Daugavpils
Latvia's second-largest city has an all-day program of events on June 23 in the form of a 'Musical Jāni Market' in Jānis Pumpurs Square where Daugavpils residents and visitors will be able to buy home-made products, weave a wreath, play traditional games and usher in the magical Līgo festival.
Plenty of musicians will be on hand with highlights including Laura Amantova's jazz quartet and singer Rūta Dūduma-Ķirse with a concert program of Latvian folk songs in unique contemporary arrangements.
More: https://www.daugavpils.lv/afisa/vasaras-saulgriezu-un-ligo-svinibas-daugavpili
Liepāja
Liepāja rarely needs a second invitation when it comes to reasons to party, and this Midsummer is no exception. The city is building towards its stint as a European Capital of Culture in 2027, so is keen to impress.
On both June 21 and 22 from 10:00-18:00 a Summer Solstice holiday market of Latvian artisans and homemakers will take place in Rožu laukums. A large crowd of homemakers and artisans from all regions of Latvia will gather in one place to indulge in delicious delicacies and handicrafts, from bright flower crowns and linen dresses to tasty ecological food products for the Līgo holiday table.
Then on June 23 Jūrmala Park is the place to be for a free program from 21:00 that includes music from movies and theater performances. Soloists: Viktors Ellers, Agnese Jēkabsone, Karīna Tatarinova. Musical accompaniment: Jānis Strazds with a group of musicians.
After the concert, at approximately 10:30 p.m., together with the folklore group "Ķocis", the Jāņi fire will be lit and the celebration will continue until dawn with the group "Zelta kniede".
More: https://kalendars.liepaja.lv/lv/2023-06-24:39052:176258/
Jūrmala
At Midsummer, some are drawn to the fields, and some to the forests, but others are drawn to the sea. If you fall into the latter category, Jūrmala could be the place for you.
This year the main city celebration will take place June 23-24 in Melluži stage park and Kauguri beach. At 21.00, the sing-alongs will begin, with performers including Dita Lūriņa, Zane Dombrovska, Juris Jope and Gundars Grasbergs. From Andris Ārglis and the musical association "Mirāža" will play from 23.00 to 02.00. A bonfire will be burning at the event venue and a cafe will be open.
On Kauguri beach from 21.00–23.00 the band "Jauno Jāņu orķestris" will play, while at 23.30-01.00 the music group "Gapolijeri" will take the stage. 01.00-02.00 will feature DJ sets and a bonfire will be burning on the beach.
There will be additional public transport routes operating on June 24 so that residents can easily return home after the Ligo festival events.
More: https://www.jurmala.lv/lv/jaunums/jurmala-aicina-uz-ligosanu
Valmiera
Northern Latvians are children of the forests, but on occasion they have been known to venure into urban areas. Valmiera's extensive parks and trails mean they still feel at home while enjoying some of the benefits and comforts of city life. Those include well-organized municipal revels, which this year take place on June 23 from 20.00 in the perfectly-named Jāņparks.
During the "Jāņojim Jāņparkā" event, the Valmiera Culture Center's folk music group, the groups "Rahu The Fool" and "TirkizBand", as well as DJ Alexx will take care of the merry mood and dances. In a specially designed photo corner, everyone will be able to capture festive moments and there will also be an outdoor cafe open late. Admission is free.
More: https://www.valmierasnovads.lv/events/janojam-janparka-valmiera/
Rēzekne
Latgale region is famed for its hospitality, and as Rēzekne has a claim to be the regional capital, it might reasonably also claim to be the most hospitable Latvian city.
On Ligo Day, June 23, from From 18.00 until the morning of June 24, everyone is invited to gather in the very heart of Rēzekne - in the Festival Park to celebrate, rejoice, have fun and welcome the sunrise together.
From 18.00, a market will be open in the park, where you will have the opportunity to buy delicious Jāņi cheese and other essential goodies. The musical program starts from 19:00 featuring Lauris Subatnieks, Aldis Siliņš and Gundars Silakaktiņš followed by traditional choral singers and dancers.
Distractions will also be provided with fortune-telling from a gypsy ensemble from Griškāni parish, public dancing and popular bands providing accompaniment 22.00 to 04.00. Naturally, the big festive bonfire will help conjure up the magical atmosphere of Midsummer's Eve. Admission to all events is free.
More: https://rezekne.lv/2023/06/ligosim-rezekne-3/
Ventspils
On Friday, June 23 from 07.30 to 15.00 you can stock up at the Ligo holiday market (Vecpilsētas market, Pils iela 14) and then at 20.00 in the Renķas garden, Ventspils theater invites guests to an open-air theater production "Oh, dear Blaumanis!" based on the works of the great Latvian writer Rudolfs Blaumanis . After the show, dancers can do their thing courtesy of the Brothers Rozentals and DJ Jāni K.
You might even stay up long enough to make a second visit to the Līgo holiday market which will be open again on Saturday, June 24 From 07.30 to 15.00!
