On 19 September 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Autumn Fair will take place in the centre of Smiltene, in Baznīcas Square and along a section of Marijas Street. This year, visitors are invited not only to buy autumn produce, local delicacies and handmade crafts, but also to enjoy live music performed by several bands and take part in various activities.
Interest in participating in the fair is high – by 2 September, 180 applications from vendors had already been received, while registration remains open until 6 September.

Home producers, craftspeople, farmers, flower and plant growers, as well as other vendors from Smiltene Municipality and other parts of Latvia, have applied to take part in the fair. After the registration period closes, the organisers will review all applications, and vendors will be informed whether their participation has been approved or declined.
Taking into account the ongoing reconstruction of Smiltene town centre and the area available for this year’s fair, vendor spaces will be arranged in Baznīcas Square up to Kalna Street and along a section of Marijas Street. In response to feedback from visitors and vendors at previous fairs, this year’s programme has been expanded to include live music and various activities.

Photo: courtesy of the band “Mākoņstūmēji”

In cooperation with the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre, the bands “Mākoņstūmēji” and “Ceļojums” will create a lively musical atmosphere from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Their performances at the Autumn Fair will also offer a small preview of an event coming to Smiltene in October, when both bands will perform with their full line-ups. More information about the October event will be available very soon on the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre’s Facebook page.

The Autumn Fair will also be a great opportunity to hear the Smiltene Secondary School vocal and instrumental group led by Jānis Celmiņš. The young musicians will add to the fair’s programme and delight visitors with musical performances right in the heart of the town.

From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., activities for visitors will also take place near the stage, while an autumn-themed photo area will be available throughout the day.
Ukrainians living in Smiltene Municipality will add a special flavour to the fair by preparing plov. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste the freshly prepared dish on site.
For the latest information about the Smiltene Autumn Fair, please follow the Smiltene Municipality website and the Facebook page “Uzņēmējdarbība Smiltenes novadā”.

 

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Written by: Santa Sinka, Head of the Entrepreneurship and Tourism Department.