Riga in November is a cosy hub of theatre, arts and social gatherings. It’s the ideal time to grab a nice cup of your favourite hot beverage and enjoy the sweater weather with a nice stroll through this Latvian city.
Plus, November is known as the most patriotic month for Latvians. The whole nation celebrates the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia on November 18, with different events surrounding this culturally significant date.
Let’s dive into the best events Riga has to offer this month!
- Go shopping for cosy traditional goodies
- Warm up in local cafes
- Festivities and community events
- Music events
- Culture and exhibitions
- Sports and outdoor leisure
- Riga—the place to be this November
Go shopping for cosy traditional goodies
Get ready for the winter season by stocking up on traditional Latvian clothing, such as knitted socks and mittens. Latvians are big on knitting, so finding quality knitwear will be a fun experience.
Photo source: Unsplash
Traditional clothing store “Senā Klēts”
This clothing store is famous for traditional wear, unique clothing items and quality materials. You’ll find many linen and woolen items, such as vests, skirts, socks, mittens, bags, scarves and even traditional crowns and blankets.
Photo source: Live Riga
Senā Klēts is conveniently located in the Old Town, in Rātslaukums.
See their offering – Senā Klēts.
Cosy handcrafted knitwear “Tīnes”
Tīnes offers a wide array of yarns as well as wool and linen clothing. Here you’ll find anything from ethnographic mittens to stylish hair ribbons, coats, capes and ponchos.
Photo source: Facebook
This store is located at 5 Riharda Vagnera street in the Old Town.
See their offering – Tīnes.
Knitwear and yarn store “Hobbywool”
This store has everything you need to make your own knitting passion projects come true. From educational books to quality wool, the Hobbywool store offers everything for crafts enthusiasts.
Photo source: Hobbywool
Or, if you’re merely looking for a shopping spree, you’ll be able to purchase mittens, fingerless gloves and socks here as well.
You’ll find Hobbywool in the Old Town, at 6 Mazā Pils street.
See their offering – Hobbywool.
Warm up in local cafes
November is a magical yet gloomy month. For that reason, it’s the perfect time to find cosy cafes and have a warm chat with your friends or family.
Photo source: Unsplash
Parunāsim kafe’teeka
This cafe is hidden in the Old Town right next to the St. Jacob’s Catholic Cathedral of Riga. Here you’ll be able to get your hands on warm teas, coffee, and other beverages, including cocktails.
And, don’t forget to top your experience with a delicious piece of cake!
Photo source: Tripadvisor
You’ll find Parunāsim kafe’teeka at 4 Mazā Pils street.
Innocent Cafe
Innocent Cafe is one of Riga’s most popular coffee places. It has excellent Illy coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll also be able to get a meal here, as well as other beverages.
Photo source: Facebook
You’ll find Innocent Cafe at 34 Blaumaņa street.
ONE Cacao
This coffee shop is unlike any other in Riga. As the name suggests, its main drink is cacao. In fact, their cacao drinks are made from raw, ceremonial-grade cacao from the jungle, providing a whole new experience for cosy November evenings.
Photo source: Live Riga
You’ll find ONE Cacao on 21 Skolas street.
Festivities and community events
November is a great time to experience festivities and community events in Riga.
As the days get shorter, creative light shows come out to play, and craft fairs offer winter-themed goodies.
Fair at Kalnciema quarter
Dates: November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
This fair is more than just a market; it’s a community hub where locals and tourists alike gather for a rich cultural experience in a charming, historic setting. The bustling market has a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Latvian culture.
Photo source: Live Riga
Enjoy traditional cheeses and home-baked breads, buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce, all while enjoying the live music and festival atmosphere.
Festival of light — Staro Rīga
Date: November 15–18
The Staro Rīga (Beaming Riga) is a light festival held every November. This is a free event you can experience by simply walking around the city.
During these couple of days, you’ll notice modern light and video exhibitions all over Riga, either in the form of contemporary art objects or light projections on Riga’s urban landscapes.
Photo source: Live Riga
Riga Christmas Market
Date: November 29–January 2
Get a head start on purchasing your Christmas presents this year! Visit Dome Square, located in the heart of the Old Town, and explore Riga’s traditional Christmas market.
Photo source: Live Riga
Experience local foods, enjoy live music and taste countless types of mulled wine to get that Christmas feeling!
Music events
Enjoy the rhythm of the city by attending music events this November in Riga!
Art of Riga Jazz
Date: November 8
See the Canadian pianist Alexandra Streliski in action this month in Riga. She is an innovative, successful artist in the neo-classical music space who’s sure to offer an exciting and moving piano performance.
Photo source: Live Riga
Pink Noise Riga festival
Date: November 9
The main star of the show—Branford Marsalis—is a three-time Grammy award-winning saxophonist. He is also a featured classical soloist, band leader, and Broadway composer.
This November, Marsalis will perform with the Latvian Radio big band in a new music festival called Pink Noise Riga.
Photo source: Live Riga
Don’t miss out on this unique musical opportunity!
Daddy Was A Milkman concert
Date: November 30
This Lithuanian indie pop artist has touched many hearts with their beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Photo source: Live Riga
If you’re looking for a touching, emotional experience to add to the November mood, this is the perfect event to add to your to-do list.
Culture and exhibitions
November is ideal for visiting exhibitions and cultural events in Riga. See what Riga has to offer this month and immerse yourself in artsy experiences!
Ballet “Casanova”
Dates: November 2, 3, 16
Are you ready for an incredible night at the Latvian National Opera?
Discover the stunning world of the 18th century through the “Casanova” ballet performance.
Photo source: Live Riga
Only three nights available in November!
Free admission to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Dates: November 11, 18, 30
On days of national significance and commemoration for Latvia, admission to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is free.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Three of these days fall in November, so if you’re visiting Riga this month, use this opportunity to explore the depths of Latvian history.
“The Close up of Design Processes” pop-up exhibition
Dates: all month long
The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design offers a new pop-up exhibition series about autumn. In this exhibition, you can see how multiple Latvian artists portray the colourful harvest season through contrasts in different materials.
Photo source: Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
Sports and outdoor leisure
You know how the saying goes: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” It’s always a good time to enjoy outdoor activities in Riga.
Photo source: Live Riga
No matter if you choose to play a round of disc golf or solve puzzles in a city-wide game, you’re guaranteed to have tons of fun.
airBaltic Disc golf park in Mežaparks
During your stay in Riga, visiting airBaltic’s very own disc golf park in Mežaparks is a must-have. Tucked away in beautiful, lush forests, it’s the perfect spot for both newcomers and seasoned players to come together for a round of disc golf.
P.S. If you become an airBaltic Club member, you’ll get to play for free once every month. Plus, if you’re an Executive or VIP member, or are a proud owner of our Planies NFT, you’re in luck—there’s no cap on free games at the airBaltic Disc golf park!
Roadgames
Explore all the nooks and crannies of Riga city and beyond with Roadgames, an engaging scavenger hunt game that combines exploration with puzzle-solving. This unique game is perfect for those eager to see the city from a different angle.
Photo source: Roadgames
Plus, you can play anytime you like – there’s no set date. And, you can explore the city on foot, by bike, or by car.
Pro tip: if you wish to explore in comfort, you can conveniently rent a car through our partner SIXT and collect airBaltic Club points.
Riga—the place to be this November
Riga in November offers something for every traveller.
Whether you’re enjoying light festivals and community gatherings, exploring art exhibitions, attending concerts or simply experiencing the charming Latvian culture and cosy markets, the city’s vibrant energy will make your travels unforgettable.
Photo source: Live Riga
Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a wonderful trip to Riga!