Riga Performance Festival STARPTELPA 2026 – Riga, Latvia
Overview
The Riga Performance Festival STARPTELPA is a premier international event dedicated to the exploration and celebration of performance art within the Baltic region. Translated as liminal space or space in-between, the festival focuses on the sovereign position of performance art as a vital tool for communication in contemporary society. The 2026 edition centers on the profound theme of Sonic Vibrations, examining how sound, echoes, and reverberations connect our personal histories with our shared futures.
Taking place primarily within the historic and atmospheric walls of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, the festival invites artists and audiences to engage with heritage as a living, breathing performance rather than a static monument. The program is curated to challenge boundaries, featuring a diverse array of live performances, video art, and an international conference. By utilizing the unique acoustics of its sacred venue, the event creates a sanctuary for artistic risk-taking and deep sensory exploration.
Throughout the week, participants can expect a rigorous schedule of experimental works that blend movement, sound, and visual elements. The festival serves as a critical platform for both established international performers and emerging local talents to collaborate and exchange ideas. Beyond the aesthetic experience, STARPTELPA fosters a sense of global community, encouraging empathy and thought-provoking dialogue through the raw and immediate medium of live performance.
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Event Highlights
- Sonic Vibrations Theme: A specialized focus on the power of sound to unsettle boundaries and animate heritage through echoes and dissonance across generations.
- International Conference: Two days dedicated to the Aesthetics of Protest and Legal Mobilization, featuring academic discussions and artistic research at the Art Academy of Latvia.
- Video Performance Night: A curated evening of digital and recorded performative works hosted at the K.Suns cinema, showcasing the intersection of film and performance.
- St. Saviour’s Live Series: Three consecutive days of intensive live performances where artists interact with the wood, stone, and shifting light of the Anglican Church.
Why Attend
This festival is an essential destination for art professionals, students, and curious observers who wish to witness the cutting edge of contemporary performance. It is ideal for those interested in the political and social power of art, as the 2026 program specifically addresses themes of trauma, post-memory, and the productive nature of conflict. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how sound and movement can be used to re-interpret history in a modern context.
The benefits of attending include unparalleled access to international artists and theorists in an intimate, historic setting. Unlike larger, more commercial festivals, STARPTELPA offers a space for genuine connection and experimental synthesis. Visitors will leave with a expanded perspective on the role of the arts in legal and social mobilization, all while experiencing the architectural and cultural beauty of Riga’s historic center.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: May 25 to May 31, 2026
- Event Duration: Seven days of performances, lectures, and community events
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website or at the door of the main venues during the event week.
- Admission Type: Options include individual event tickets, daily passes, and full festival wristbands that grant access to all workshops and shows.
- Ticket Pricing: Entry prices range from a minimum of 11 USD for single evening sessions to a maximum of 85 USD for a full festival pass.
- Special Seating Options: Seating at the church and cinema is provided on a first-come, first-served basis with accessible areas for those with mobility requirements.
- VIP Options: A limited number of professional passes are available for curators and critics which include networking lunches and priority access to the conference sessions.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Riga, Latvia
- Venue Name: St. Saviour’s Anglican Church (Anglikāņu baznīca)
- Google Maps Address: La Ruette de Sacrement, Jersey JE2 7LJ, Jersey
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: starptelpa@rigaperformance.lv
- Phone Number: +371 2517 1989
- Official Website: https://www.rigaperformancefestival.com/festival-2026
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.facebook.com/rigaperformancefestival
- https://www.instagram.com/starptelpa/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Riga International Airport is located approximately 6 miles from the Old Town festival venue.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Riga Central Railway Station is a 15-minute walk from the main church venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Numerous tram and bus lines stop at the National Theatre or 11. novembra krastmala stations nearby.
- Parking Availability: Limited street parking is available in the Old Town area, with larger parking garages located near the Stockmann shopping center.
- Directions by Car: Follow the A1 or A2 highways toward the city center and cross the Akmens Bridge to reach the riverside area.
What is this event?
The Riga Performance Festival STARPTELPA is an annual international cultural event that spotlights performance art as a sovereign and experimental form of expression. It brings together cross-disciplinary artists to explore the boundaries of contemporary art through live action and sound.
The 2026 edition specifically explores the concept of sonic vibrations as a way to engage with cultural heritage and personal memory. It serves as both an artistic showcase and a scholarly forum for debating the role of art in modern society.
Why is it popular?
The festival has gained a strong reputation for its fearless curation and its ability to turn historic spaces like St. Saviour’s Church into vibrant hubs of creativity. It attracts a dedicated following of intellectuals and artists who appreciate its focus on experimental and often challenging works.
It is also popular for its inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly environment, which makes it a safe and welcoming space for diverse voices. The combination of high-level academic discourse and raw emotional performance provides a unique depth that sets it apart from other art festivals.
Tips before you go
- Wear layers of clothing as the stone interior of the Anglican Church can remain quite cool even during late May.
- Arrive at least twenty minutes early for live performances to secure a seat, as the church’s unique layout can fill up quickly.
- Bring a notebook or digital device if you plan on attending the conference sessions, as the discussions are often dense and academic.
- Take time to explore the surrounding Old Town of Riga between events, as the venue is situated in the most historic part of the city.
- Be prepared for silence or intense sound; many performances rely heavily on the natural acoustics of the space and require focused attention.
Attendee Experiences
- The way the light filtered through the stained glass during the sound performance was absolutely hypnotic and moving.
- I was deeply impressed by the bravery of the performers and the intellectual depth of the protest art conference.
- The atmosphere in the church is so intimate that you feel like you are part of the art piece itself.
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FAQ's
Will the performances be in English or Latvian?
The festival is an international event, and most performances rely on non-verbal communication or use English for spoken word elements. The academic conference and printed programs are also provided in English to ensure that international guests can fully engage with the content.
Is the main venue accessible for people with disabilities?
St. Saviour’s Anglican Church is an old historic building, but the organizers make every effort to provide ramp access and designated seating areas for visitors. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is recommended to contact the festival staff in advance via email.
Can I take photographs or record the performances during the show?
To respect the focus of the artists and the privacy of other audience members, flash photography and long-form video recording are generally prohibited during live shows. Professional photographers are usually on-site, and a selection of official images is typically shared on social media after the event.
Are children allowed to attend the festival events?
While there is no strict age limit, much of the performance art is experimental and may contain mature themes or intense sensory elements that are not suitable for young children. Parents are advised to check the descriptions of specific performances in the program before deciding to bring minors.
Is there a dress code for the evening performances or the conference?
There is no formal dress code for the festival, and most attendees wear smart-casual or creative attire that is comfortable for sitting or standing. Since some events take place in a church and others in a cinema or art academy, versatile clothing is the most practical choice.
