.
- From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the “Apkaimju pieturas” (Neighbourhood Stops) will be open. Throughout the park, you can explore 24 neighbourhoods of Pārdaugava, learn about their historical development, life in Pārdaugava's manor houses, investigate the diverse character of the neighbourhoods, and experience a blend of historical and modern elements.
- From 12:00 PM onwards, every hour, there will be shows and performances for both children and adults throughout the festival grounds. Participants will include the Science Centre “AHHA”, “Zīmējumu teātris”, “Rīgas Baleta skola” and the Performance Art Centre, among others. You will also have the chance to engage in various activities, such as visiting the “Māksla uz riteņiem” (Art on Wheels) bus exhibition hall, viewing procedural artworks, and taking part in creative workshops.
On the Small Stage, from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, there will be performances by young musicians. You’ll have the opportunity to hear young opera singers, as well as the bands “Chairman”, “De Speakable”, “YŪT”, the post-folk group “Kaligo”, and singers Anita Zambare and Aigars Kručs.
Throughout the day, DJ Jacques of S'T'A, DJ Toms Auniņš, and DJ Monsta will perform on the DJ stage.
On the big stage, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, several well-known and popular musicians will perform. The concert programme will start at 5:00 PM with a performance by the band “Muud”. Its origins can be traced back to the creative circle of the rap collective “Kreisais Krasts”, where all four members of “Muud” initially met through various projects. Ingus Šusts (Punkts uz i), Mārtiņš Mednis (Cepums), Jānis Krūmiņš (Mazais žalais) and creative mastermind Toms Rings. The group's mission is to draw public attention to issues and taboo subjects that are often overlooked or ignored, aiming to reduce societal and individual shame.
Following that, at 6:30 PM, the band “Lādezers” will take the stage. The core of the legendary Latvian rock group consists of Aigars Voitiškis (guitar, vocals), Ingus Ulmanis (guitar, vocals, keys), Anrijs Grinbergs (drums), Roberts Rasa (bass guitar), and Anete Kozlovska (vocals, percussion, keys). The band will celebrate with popular melodies that are sure to touch the hearts of all generations.
From 8:00 PM, the stage will belong to Latvian musician Chris Noah, who successfully blends indie rock with catchy pop music. His distinctive guitar sound, authentic voice, and engaging melodies have earned him widespread popularity.
From 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM, the audience will be delighted by the premiere of the song game “Verandas Burtnīca”, featuring music by Ieva Parša and poetry by Inese Zandere and Māra Saleja. The new work is inspired by poetry that reflects the cultural space of Pārdaugava and Āgenskalns. In the musical piece, the poets become the central characters, crafting vivid portrayals of emotions that reflect their connection to specific city neighbourhoods. This highlights the influence of these places on art, life processes, and human nature. Directed by Edgars Niklasons, with the libretto by Ieva Parša and Māris Salējs, costumes and make-up by Baiba Grīņa, and production by Ieva Niedre. The song game is created in collaboration with the Pārdaugava Creative Centre.
All events are free of charge.
You can learn more about Riga's summer and birthday events by visiting the website vasara.riga.lv, or by following updates on the Riga City Council's social media pages, “Rīga” un “Rīgā notiek”.
Information prepared by: Aira Ancāne, project coordinator, Riga Local Government Communication Administration External Communications Department, e-mail: aira.ancane@riga.lv