The 10 Best Places For Live Music In Riga, Latvia

Rockabilly House is a large beer garden situated in the picturesque Livu square of Riga’s Old Town. It is famous for its rockabilly live music nights that take place every night. The staff are dressed up to match the theme of the restaurant – expect charming pin-up girls and muscular, tattooed guys. The bar has a large beer selection which offers local and foreign brews. Another bonus point for the pub is the number of large flat screen TVs that show live sports events. Get ready to be transported to the 1950s.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs | © Bernt Rostad/FlickrThis music club has variously themed nights throughout the week but mostly focuses on playing live folk and rock music. It is well known not only for its strict rules on clothing – no trainers and such allowed – but also because it is often frequented by famous Latvian writers and artists. Several nights a week it also has a proper disco with DJs and theme parties.

This live music pub is located in a cozy cellar that resembles a cavern. It offers a great variety of drinks, from locally brewed beers to various spirits and cocktails. Folkklubs also works as a restaurant which serves delicious food – it’s so good that many people say it’s one of the best kitchens in Riga. The bar works ’til late and hosts regular live folk music nights when the space in front of the stage becomes a dance floor.

CocoRosie at the Palladium | © anna Hanks/FlickrThis is the only club in Riga dedicated exclusively to live heavy metal music. Unfortunately, it is only open for events. So, it is essential to check on their website if something’s happening before heading down. The bar is situated within the brick walls of an old factory next to the VEF Bridge and offers a perfect underground atmosphere.

Palladium is one of the first concert halls in Latvia. Its beautiful architecture is due to the old Palladium cinema which formerly occupied the premises. It is located in the heart of Riga and hosts performances by local and foreign musicians, usually a few per week. It’s a great place to enjoy quality live music in beautiful premises.

Seasonal market at Kalnciema kvartāls | © Santa Felkere/FlickrThis music house is situated in a building which was formerly home to a local cinema. The cinema was transformed into a 400-seat auditorium with a stage as big as that of the Latvian National Theatre. Hosting everything from musicals to classical music concerts, international pop bands to theatrical plays, Daile Music House is one of the Riga’s cultural hotspots.

Mika @ Arena Riga | © Helmuts Guigo/FlickrKalnciema kvartāls (the Kalnciema Quarter in English) is one of the cultural spots in Riga that is bustling with visitors during the summer months. One of the main attractions of the quarter are the open air concerts that take place every Thursday evening, from May until September. While listening to music, visitors can also visit food and crafts markets, have a meal at a local restaurant or just enjoy some refreshing drinks. Kalnciema is also a must-see for the beautifully renovated 19th-century buildings that give the place its character.

For anyone who wants to see a large-scale gig by an internationally famous band or musician, Arena Riga is probably the best place to go. Hosted musicians in its long history of performances include Placebo, Muse and the Sex Pistols. The arena is also the best place for attending local sports events, such as the Continental Hockey League.

Great Guild | © DAVID HOLT/FlickrThough Riga is a trendy and modern city, there are still some spaces where classical music lovers can breathe in the air of the past while listening to their favorite instrumental and choral music. The concert hall Ave Sol was built in the 18th century as St. Peter and Pavel Church. It is one of the most brilliant examples of the classicist style in Riga. The venue regularly hosts classical music concerts and even has its own in-house chamber choir.

A place for classical music enthusiasts, the Great Guildis one of the oldest and most beautiful concert halls in Riga. It is a proud home to the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and hosts everything from classical pieces by well-known professional musicians to more modern variations by classical music students.