The first Antonijas Street Festival attracts around 5,000 visitors, marking the beginning of a new tradition

Last Saturday, September 5, the Antonijas Street Festival was held for the first time amid the festive atmosphere of the city celebration. Despite the weather forecast predicting rain showers, the event drew around 5,000 visitors throughout the day. Several local businesses have already expressed interest in participating in next year’s festival as well. This year, the festival was organized for the first time as a gift to the city from the local bank Signet Bank, which has called this street home for 10 years.

One of the day’s highlights was the concert by Chris Noah, which filled Antonijas Street with music and set the mood on that sunny afternoon. The musical program was opened by “Latvian Brass,” musicians from the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra; R&R Project and “Vectēva Papirosi” also took the stage, while the evening program featured performances by Latvian National Theater actors Zane Dombrovska and Mārcis Maņjakovs. DJ Roadchanger provided the music during the intermissions.

One of the highlights of the festival was the community table, more than 60 meters long, which attracted visitors throughout the day as they enjoyed the wide variety of culinary offerings. This was provided by Brants Coffee, Crêpes (French pancakes), Kest, Noble Wine, OBDO, Riviera, Skrīveri Homemade Ice Cream, SMØR, Vīnoga, and Wine Collectors, as well as neighboring restaurants on Antonijas Street.

Alongside the musical program, visitors were invited to participate in activities at Signet Bank’s financial literacy corner and attend open yoga and Pilates classes hosted by PiYo Studio. It was possible to escape the crowds and the noise of the festival in the courtyard of the Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum, where the “Laiks lasīt” book corner was set up, poetry readings took place, and visitors could tour the museum itself. Meanwhile, the festival’s youngest guests were delighted by a meet-and-greet with Lapsa and Feneks from “Tutas lietas.”

In a post-event visitor survey, the festive atmosphere and the event’s concept received particularly high praise. The so-called city festival format – featuring music, dancing, and entertainment throughout the day – was a first for the Quiet Center, and despite the contrast with the usual atmosphere, it fit perfectly on Antonijas Street.

Photo: Roberts Blaubuks