On 17 October 2026, Rauna will come alive with a special autumn evening as “Stops – Culture Night” takes place from 19:00 to 23:00. Rauna’s familiar cultural venues and historic buildings will be transformed into six unique stops, where visitors will have the opportunity to listen, watch, engage in conversations, create, and become part of the event themselves.
The idea behind Culture Night is to experience culture in a different way – beyond the traditional formats of concerts and exhibitions. Throughout the evening, visitors will be free to create their own route through Rauna, stopping at six themed locations dedicated to poetry, movement, conversations, faith, creativity, and performances. Each location will offer its own unique character, atmosphere, and activities.
The event’s central message is captured in four words – Hear, Listen, Connect, Participate!
Six Stops in One Evening
Poetry Centre – Rauna Library, 2 Rīgas Street
On this evening, the library will become a space dedicated to words and creativity. Visitors will be able to enjoy poetry readings by local poets from Rauna, while families with children can take part in various creative activities. This stop will offer an opportunity to meet local authors and discover Rauna through the language of poetry.
Movement Centre – Rauna Primary School, 1 Skolas Street
For one evening, the windows of Rauna Primary School will be transformed into unique living paintings and performance spaces. Visitors will be able to enjoy contemporary dance performances by the children’s dance group “Lidoņi”, led by Ilze Zīriņa. Performances will take place at 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30.
Conversation Centre – Rauna Culture Centre, 6 Dīķa Street
Rauna Culture Centre will host the interactive “Culture Conversation Centre”, offering visitors a unique opportunity to listen to stories shared by well-known artists. The evening’s atmosphere will be enriched by performances from the Cēsis Primary School No. 1 Wind Orchestra, conducted by Jānis Jansons. Musical performances will take place at 20:00, 21:00, and 22:00. Visitors will also be able to explore an exhibition and experience some unusual telephone conversations.
Faith Centre – Rauna Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1A Vidzemes Street
Rauna Church will offer a calmer and more emotional Culture Night experience. The church’s unique acoustics will blend with light projections and the sounds of piano and cello music. Pianist Ilona Aļļena and cellist Ilze Petrovska will create a special musical atmosphere. Performances will take place at 19:30, 20:15, 21:00, and 21:45.
A special visual experience will be created through video projections on the church ceiling, as music and light merge into one unified story.
Creative Centre – “Mazā skola” (Little School), 3 Dīķa Street
In the historic rooms of “Mazā skola” (Little School), visitors will have the opportunity not only to admire art but also to take part in creating it. The venue will showcase works by local artists from Rauna and offer creative activities led by local artists. This stop will highlight one of the key ideas behind Culture Night – art is not just something to observe, but something that can come to life when people create together.
Viewpoint Centre – Rauna Castle Ruins Tower
The Culture Night route will also take visitors to new heights – up to the tower of Rauna Castle Ruins. From its viewing platform, visitors will be able to admire the illuminated town of Rauna in its enchanting nighttime atmosphere. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch a video presentation exploring archaeology, the impact of nature, and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage.
A New Cultural Event Concept Takes Shape in Rauna
The idea for Culture Night in Rauna was born out of a desire to find new ways to surprise visitors on autumn evenings and offer them a fresh perspective on familiar places.
“After last winter’s ‘Candle Trail’, we realised that we wanted to create something new. While discussing ideas with my colleague Ieva Plētiena, Head of the Cultural Heritage Centre, we came up with the idea of Culture Night. Ieva explained that the Culture Night format has already become a much-anticipated tradition in various European cities. One of the best-known examples is Copenhagen’s ‘Kulturnatten’, which began in 1993. Gradually, the thought emerged – why not create a similar experience here in Rauna?” says Linda Vecgaile, Head of Rauna Culture Centre.
She acknowledges that developing a new event format is also a challenge, as this time visitors are being offered a different way to discover Rauna, its cultural venues, and its people.
“This is a completely new concept for us, so bringing it to life has not been easy, but we sincerely hope that visitors will enjoy it. We want people to explore Rauna throughout the evening, stopping at different locations to listen, watch, engage in conversations, and actively take part in the activities. We look forward to welcoming you all to Rauna!” says Linda Vecgaile.
One Wristband – Six Culture Night Stops
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Rauna Library during its opening hours. On 17 October, tickets will be available from 19:00 at both Rauna Library and Rauna Culture Centre.
Tickets cost €3 for schoolchildren and seniors, and €5 for all other visitors.
Upon purchasing a ticket, visitors will receive a special wristband that will serve as an all-access pass to all six Culture Night stops throughout the evening.
On 17 October, we invite you not to simply pass through Rauna, but to stop and discover poetry, movement, conversation, music, art, and stunning views of the illuminated town. Choose your own route and experience Rauna during Culture Night!
Written by:Zane Ērgle-Mežule, Communications Specialist
