Tomorrow, the 17th edition of the Positivus Festival kicks off in Lucavsala. The most tradition-rich festival in the Baltics returns to Latvia’s capital, Riga, for the fourth time, taking place over two days – August 8 and 9 – and offering both locals and visitors the most extensive line-up of international artists, top local acts, and a wide range of entertainment between concerts.

Festival gates will open at 15:00 on Friday, August 8, and at 14:00 on Saturday. Entry to the festival this year will be similar to attending a major concert – tickets will be scanned at the entrance. If you plan to stay in the festival area all day, no wristband is needed. However, those who plan to leave and re-enter the territory during the day can request a paper wristband upon exit to return later.

“Positivus is a major large-scale event for Riga that fills Lucavsala and the entire city with world-renowned music, while also bringing together people from all over Latvia and neighboring countries. Riga needs more events like this – ones that attract visitors and show our city as a modern and vibrant cultural capital,” says Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs. He adds that this year’s program especially appeals to him and his family with the Saturday night highlight: Rag’n’Bone Man.

On Friday, the festival’s Main Stage will feature Chris Noah, Laika Suns, and Tautumeitas, as well as British musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Elderbrook with a DJ set. The high-energy climax of the first day will come from British producer and musician Mura Masa.

Saturday’s Main Stage lineup includes one of the most streamed Latvian hip-hop artists Wiesulis, the charming Latvian indie band Carnival Youth, critically acclaimed American electronic multi-instrumentalist Two Feet, dreamy German band Milky Chance, and powerhouse vocalist Rag’n’Bone Man.

Lielvārde Stage on Friday will showcase talented local artists YŪT, Emilija, galeniex, and Deniss. A thrilling performance awaits from Belgium-born Canadian musician Apashe, known for his revolutionary fusion of electronic music and symphonic orchestras. This time, he will perform together with Brass Orchestra. On Saturday, expect a mix of electronica, hip-hop, and psychedelic rock from Hippie Sabotage. Audiences will also get to experience experimental music duo The Hellp and LA-based alternative hip-hop group NOFUN!. Local favorite rapper Fiņķis and Ukraine’s ever-popular pop star Ivan Dorn will energize the crowd with their highly anticipated sets.

In the Red Bull Zone, international DJs will keep the beats going for two full days. Friday’s lineup includes LEGZDINA & Lara Fraser, Flava D, and Conducta. On Saturday afternoon, after the Red Bull Dance Your Style Latvia National Finals, rhythms will be set by Latvia-born, Netherlands-based Might Delete Later and Estonian Tjuun In.

At the Lielvārde Silent Disco, DJ duels on Friday include DJ OBVX & DJ Lauma Valērija, DJ PM2AM & DJ Ralph Brumo, and DJ All-viss & DJ Ķilkuts. On Saturday, the decks will be spun by DJ OBVX & DJ Lauma Valērija, DJ Aspirins & DJ Ralph Brumo, and DJ Dubra & DJ Brumo.

The EHR Dance Zone, located in the iconic party bus, will host DJ [Ex] da Bass, DJ Roberts Ivanovs, and DJ Gustavito on Friday. On Saturday – DJ Stocka, DJ Makree, and DJ Gustavito.

At the JÄGERMEISTER STAGE, Brass Band will perform with DJ All-viss and DJ Artis Volfs, alongside Evolution DJ Battle winner Kapteinis Reinis and DJ PM2AM.

And that’s not all! In the Bourzma Zone, hosted by the sustainable fashion community, there will be two days of party vibes with DJ Shmarta, DJ muuzis, Revolūcija & Amanda, DJ Galaktik, DJ Extrawein, DJ Tipsy Tits, DJ Cukurpaps, Jaunatne, DJ Kaķis & DJ Suns.

Meanwhile, in the Q-SPACE Zone, both festival nights will be curated by independent event producers Penthaus Calling, joined by DJ Rolling Dynamite on Friday and Mark Kadek on Saturday.

Beyond concerts and dance zones, Positivus’ Food Court in Lucavsala will be a delicious pit stop for all tastes. Expect hearty burgers and kebabs, vegetarian and vegan dishes, Latvian classics, and global cuisines. Free drinking water will be available throughout the festival – bring your own durable, transparent bottle to refill with Rīgas ūdens.

As always, style, playfulness, and creativity will rule at the Positivus Bazaar – the festival’s marketplace where you’ll find inspiration for your look, unique items to take on your summer adventures, and keepsakes that will remind you of Positivus long after the last song fades.