On Friday, May 2, from 13:00 to 17:00, Aizpute’s historical centre on Jāņa Street will come alive with the very first Old Town Festival.
This new tradition embraces sustainable living and invites both local residents and visitors from nearby areas to take part in a vibrant and engaging celebration.
During the festival, Jāņa Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a lively space featuring a swap point, a flea and plant market, and a variety of outdoor activities. Children can enjoy large-scale open-air games, creative workshops, and performances by local cultural groups.
At the Swap Point, everyone is welcome to bring items in good condition that are no longer needed—such as books, houseplants, or kitchenware—and take something useful home in return. Visitors are also encouraged to share the stories behind their items. A clock, book, photograph, dish, doll, or similar object may hold memories worth telling. Locals can bring their items and share their stories via an open mic. These stories will also be recorded and published later.
The flea market will offer a wide range of items including books, dishes, vinyl records, music gear, dolls, brooches, and more. At the plant market, local growers will be selling flower, berry, vegetable, and fruit tree seedlings.
Musical performances will be provided by:
The festival will be hosted by Maija Kalniņa.
More information about the programme and how to register as a vendor: aizpute2040.lv
“For several years now, we’ve been developing ideas in Aizpute that align with the principles of the New European Bauhaus—uniting beauty, sustainability, and community participation. The Old Town Festival is another step in that direction, encouraging residents to be active, creative, and to shape their urban environment themselves,” says Andris Tauriņš, board member of the Aizpute Renaissance Association.
The event is organised by the Aizpute Renaissance Association and the South Kurzeme Municipality, as part of the European Capital of Culture Liepāja 2027 community programme, with co-financing from the Ministry of Culture.
Phone: +371 26320636
E-mail: aizputes.renesanse@gmail.com
www.aizpute2040.lv
On May 4 at 12:00, in the spirit of the Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, the Ziemupe Breakfast and the Opening of the Song Chest will take place in the centre of Ziemupe.
