On 10 and 11 July, Liepāja will celebrate its annual Sea Festival, filling Seaside Park, Liepāja Beach, and the Promenade with music, maritime traditions, and a vibrant summer atmosphere. Throughout the festival area, visitors will encounter a variety of experiences — from live music and creative activities to educational workshops and family entertainment — all inspired by the sea and the spirit of summer.
The celebrations begin on the evening of 10 July along the Trade Canal, where visitors are invited to watch rowing competitions organised by the Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority, followed by the traditional parade of boats and ships.
The official programme on 11 July starts at 11:00 with a commemorative ceremony at the Memorial to Sailors and Fishermen Lost at Sea, honouring those whose lives and work have been closely connected with the sea.
From 12:00 onwards, Seaside Park and the surrounding festival grounds will come alive with concerts, performances, and activities for visitors of all ages. The daytime programme includes children’s concerts, a musical puppet theatre performance, interactive entertainment, and a lively mix of local music throughout the afternoon. As evening falls, the festival will continue with contemporary Latvian pop and rock performances, bringing the celebrations to a festive conclusion.
Families with children will find plenty to enjoy in the Wonder Wind zone, featuring creative workshops, educational activities, and performances by international street theatre and circus artists from Poland, Slovenia, and Hong Kong. Acrobatics, juggling, movement theatre, and interactive performances will create a joyful atmosphere throughout the day.
Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to watch two Latvian artists capture the festive atmosphere during an open-air painting session, drawing inspiration from Liepāja’s cityscape, coastline, and the Baltic Sea.
The beach will once again become one of the festival’s main attractions, with large-scale sand sculptures depicting some of Liepāja’s best-known landmarks and symbols, including the city’s famous anchor, the Northern Forts, and the historic Liepāja tram. Visitors are invited to become part of a unique community artwork by leaving their handprint and signature in the sand.
Right on the seashore, the Sea Wind Laboratory will offer an opportunity to discover the fascinating underwater world of the Baltic Sea together with scientists from the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology. Visitors will be able to join a shoreline sampling activity, examine collected marine life, explore aquariums and microscopic specimens, learn about scientific diving equipment and underwater research methods, and discover how scientists monitor and protect the marine environment.
Throughout the day, more than 150 local artisans, designers, and food producers will gather at the festival market, offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, artwork, and unique products that showcase the region’s creativity and traditions.
The Liepāja Sea Festival is one of the city’s signature summer celebrations, bringing together maritime heritage, culture, music, and family-friendly entertainment in a unique seaside setting.