Smiltene Town Festival 2026 will take place from July 16 to 19, with the main venue located at Jāņukalns and its surrounding area. The motto “Salido Smiltenē!” (“Reunion in Smiltene”) is an invitation to come together, meet relatives, friends, and acquaintances, and celebrate the Smiltene festival together.

For four days, Smiltene will be filled with music, a variety of activities, and a true sense of togetherness. Everyone is invited — young and old, locals, people from the region, and visitors alike — to fly home to Smiltene and create unforgettable celebrations together!

Bike Reunion with a DJ

Smiltene Town Festival will open on Thursday, July 16, at 8:00 PM with an exciting Bike Gathering featuring DJ Andy Bassland. Residents and visitors are invited to decorate their bicycles with lights, wings, or other creative decorations and join the ride from the Teperis Lake promenade to the Jāņukalns open-air stage.
Opening speeches will be delivered by Ervins Labanovskis, Chair of the Smiltene Municipality Council, Deputy Chair Astrīda Harju, and Executive Director Andris Lapiņš.
The exact route will be announced before the event. Participation is free of charge.

Smiltene Music Band Reunion

On Friday, July 17, from 6:30 PM, the Jāņukalns open-air stage will host the Smiltene Bands Reunion featuring performances by “Tilts”, “Apvedceļš”, “Ceļojums”, “Sestā Jūdze”, “Palsa”, “Propelleris”, “Kreisas Pagrieziens”, and “Pusnakts Brigāde”.
Let’s dance and sing along together! DJ Demyjan will take care of the music during the breaks.
Admission fee applies.

Let’s reunite through sports, creative activities, and the festive concert!

The highlight day of the festival, July 18, will traditionally begin with the sounds of the brass band “Smiltene”, awakening the town for a joyful and vibrant day of togetherness and celebration.

Sports and movement have always been Smiltene’s hallmark and source of energy, and this year’s festival will be no exception. Early in the morning, at 9:00 AM, rogaining competitions will begin at the foot of Jāņukalns near the Baptist church, while an hour later fitness trainer Ilze Lāce will invite everyone to get moving together at Teperis Stadium.
Children will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting disc golf championship at the “Abuls” disc golf course, while sports competitions for the little ones will take place in the courtyard of preschool “Pīlādzītis”. Participation is free of charge.

The festival atmosphere would not be complete without the traditional market — reunion of craftsmen and local producers by the Jāņukalns open-air stage. A particularly lively atmosphere will fill the courtyard of Smiltene Art School at 2 Vaļņu Street. At 11:00 AM, readers, authors, and book lovers will gather there together with actress, speech coach, and writer Zane Daudziņa and publisher Vija Kilbloka.
Representatives of the “Urda” Nature and Technology Park by SIA “ZAAO” will lead educational and creative textile workshops, including patch making, accessory decorating, and clothing stamping. Young people from the Smiltene Youth Centre will organize giant games, a henna workshop, virtual reality experiences using VR headsets, a panel discussion, and other activities.
Meanwhile, at 12:00 PM, the Smiltene Regional Research Museum will guide visitors on a tour titled “The History of Smiltene’s Architecture”. Special attention has also been given to motorsport and technology enthusiasts — a motorcycle gathering will take place at the “Žāpurs” garage complex, 11 Valmieras Street.
All activities are free of charge.

The highlight of the festival will take place at the Jāņukalns open-air stage. At 5:00 PM, children will be amazed by the transformer robot show of the music group “PERFAM”, widely recognized by audiences for their playful song “Čuča Čača”.
Admission fee applies.

Throughout the evening, beloved Latvian artists will take the stage at Jāņukalns. At 7:00 PM, singer Būū will perform, followed at 8:30 PM by the legendary band “Līvi” playing Latvian golden hits, while at 10:00 PM the ever-popular Žoržs Siksna will kick off a lively party atmosphere loved across generations.
Music during the breaks will be provided by DJ Alexx Rea. These events are ticketed.

A Peacefu Reunion to Close the Festival

As the festive bustle in the town streets slowly fades away, it will be time to gather once more on the final day of the festival, bringing a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere. On Sunday, July 19, Cemetery Festival gatherings will take place in Smiltene — a tradition that not only invites people to turn the pages of memory and remember loved ones who have passed away, but also brings families together from near and far. The memorial service at Smiltene Town Cemetery will begin at 11:00 AM, while at the Forest Cemetery it will start at 1:00 PM.
Later in the day, at 3:00 PM, everyone will have the opportunity to attend an emotional memorial concert dedicated to the legendary poet Marika Svīķe in the Old Park. Then, at 5:00 PM, continuing a long-standing Smiltene tradition, everybody is warmly invited to gather at the Jāņukalns open-air stage for the Cēsis Theatre performance “Summer Mission: A Lady Friend for Grandpa!”.

Tickets are available in advance until July 12 at the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre ticket office and on the “Biļešu Paradīze” website: EUR 12; for seniors, school-age children and students – EUR 7.
From July 13 to 19, ticket prices will be: EUR 15; for seniors, school-age children and students – EUR 10.
Admission is free for children under 7 years of age. The purchased ticket will be valid for all paid events.

At the entrance to the Jāņukalns open-air stage, tickets will be exchanged for wristbands valid for all festival days, so it is important not to lose, remove, or damage them. In case of loss or damage, a new entrance ticket must be purchased.

As for the latest information about the programme, traffic restrictions, and other festival activities, please follow the Smiltene Municipality website and Facebook page, as well as the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre Facebook page.

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Written by: Līva Ūdre, Artistic Director of the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre, and the Communication Department.