Celebrate Midsummer in Cēsis Region, Latvia

The shortest night of the year is almost here, and Cēsis region welcomes it with flower wreaths, bonfires and the scent of midsummer herbs drifting across the meadows. Wade through a field to pick wildflowers, weave a wreath, make Jāņi cheese, leap over a bonfire and surrender to the ancient rituals Latvians have cherished for centuries. We’ve put together a Midsummer guide with the best places to celebrate this magical night. May your festivities be unforgettable!

June 16

• “Jāņi on Earth and in the Skies” Musical Midsummer Spectacular · 7:00 PM · Castle Park, Cēsis
  An enchanting musical Midsummer performance where ancient Jāņi traditions meet the modern world – folk songs, dance, humour and theatrical storytelling for a truly festive atmosphere. Tickets available here.

June 20

• Herb Market and Midsummer Celebration · 10:00 AM-3:00 PM · Rose Square, Cēsis
  Jāņi songs, folk games and dance performances, alongside a market featuring local artisans and producers. Free entry.
  
• Dance Spectacular “When White Clouds Sway” · 9:00 PM · Castle Park, Cēsis
  Returning to the Castle Park stage after several years – a playful dance story about timeless summer love, transforming the park into a blooming garden. Tickets available here.
  
• Summer Solstice Celebration · 9:00 PM · Viņķu Hill, Jaunpiebalga
  Midsummer on Viņķu Hill with folklore ensemble “Piebaldzēni” and ritual group “Trīs gaisi”.
  
• Midsummer Market in Jaunpiebalga · 9:00 AM · Jaunpiebalga market square “Under Ķencis Hat”
  A morning market under the open sky at Jaunpiebalga market square.

June 21

• Midsummer Day in Līgatne · 8:00 AM-9:00 PM
  A full day of celebrations – morning concert by the Gauja river, Midsummer market, wreath weaving and evening bonfire songs in Zanderu meadows.
  
• Midsummer Celebrations on Zanderu Hill, Līgatne
  A beloved Līgatne tradition – songs, dance and rituals honouring Midsummer and the sun. Everyone is welcome to weave wreaths, bring food to share and join in the singing with the local folklore group.
  
• “Slow Food Straupe” Farmers and Small Producers Market · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM · Straupe horse post station.
  Local farmers and small producers gather in Straupe for a free-entry market celebrating seasonal and artisan food. Free entry.
  
• Midsummer in Skujene · 8:00 PM · Skujene open-air stage
  Wreath weaving, torch-making workshop, fire ritual, fern flower procession, open-air cinema and homemade cheese competition. To enter the cheese competition, call: +371 25655067.
  
• Midsummer Concert with Edgars Pujāts · 7:00 PM · Nītaure Generations Park
  An open-air concert performed on the water, with the audience on the shore. Bring a blanket or something comfortable to sit on. Free entry.
  
• Midsummer Herb Trail · 7:00 PM · A. Austriņš Museum “Kaikaši”, Vecpiebalga
  A 4 km walk to discover midsummer herbs, with singing and folk games along the way. At 9:00 PM – centenary celebrations of the building with songs, wreath weaving, a communal feast and farewell to the sun by the bonfire. Entry by donation.
  
• Midsummer Dance Evening in Raiskums · 10:00 PM · Raiskums open-air stage
  Dance and sing under a starry sky on the shortest night of the year, with live music by Jānis un Ilze Vībanti and Harijs Joniškāns. Entry: €7.

June 22

• Midsummer Eve Market · 3:00 PM–7:00 PM · Vecpiebalga Guest Room, Vecpiebalga
  A pre-Jāņi market in the heart of Vecpiebalga.

June 23

• Līgo Day Event in Bērzkrogs · 12:00 PM · Bērzkrogs car park
  Theatre performance “Circenītis” by Veselavas theatre studio “Kurlās vardes”, followed by a sing-along with Indra Kumsāre. Free entry.
  
• Līgo at Lielkrūzes · 12:00 PM · Nature farm “Lielkrūzes”, Jaunpiebalga
  A grand outdoor Midsummer celebration – wreath weaving, Jāņi traditions, folk dance group “Diždancis”, a great bonfire, live music, dance evening and singing until sunrise. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic basket and stay overnight in the camping area. Tickets available here.
  
• Līgo in Melnbārži · 8:00 PM · Zosēni Cultural Centre
  Screening of Vecpiebalga amateur theatre “Sumaisītis” performance “Skroderdienas Silmačos” at 8:00 PM, followed by the lighting of the Līgo bonfire at 10:00 PM for an evening of song and celebration.

Find more events at pasakumi.cesis.lv or on event organiser Facebook pages.