Jūrmala Festival – Latvia 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: The Jūrmala Festival, launched in 2015, is an annual celebration of music and arts held at the historic Dzintari Concert Hall in Jūrmala, Latvia. Initiated by Dzintaru Koncertzāle and local cultural organizations, it was created to showcase Latvia’s musical heritage while fostering international collaboration, leveraging Jūrmala’s reputation as a Baltic cultural hub and spa resort destination.
• Cultural Significance: The festival embodies Latvia’s deep connection to music, rooted in its choral and classical traditions, while embracing global influences like flamenco and opera. Set in Jūrmala, a UNESCO Creative City of Music, it attracts over 10,000 visitors annually, blending high art with the relaxed seaside charm of the Baltic coast, reinforcing Latvia’s role as a crossroads of European culture.
• Historical Evolution: Starting as a modest series of concerts, the festival has grown into a six-day event featuring world-class artists and orchestras. It has hosted luminaries like pianists Andrejs Osokins and Ksenija Sidorova, and expanded to include diverse genres, from symphonic to jazz. The 2025 edition marked its 10th anniversary, with plans for 2026 to elevate its international profile through new commissions and youth programs.
• Modern Impact: In 2026, the Jūrmala Festival continues to promote sustainability through eco-friendly staging and local sourcing, supporting Latvia’s green tourism initiatives. It boosts Jūrmala’s economy by drawing global audiences and fosters cultural exchange via partnerships with international ensembles, enhancing the city’s legacy as a summer arts destination.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Opening Concert – Three Osokins (July 15, 2026, 20:00, Great Hall): Pianists Sergejs, Andrejs, and Georgijs Osokins perform with the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra under conductor Guntis Kuzma. Program includes Schumann and Grieg piano concerto excerpts, Ravel’s Bolero for three pianos, Mozart’s Concerto for Three Pianos, and Bach’s Concerto for Four Pianos (after Vivaldi).
  • Born in Latvia (July 16, 2026, 20:00, Great Hall): A traditional concert featuring Latvian-born musicians across generations, including Aleksandrs Antoņenko, Zanda Švēde, Ksenija Sidorova, and the Jūrmala Festival Orchestra conducted by Ainārs Rubiķis. Program highlights Mozart, Beethoven, Dārziņš, Vivaldi, and a new work by Ernests Medenis for Jāzeps Vītols’ 160th anniversary.
  • Spanish Flamenco Ballet (July 17, 2026, 20:00, Great Hall): Madrid’s leading flamenco company presents Flamenco Fusion, a vibrant display of dance and music, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary flair.
  • Ksenija Sidorova and Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (July 18, 2026, 20:00, Great Hall): Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova performs with conductor Andris Poga, featuring Respighi’s Fountains of Rome, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, and the Latvian premiere of Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra.
  • Night Concert – Luiz Murakami (July 18, 2026, 23:00, Small Hall): Brazilian guitarist Luiz Murakami delivers a late-night jazz and bossa nova set, blending Latin rhythms with improvisational freedom.
  • Gala Concert – Most Beautiful Opera Arias (July 19, 2026, 20:00, Great Hall): Soloists Aleksandrs Antoņenko, Inga Kalna, Zanda Švēde, and Vittorio De Campo, with conductor Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and the Jūrmala Festival Orchestra, perform iconic arias by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Bizet, and others.
  • Sunrise Concert – Iveta Apkalna (July 20, 2026, 04:30, Dzintari Beach): Organist Iveta Apkalna performs a dawn concert with Bach’s Passacaglia, Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel, and Aivars Kalējs’ Lux Aeterna, set against the Baltic Sea’s sunrise.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Sunrise Concert Tradition: The closing beach performance at dawn is a unique ritual, blending music with nature’s serenity, a hallmark since the festival’s inception.
  • Latvian Talent Showcase: The Born in Latvia concert celebrates national pride, featuring both established and emerging artists, often with premieres of new Latvian compositions.
  • Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Sustainable practices include biodegradable materials for food stalls and energy-efficient lighting, aligning with Jūrmala’s green tourism goals.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Cultural Exhibitions: Displays at Dzintari Concert Hall showcasing Latvia’s musical history, including artifacts from Jāzeps Vītols and the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.
  • Beachside Activities: Pre-concert beach events with local crafts, live music, and family workshops on Latvian folk instruments like the kokle.
  • Guided Tours: Historical walks through Jūrmala’s Art Nouveau architecture and Dzintari Concert Hall’s 1936 interiors, designed by Alexander Birzenieks and Victor Mellenburg.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 15–20, 2026 (confirmed based on official sources).
• Duration: 6 days, with concerts and events from evening (20:00) to early morning (04:30 for Sunrise Concert), plus daytime activities like workshops and markets.

Venue / Location

• City: Jūrmala, Latvia (Baltic coast, 25 km from Riga)
• Main Venues: Dzintari Concert Hall (Great Hall: 2,100 seats; Small Hall: 500 seats), a historic venue built in 1936 with superior acoustics, and Dzintari Beach for the Sunrise Concert. Additional events in Jūrmala’s Majori and Dubulti districts.
• Notable Areas: The festival centers on Jūrmala’s pristine beaches and pine forests, with Dzintari Concert Hall as a cultural landmark featuring Ansis Cīrulis’ paintings (Lielupe, Jūra, Latvia). Nearby Jomas Street hosts food stalls and pop-up performances, while the Baltic Sea coast offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor events.
• Google Maps Address: Turaidas iela 1, Jūrmala, LV-2015, Latvia (Dzintari Concert Hall).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via https://dzintarukoncertzale.lv or partner platforms like bilesuparadize.lv, offering secure purchases with early bird discounts (e.g., 25% off until June 30, 2026).
  • On-site at Dzintari Concert Hall box office (open 10:00–18:00 during festival week) or Jūrmala tourist centers.
  • Accepts credit cards, cash, and bank transfers (SIA Dzintaru Koncertzāle: LV42UNLA0010009467685, SWIFT: UNLALV2X).
• Admission Type: Paid for Great Hall and Small Hall concerts; Sunrise Concert free but requires registration for crowd control.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum: $10 (approx. €9) for Small Hall concerts or standing areas in Great Hall.
  • Maximum: $60 (approx. €55) for premium Great Hall seats or festival passes covering all events.
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Reserved balcony seats in Great Hall for optimal acoustics and views; VIP packages include backstage access and artist meet-and-greets (pricing ~$100–$150, check website).
  • Accessibility seating for disabled attendees, with wheelchair ramps and assisted entry; contact info@dzintarukoncertzale.lv for arrangements.
  • Family discounts for children under 12, often free for Sunrise Concert with adult.

Contact Information

• Email: info@dzintarukoncertzale.lv (general inquiries); tickets via website form
• Phone: +371 67 762 005 (English/Latvian support, weekdays 9:00–17:00)
• Website: https://dzintarukoncertzale.lv (program, tickets, virtual tours); also https://jurmalasfestivals.lv for festival-specific updates
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @dzintarukoncertzale
  • Facebook: @dzintarukoncertzale
• Key Staff: Organized by SIA Dzintaru Koncertzāle (Reg. Nr. 40003378932); contact for press or partnerships via email.
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to info@dzintarukoncertzale.lv; volunteer roles (ushering, setup) via website application (2026 details TBD).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; multilingual support for international visitors.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • The festival ties to Latvia’s Song and Dance Festival heritage, emphasizing choral and classical music, with Born in Latvia celebrating national identity.
  • Communal beach gatherings echo Baltic summer traditions, blending music with nature, akin to Latvia’s Jāņi (Midsummer) celebrations.
• Music:
  • Diverse genres from symphonic (Liepāja Symphony Orchestra) to flamenco and jazz (Luiz Murakami), with Latvian folk elements like dainas integrated into new works.
  • Live orchestras and soloists perform in Dzintari’s acoustically pristine halls, with open-air concerts enhancing the seaside ambiance.
• Costumes:
  • Performers in formal concert attire (tuxedos, gowns) for classical events; flamenco dancers in vibrant ruffled dresses and suits for Flamenco Fusion.
  • Attendees wear elegant summer outfits, often with Latvian linen or amber accessories, reflecting Baltic style.
• Local Customs:
  • Latvian language dominates, with English translations provided; workshops teach phrases like “Labvakar” (good evening) or “Paldies” (thank you).
  • Community engagement through free beach events and local artist showcases fosters inclusivity, mirroring Latvia’s tradition of public cultural access.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Rupjmaize: Dense Latvian rye bread, served with local cheeses or smoked sprats at Jomas Street stalls.
  • Skābeņu Zupa: Sorrel soup with boiled egg, a refreshing Baltic dish available at festival food courts.
  • Pīrāgi: Bacon-filled pastries, a Latvian staple for quick bites between concerts.
  • Kvass: Fermented rye drink, non-alcoholic and cooling, popular at beachside vendors.
  • Medus Alus: Honey-infused local beer from Jūrmala breweries, paired with grilled seafood.
  • Biezpiena Siers: Creamy cottage cheese with caraway seeds, served with honey or berries.
  • Sklandrausis: Kurzeme’s carrot and potato pie, a sweet-savory treat from artisan markets.

Getting There

• By Air: Riga International Airport (RIX, 20 km, 25-min drive), with flights from Europe via Air Baltic. Taxis, shuttles, or bus 22 to Jūrmala.
• By Train: Riga Central Station to Majori or Dzintari stations (30 min) via Latvian Railways (LDz). Book at pv.lv.
• By Bus: FlixBus or Ecolines from Riga to Jūrmala (40 min); local buses to Turaidas iela stop near Dzintari Concert Hall.
• By Car: From Riga (25 km, 30 min via A10); parking at Dzintari Concert Hall or Majori lots (limited, ~$5/day). Check jurmala.lv for restrictions.
• Local Transport: Walkable from Majori; bikes via BalticBike; festival shuttles from Riga during peak events.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at Dzintari; contact festival office for assisted transport or seating.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA: 5-star beachfront, ~$150–$300/night, 5-min walk to Dzintari, with festival packages.
  • Hotel Jūrmala SPA: 4-star, ~$100–$200/night, wellness and proximity to venue.
  • Amber Sea Hotel: Budget 3-star, ~$60–$120/night, near Majori station.
• Guesthouses/B&Bs:
  • Villa Joma: Historic guesthouse on Jomas Street, ~$70–$140/night, Art Nouveau charm.
  • Dzintars Guesthouse: Family-run, ~$50–$100/night, close to beach events.
• Camping/Airbnb:
  • Nemo Camping: Beachside site, ~$20–$40/night, 10-min bike to venue.
  • Airbnb Apartments: Seaside flats in Majori, ~$80–$150/night, ideal for families.
• Booking Tips: Book 6–12 months early via jurmala.lv or booking.com; summer peak spikes prices. Look for festival deals with spa access.