This year, the birthday of the Latvian capital is held under the slogan "Atver Rīgu! Kods: 825" ("Open Riga! Code: 825"). The main celebration venue is the 11th November embankment, but the events have covered almost the entire city center. ## The roar of engines in the center of Riga One of the most spectacular events of Saturday was the Red Bull Showrun. For a few hours, Eksporta Street turned into an improvised racing track. The show took place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and was free for spectators. The main star of the program was the Red Bull Formula 1 — for Riga, the opportunity to see such a car in action became a unique event. It wasn't just about one Formula: the organizers combined drifting, rallying, MotoGP, and other motorsport disciplines in the program.  _Photo: LETA._ Famous Spanish motorcycle racer Dani Pedrosa, one of the most well-known representatives of MotoGP, came to Riga — Latvia was represented in the show by rally driver Martins Sesks. Spectators could see demonstration races just a few meters away and feel the power of racing machinery. Another gift for motorsport fans was the legendary Auto Union Type C. The historic racing car was specially delivered to Riga from Audi Tradition. The car made a parade lap through the capital, after which it could be viewed near the Freedom Monument. ([Rīgas vasara 2026][4]) ## Old Riga turned into a street theater While racing engines roared on Eksporta Street, a completely different atmosphere reigned in Old Riga. From 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, a festival of street musicians and mimes took place here. The squares and streets of the historic center turned into a kind of open-air stage. ([Rīgas vasara 2026][5]) In other parts of the city, fairs, performances, creative workshops, and family entertainment were also held. A crafts fair was operating in Dome Square, and in Victory Park, the street art festival "Atklāj brīnumu!" welcomed spectators, featuring artists from various European countries. ## Concert and show over the Daugava By evening, the center of the celebration had finally moved to the 11th November embankment. Here, a large musical program "Atver Rīgu! Kods: 825" took place. One of the main highlights of the evening was a concert dedicated to Riga. After that, the Daugava itself turned into a huge stage: a special show of light, sound, and lasers was prepared in the waters of the river. Light beams, laser effects, and reflections in the water combined with music and the night panorama of the capital. This large-scale audiovisual performance became the final highlight of the main festive program on the embankment. At the same time, the festivities did not end immediately after the show — the program "Atver Rīgu! Kods: 825" continued until two in the morning. ## What to visit today, August 16 The main concerts and car show are already behind us, but the celebration of the 825th anniversary continues on Sunday. Today, the focus is primarily on sports and family recreation. Until 3:00 PM — "Krastu mačs" on the Esplanade The XVII "Krastu mačs" — a traditional 24-hour basketball marathon, in which teams from both banks of the Daugava compete, continues on the Esplanade. The tournament began on the afternoon of August 15 and continued without interruption overnight. The last games will take place today, and the basketball celebration will conclude at 3:00 PM. This is one of the most convenient options for those who want to still catch the festive atmosphere in the very center of the city. From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM — Riga Football Festival The Rīgas Futbola festivāls 2026 continues near the Riga Congress Hall today. This is not just a series of football matches, but a two-day sports and urban festival. The program includes games for children and youth, competitions among representatives of Riga neighborhoods, and matches featuring celebrities, as well as additional entertainment and musical performances. The organizer is Streetbasket (Ghetto Games). Today, the festival operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Therefore, you can head there at almost any time during the day. From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM — "Why is the Daugava Red? (and other stories)" For family recreation, the Sunday program includes the event "Kāpēc Daugava sarkana? (un citi stāsti)" — "Why is the Daugava Red? (and other stories)." It will take place from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In the official program, the event is designated as family-friendly, cultural, and entertaining: visitors can expect performances, a concert part, creative workshops, and activities for children. Thus, if you want to continue the celebration today, there are three options: until 3:00 PM, you can head to the Esplanade for the final of "Krastu mačs"; from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the football festival is taking place near the Congress Hall; and from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the family program "Why is the Daugava Red?" is happening. And this is not the end of the anniversary summer. On August 19, the program "Rīgas vasara" features a concert by Igo with a band, on August 20, new musical events will take place, and on August 22, the street art festival ROW BALTICS 2026 will be held. Riga has its history dating back to 1201, so in 2026, the Latvian capital will celebrate its 825th anniversary. The main festive day with the roar of racing engines, thousands of revelers, and a laser show over the Daugava is already behind us, but the city continues to celebrate its anniversary — and today, you can still join the festivities.
