On the evening of June 21, we will celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Ventspils Seaside Open-Air Museum and on the beach. Everyone is invited to enjoy songs, dances, and traditional Midsummer activities in the museum’s authentic historic homesteads, and later welcome the sunset by the sea in a meditative atmosphere.
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Seaside Open-Air Museum – “Riktes un lustes” (Revelry and Merrymaking).
At 8:00 PM — lively musical program with the band “Luste.” Cultural center groups will bring the museum’s historic homesteads to life with songs, dances, a cheese-making masterclass, wreath weaving, and an ancient torch workshop. Participants include Ventspils Theater, VPDK “Strautuguns,” VPDK “Liedags,” VPDK “Kurzeme,” SDK “Senkurzeme,” mixed choirs “Kaiva” and “Līvzeme,” folklore group “Laipa,” the vocal ensemble “Ventiņ,” and the folk arts studio “Vīkale.”
At 9:00 PM — Group concert by the museum’s windmill — family-style feast, singing to each other, and dancing.
At 10:00 PM — “Midsummer Fire Path to Sunset” — a group walk from the museum to the beach.
From 10:20 PM to midnight at Ventspils beach (near Pier 6) — sensory evening “Sunset Mystery.”
At 10:20 PM — Collective creation of fire symbols.
At 10:35 PM — Fire ritual.
At 11:00 PM — Atmospheric concert by the music group “Gan’, Gan’” — ancient Midsummer songs blended with ambient electronic sounds to create a special evening finale.
Entry to all events is free. A market will be open on the territory of the Seaside Open-Air Museum.
Together, we will create unforgettable moments of the Summer Solstice and draw strength from nature and traditions!
