Riga Opera Festival
Three weeks each June when the National Opera puts its best productions of the season back on stage.
Quick Answer
The Riga Opera Festival runs at the Latvian National Opera in central Riga, typically across the first three weeks of June. The programme combines new opera and ballet productions with the strongest performances from the season just finished — effectively a best-of, staged in one of the more beautiful opera houses in northern Europe.
What It Is
The festival is the Latvian National Opera’s annual showcase: rather than a separate programme brought in from outside, it gathers the house’s own new productions from the season alongside revivals of the performances that worked best. For a visitor that is a useful format — you are seeing a company’s selected highlights compressed into a few weeks rather than gambling on whatever happens to be running.
The Venue Is Half the Point
The Latvian National Opera building sits beside the City Canal and Bastejkalns Park at the edge of Old Town, a short walk from almost anywhere central. It is a 19th-century house, handsomely restored, and worth seeing from the inside even if the specific programme on your dates is not one you would otherwise have chosen. Ticket prices are also markedly lower than equivalent houses in Western European capitals, which is consistent with the wider picture in our Riga cost guide.
Planning Around It
June is an excellent month to be in Riga generally — long daylight, warm weather, and the Jāņi solstice celebrations falling on 23–24 June. Pairing the opera festival with the earlier part of the month avoids the solstice week, when the city empties out. Book tickets through the opera house directly, and see our where to stay guide — anywhere in Old Town or the Quiet Centre leaves you walking distance from the theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Riga Opera Festival?
It is usually held across the first three weeks of June, running at the Latvian National Opera. Exact dates and the programme are published annually by the opera house.
What is performed at the Riga Opera Festival?
The programme mixes the Latvian National Opera's new opera and ballet productions from that season with revivals of the strongest performances from previous seasons — effectively a curated best-of from the company's own repertoire.
Where is the Latvian National Opera?
It sits beside the City Canal and Bastejkalns Park on the edge of Old Town, within walking distance of most central Riga accommodation. The restored 19th-century building is a notable sight in its own right.
Are opera tickets in Riga expensive?
No — ticket prices are considerably lower than at comparable opera houses in Western European capitals, in line with Riga's generally lower cost base. Book directly through the opera house for the widest choice of seats.
Planning a June trip?
Last updated: August 2026. Festival dates, casting and programme are set annually by the Latvian National Opera — confirm current details and buy tickets through the opera house directly.