Riga International Film Festival
Eleven days of European and world cinema, in a month that otherwise belongs to the weather.
Quick Answer
Riga IFF is the city’s international film festival, running eleven days each October across venues in central Riga. The 2026 edition — its 13th — runs 15–25 October under the motto “You Are Here”, with more than 100 screenings.
What It Is
Riga IFF programmes bold new work from European and world cinema, with competition strands alongside the main selection. It is a working festival with an industry side (Riga IFF Forum) rather than a purely public event, which tends to mean the programming is genuinely curated rather than a greatest-hits reel of what has already been released.
The 2026 Edition
The 13th edition runs 15–25 October 2026 under the motto “You Are Here”.
Expect upwards of 100 screenings across the eleven days, spread across cinemas and venues in the centre. Individual screenings sell out, so book ahead for anything you specifically want to see rather than planning to walk up.
Why October Works for This
October is a quiet, cheap month in Riga with nothing else major competing for attention — the Gauja Valley foliage peaks around the same time, which makes a genuinely good pairing: countryside colour by day earlier in the month, cinema in the evenings once you are back in the city. Accommodation is well off summer rates by then, as our cheap hotels guide covers.
Planning Around It
Screenings are spread across central venues, so staying anywhere in Old Town or the Quiet Centre keeps everything walkable. Check the official programme when it is published and book individual screenings early. For everything else happening across the year, see our Riga events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Riga International Film Festival 2026?
Riga IFF 2026 runs 15–25 October — eleven days, and the festival's 13th edition. It is held annually in October.
What kind of films does Riga IFF show?
Riga IFF programmes new European and world cinema across competition and main selection strands, with more than 100 screenings across the festival. It also runs an industry programme, Riga IFF Forum, alongside the public screenings.
Where is Riga IFF held?
Screenings take place across cinemas and venues in central Riga, all within easy reach of Old Town and the Quiet Centre — the festival is walkable rather than spread across the city.
Do I need to book Riga IFF screenings in advance?
Yes, for anything specific. Individual screenings sell out, so buy tickets ahead through the festival rather than planning to walk up on the night.
Planning an October trip?
Last updated: August 2026. Programme, venues and ticketing are handled by the festival — confirm current details at rigaiff.lv before booking travel around specific screenings.