LAMPA Conversation Festival 2026
LAMPA is Latvia's biggest public discussion festival, with around 400 events across dozens of open-air venues in Cēsis — talks, debates and interviews on social and global issues, some in English. The 2026 edition's theme is 'About what must we not talk?'.
Photo: Diliff (David Iliff) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Dates
- July 10–2026 (day: 11)
- Where
- Cēsis Castle Park and citywide venues
- Price
- Free
- Official link
- festivalslampa.lv ↗
What to expect
- Around 400 talks, debates and interviews over two days
- Open-air venues throughout Cēsis, several sessions in English
- 2026 theme: 'About what must we not talk?'
Planning tips
- Check the programme for English-language sessions before you go
- Most events are free and outdoors — bring a hat and water
- Cēsis is about 1.5 hours from Riga; consider staying overnight
Build a day around it
Riga event days feel best when you keep the schedule light: one event block, one food anchor, and one walking loop — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short Old Town/canal walk.
- If you're making a full day: one architecture/market block + event + an easy evening plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafes/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.