Autumn brings color into everyday life not only through yellow and red leaves, but also through all the little seasonal pleasures that come with it. There is the return of the much-loved Pumpkin Spice Latte to coffee shops, cozy fall outfits with scarves that look so good in social media photos, and candles with warm, comforting scents. In some homes, it also means decorating the apartment to match the mood outside. For some, all of this has already become a familiar part of autumn, while others are only beginning to find something special in these little things.
Along with pumpkin lattes and fall decorations, Halloween has gradually found its place in Latvia too. Although it is not a traditional Latvian holiday, some of its themes do overlap with local customs. Latvia has long had veļu laiks - a period dedicated to remembering and honoring the dead. There are also local traditions of dressing up and wearing masks, each with their own history and meaning. At the same time, many people have grown familiar with the festive atmosphere of modern Halloween through foreign movies and TV shows. And sometimes, what we see on screen makes us want to try a little of it ourselves - decorate the apartment, come up with an unusual costume, and simply have some fun.
You may not see little candy hunters knocking on every neighbor's door just yet. But themed events, spooky trails, and Halloween parties have already found their place on the autumn calendars of Riga and other Latvian cities. And these events are probably one of the easiest and most entertaining ways to spend an evening surrounded by skeletons, pumpkins, and ghosts.
Many organizers start their Halloween programs early: some adventures begin on October 22 or 23, while others are reserved strictly for the 31st. That makes it easier for families and groups of friends to choose a convenient date - or even fit in several events if they feel like it. All that remains is to decide just how scared you want to get and pick something that sounds right for you.
Where to go: events by date
Jelgava - "Horrors Behind Bars," October 22-25
Jelgava Prison invites anyone looking for a good scare to Šausmas aiz restēm. Darkness, challenges, and unexpected encounters await - and the setting itself already does plenty to create the right atmosphere. Entry is organized in time slots at 30-minute intervals, so we recommend choosing your visit time in advance.
Tickets on Biļešu Paradīze:
https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/performance/40708
Salaspils - Spoku nakts takas, October 23-25
From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the National Botanic Garden will be filled with unusual decorations, characters, and lights. Younger children will have a calmer trail inspired by Alice in Wonderland, making the event a good option for a family evening out. For those ready for something more intense, there will be two "black" trails with scarier surprises, rated 7+ and 14+. Light shows will begin after dark. Organizers recommend arriving before 9:00 PM so you have enough time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere.
Program and tickets:
https://www.spokunaktstakas.lv/
Near Tukums - DangerFest at Cinevilla, October 23-31
Every evening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, frightening characters will roam the streets of the movie town. Light and sound installations, fog, and unexpected encounters are designed to make visitors feel as though they have stepped into a horror movie. A separate program is planned for October 31, with further details to be announced by the organizers.
Program and tickets:
https://cinevilladangerfest.lv/
Riga - "Gaismas stāsti. Veļi," October 29 - November 8
The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum will host an evening trail featuring more than 20 light, sound, and projection installations. The forest and historic buildings will become part of a story about ancestral spirits and Latvian folklore. Judging by the organizers' description, the emphasis here will be more on mystery, atmosphere, and quiet observation than outright scares. The first sessions begin at 6:30 PM, and visitors choose their entry time when purchasing tickets.
Tickets are available at the link below, where you can select your preferred date and time: https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/event/179113
Jelgava - Nobīsties Jelgavā, October 30
At 7:00 PM, a city game for teams of 2-6 people will begin. Participants will have to find their way along the route and complete different challenges, with extra points awarded for themed costumes. We recommend bringing a flashlight - and, of course, a fun group of people who can make any adventure even better. Participation costs 5 euros per person, and registration is open until October 26. Soup will be waiting for participants at the finish line.
Registration:
Liepāja - Halloween at the Tipogrāfija Creative Quarter, October 31
From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, children can take part in workshops, dance with little monsters, join a costume parade, and try the "Lost Circus" horror trail. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 10. Younger children can participate together with their parents, who do not need to purchase a separate ticket.
Program and tickets on Biļešu Serviss:
https://www.bilesuserviss.lv/biletes/KAR7SDFUE2/helovins-tipografijas-radosaja-kvartala
Riga - "Scary Saturday," October 31
From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Šausmu sestdiena will take place at Vienības gatve 117A. Laiks Jauniešiem is preparing a ghost trail, an escape room, creative workshops, a photo corner, and games. Prizes are promised for the best costumes. Admission is free.
Announcement from the organizers:
Riga - SABATS 2026, October 31
Starting at 9:00 PM, Laska V21 will welcome witches, fairies, and other creatures of the forest. The program includes live musicians, DJs, performances, tarot readings, and a small market. If you are looking for an excuse to put together a creative outfit and keep dancing late into the night, this might be the place for it. A standard ticket costs 30 euros. It is best to check any age restrictions directly with the organizers.
Program and tickets on BezRindas:
https://www.bezrindas.lv/lv/sabats-2026/16514
Before you go
Before attending any of the events, we recommend checking ticket availability and confirming age restrictions in advance. And if your Halloween plans involve spending time outdoors, make sure to bring warm clothes along with your themed costume. After all, Halloween is still an autumn holiday.