Jāņukalns is one of Smiltene’s hills and is also depicted in the town’s coat of arms. Today, it is known as Jāņukalns, while in the past, it was called Jānis Park.

• In 1910, the then-owner of Smiltene Manor, Prince Paul Lieven, handed this plot of land over to the Smiltene Volunteer Firefighters’ Society for permanent use. An open-air stage was established in its natural hollow, where residents and guests of Smiltene gather for various celebrations. The surrounding area was adorned with a neat wooden fence featuring two wooden booths for ticket sales and a wooden entrance gate, which was always decorated with birch boughs.
• Lieven stipulated that by 1914, the firefighters were to construct a building serving the entire town. A park was to be created with playgrounds, a velodrome, and music pavilions, providing schoolchildren and young people with opportunities to spend their free time outdoors in meaningful activities, steering them away from alcohol, encouraging interest in sport, and developing physical strength and agility. Unfortunately, this vision was never realised.
• It was forbidden to hold any political meetings or public gatherings in the park, consume alcoholic beverages on the premises, or cut down mature trees.
• In the first half of the 20th century, behind the stage at the top of the hill, there was a building with a large summer hall, a buffet, and other rooms, which in 1999 burned down during the winter and was never rebuilt.
• 2025. In 2025, thanks to the initiative of local residents, voluntary work, and donations, the Jāņukalns open-air stage was restored.

During the summer season, the stage hosts outdoor theatre performances, concerts and dances. A festive procession from the town centre to the stage has become a tradition both during the Smiltene City Festival and the opening of the open-air stage season. Residents and visitors join the procession, filling the city with a celebratory atmosphere. Markets and sporting activities are also often held here.

2025. In 2025, thanks to the initiative of local residents, voluntary work, and donations, the Jāņukalns open-air stage was restored.