Latvia hosts biggest beer festival in Baltics

On 25-27 May 2012 the Second International Beer Festival, Latviabeerfest, will take place in central Riga, at the Vermanes Garden. All the major Latvian breweries will be participating alongside with the best European beer brands. Most local breweries have already agreed to join the event. German beer brands will form a German “beer street”. Czech, Lithuanian and Estonian breweries are also expected to take part. Latvian home brewers have been invited to form a home-brewed “beer street”.

In addition to a wide variety of beer, the festival will offer an exciting programme of events to keep festival guests entertained each day. There will be live music on the main stage; activities for children; competitions; contests and shows. Every brewery will offer food as well as beer. In a large dedicated food section, Latvian restaurants will offer their finest cuisine.

The festival takes place at the end of May when the Baltic summer is coming into bloom. The location, Vermanes Garden, is one of the most beautiful parks in Riga, a five-minute walk from the picturesque Old Town and well served by public transport links.

The first Latviabeerfest took place on 3-4 September 2011 in Riga Old Town, attracting thousands of people. Inspired by the last year’s success, this year the organizers are offering three days of beer, fun and music in a park that can accommodate more than 15 000 visitors.

Latvians are proud of their brewing traditions. The passion for beer in Latvia reaches its peak at the summer solstice, which is celebrated for three days in June. This holiday is closely associated with beer and brewing.