The Riga Whisky & Friends festival returns to Riga Circus on 12 September 2026 for its third year – bringing together exceptional whiskies, cocktails, great food, international experts and whisky lovers from across the Baltics.
The annual whisky culture festival Riga Whisky & Friends returns to the historic Riga Circus on 12 September.
Created by the Riga Wine & Champagne team together with Lauris Grass from Mākonis and Dzērienu Meistarklases, the festival brings together nearly 200 whiskies and other premium spirits, cocktails, leading drinks experts, chefs and enthusiasts from across the Baltics.
First held in September 2024, Riga Whisky & Friends is a celebration of whisky and its many friends. Across the circus arena, balcony, courtyard and Zirgu stallis, leading whisky and spirits brands will offer the chance to discover and taste bottles from around the world.
Beyond the pours, expect a cocktail bar run by some of Latvia’s best bartenders, a cigar lounge, music, masterclasses and plenty of good reasons to stay a little longer.
And come hungry – some of our favourite chefs and restaurants will be cooking throughout the evening.
The weekend
Friday, 11 September
19:00 – Riga Whisky & Friends Opening Dinner “Is there sherry in my whisky?”
B7 Restaurant, Ausekļa iela 7, Riga
An intimate multi-course dinner by chef Valters Zirdziņš, hosted by Billy Abbott and Diego Borrás, exploring whisky matured in sherry and other wine casks.
Saturday, 12 September
16:00–21:00 – Riga Whisky & Friends
Riga Circus, Merķeļa iela 4, Riga
Whisky parade, cocktails, masterclasses, food, cigars and plenty more across Riga Circus.
Masterclasses
Whisky gets even more interesting when someone explains what is going on in your glass.
Four masterclasses, four very different journeys through whisky, and plenty to taste along the way.
16:30 – Multicask maturation
Host: Jack Fraser-Foulkes, Whyte & Mackay
17:30 – Whisky Around the World
Host: Billy Abbott
18:30 – Discovering Sherry Casks
Host: Diego Borrás
19:30 – Glenfiddich: history that changed single malts world
Host: Drew Scott
Masterclass tickets are €10. Please note that masterclasses are available only to Riga Whisky & Friends festival guests – a valid festival ticket is required for entry.
See all masterclasses and get tickets
Food Court
Whisky is better with something good to eat.
MeatMe
Indulge in Black Angus steaks with Michter’s Whiskey sauce.
Bite Me
Dig into grilled cheese on house-baked sourdough.
SMØR
Enjoy seasonal bistro cooking with a Nordic touch.
Tiny Giant Coffee
Grab a proper coffee, or add a splash of Tinner Bros whisky liqueur.
More information: rigawhiskyfriends.com
Riga Circus • Merķeļa iela 4, 1050 Rīga, Latvia
