Some places are measured in kilometres, while others are measured in feelings. Ape is exactly that kind of place – a town of emotions. Every year, the Ape Town Festival becomes a special moment when the rush of everyday life fades away, making room for what truly matters – a sense of togetherness, warmth, joy and the long-awaited moment of meeting again.

From 21 to 23 August, the centre of Ape will once again come alive, filled with laughter, music and a special atmosphere that can leave every festival-goer energised for the whole year. This year’s theme is simple: “Time to celebrate, enjoy and feel.”

 

On Monday, 17 August, at 6.00 p.m., we will begin the festival week at the Ape House of Crafts with the opening of artist Ilze Dilāne’s exhibition “Imprints of Time”. We are truly delighted that the artist has chosen Ape as her home. During the festival, her diverse creative work – painting, graphic art and ceramics – will appeal to both local residents and visitors to the town. In the exhibition, traditional artistic techniques intertwine with experiments in different materials, allowing paper, porcelain, clay and colour to come together as a unified language of artistic expression. Everyone is warmly welcome!

On Wednesday, 19 August, at 7.00 p.m., we invite everyone to gather in the centre of Ape to celebrate the start of the festival together. During a cosy sing-along evening, we will enjoy piano music and some of Raimonds Pauls’ most beautiful songs.

Friday, 21 August: Energy, Soulfulness and a Romantic Atmosphere

From 4.00 p.m., we will transform the square by the Culture Centre into a festive setting and invite every resident and visitor to set their own celebration table.

Pulksten 18.00 Apes Svētā Mateja ev. lut. baznīcā izskanēs svētku aizlūgums, kam sekos krāšņa atklāšana.

Ape is a true capital of all things on wheels and the home of the legendary “Vaidavas kauss” motocross tradition, so we will kick off the festivities with plenty of horsepower. What others may call sparkling ApeRols or ApeRitīvs, for us it is the lively, creative and passionate people of Ape whose energy brings every celebration to life.
Everyone – cyclists and pedestrians alike – is warmly invited to join the colourful parade “From a Little Runabout to an Iron Steed”! Bring out your moped, “apītis”, bicycle, iron steed, modern Hobby motocross bike, or simply come on foot. From 7.00 to 7.30 p.m., we will meet at Stacijas iela 45 in full festive spirit! We invite everyone to dress up for the occasion and, if you are joining with a vehicle, to decorate it in a colourful and festive way as well.

As the evening continues, a romantic atmosphere will fill the square by the Ape Culture Centre with the charming Diāna Pīrāgs and the ensemble “Le Petit Paris”, while after dusk DJ Lustix will keep the energy high with upbeat rhythms. Friday’s gift to visitors: admission to all events taking place that day is free of charge. A photo booth and a 360-degree video spinner will also be available to capture memories of the beautiful moments.

Saturday, 22 August: The Most Colourful and Activity-Filled Day of the Festival

From 3.00 p.m., the traditional Ape Town Festival market will stretch along Ganību Street, offering handcrafted goods and delicious treats from local producers.

Ape is proud of its families and children – our future! We have created Saturday afternoon especially for you, so that together we can enjoy colourful and heart-warming moments. Starting at 3.00 p.m., children and parents can look forward to two wonderful events:

On the festival stage, we invite everyone to come together for a warm and joyful afternoon. We will begin with a fun adventure – the interactive show “Chase and Skye Play with Fire”, in which the characters will rescue the curious little Flame through exciting science experiments, games and active participation from the children. Immediately after the performance, in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, we will honour and welcome the youngest new residents of Ape, Trapene, Gaujiena and Vireši.

Meanwhile, an exciting Children’s Town will be waiting for us at the playground. Come and discover the mysterious House of Light and Senses, take part in experiments, enjoy face painting and giant soap bubbles, and test your accuracy with archery and disc golf. Inflatable attractions and the creative workshops “My Own Letter” and “Stress Ball” will also be available (the inflatable attractions and creative workshops are subject to a fee).

On Saturday, a variety of other activities will take place in the heart of the town. From 10.00 a.m., sports enthusiasts can join a beach volleyball tournament for mixed teams. From 3.00 p.m., Ralfs Raipalis will invite visitors to a delicious POP-UP pizzeria, while those looking for more excitement can take part in activities organised by the State Fire and Rescue Service and the National Guard. Modes bode and Brīvbode will surprise visitors with specially selected fashion treasures for the festival. Ilze Dilāne’s exhibition “Imprints of Time” will also be on display at the Ape House of Crafts. At the Ape Culture Centre, visitors are invited to see the exhibition “Art in Bloom…” featuring works by graduates of the Visual and Applied Arts Programme at Ojārs Vācietis Gaujiena General Education and Art Primary School, as well as painter Baiba Feoktistova’s solo exhibition “Portraits of Flowers”.
At 4.00 p.m., test your knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition in the quiz game “Mind Laboratory”. From 4.00 to 6.00 p.m., the Elīna Zālīte Memorial House will be open, offering an opportunity to discover the writer’s life and work, as well as learn more about the history of Ape.

On Saturday, from 5.30 p.m., admission to the festival area will be by ticket only! At 6.00 p.m., Kalvis Troska will entertain audiences with a lively stand-up comedy show at the Ape House of Crafts. At 7.00 p.m., Edvards Strazdiņš, winner of “Latvijas Sirdsdziesma” and a much-loved singer, will perform in the square by the Culture Centre. At 9.00 p.m., the talented singer Atvara, who has proudly represented Latvia at Eurovision, will take the stage. The festival will culminate in a grand dance party with the band “Laika Upe” and DJ Toms Polakens.

Ticket information: advance sale – €10; on the day of the event – €15; schoolchildren – €5; children under 7 – free admission.
Tickets are available online, as well as in person from 3 August at the Ape Culture Centre, Ape House of Crafts and Ape Library. For enquiries, please call 27823322.
Please note: At the entrance to the festival area, your ticket will be exchanged for a wristband, allowing you to enter and leave the festival area freely throughout the evening. If the wristband is damaged or lost, a new ticket will need to be purchased.

Sunday, 23 August: Cemetery Commemoration Day

Traditionally, we will conclude the festival weekend with a quieter gathering on Sunday, 23 August, when Cemetery Commemoration Day services will take place: at 12.00 noon at Ape Forest Cemetery and at 2.00 p.m. at Ape Town Cemetery.

Ape knows how to celebrate wholeheartedly – come and be part of this story, and experience moments that will stay with you!

We invite all residents of Ape to fly the Latvian national flag at their homes during the festival, helping to create a festive and unifying atmosphere throughout the town!

See you at the Ape City Festival from 21 to 23 August! It’s time to celebrate, enjoy and feel!

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Written by: Ilze Kaktiņa, Head of Ape Crafts House