Program & Tickets
This page now provides information regarding the entire schedule for the Festival, not just ticketing info. For information regarding Song & Dance or Marketplace signups, or hotel information, visit our FAQ page. For quick access to ticket sales, follow the two links below:
Ticket and Schedule FAQs
We have been made aware that our tickets are being resold through ticket scalping sites at a strong markup - which are out of our control. Please ONLY use the official Ticketmaster and SimpleTix links on this page to access the Festival's tickets!
Schedule
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The Program Committee worked hard to make sure that no ticketed events overlap. You might have to jog, but if you want to, you can make it to every event at Dziesmu svētki!
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Open events like the Marketplace, Art Exhibit, and Parade/Zaļumballe will not require tickets.
Ticketing FAQs
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All of our tickets will be handled between two ticketing platforms, SimpleTix and Ticketmaster.
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SimpleTix does not require that you have a special app! You will be emailed a QR code that will be scanned as your ticket.
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We used SimpleTix as much as we could, as it allows us to charge far lower fees than venues that are required by contract to use Ticketmaster. Fees from both platforms are not included in the price you see below.
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Tickets are not refundable but can be transferred once purchased.
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Certain tickets will be general admission, others will have assigned seating. This will be venue dependent and are labeled as such below.
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Some events have limited availability and will be marked as such for transparency!
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In the event that online ticket ordering is not possible for you, we encourage you to coordinate with family and/or community members who may be able to purchase tickets on your behalf.
Wednesday 7/1
Sacred Music Concert “From Darkness to Light”
St. Adalbert's Basilica, 1930–2100
Ticket price & details
$50 with bus, $40 without bus. SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability. The busing option will be round-trip from the Amway Grand Hotel.
Description
A concert in a meditative atmosphere based on The Great Vigil of Easter Even. Among the arches and dome of the basilica will resound choral, instrumental, and organ music between readings and the gradual return of light. Participants will include the Mixed Choir of the Riga Cathedral Choir School conducted by Jurģis Cābulis, members of the Latvian National Guard Wind Orchestra, organist Dāvids Heinze, and soloists.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translations of song titles and a brief overview of the event available.
An Evening of Jazz with Gingersnap
Rapid River Stillhouse, 2200–2330
Ticket price & details
$50, SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability
Description
The Gingersnap Band is a NYC jazzy band founded by husband and wife singer/violinist Arjana Vizulis Danylets and pianist Ivan Danylets. The concept: blend anything and everything in the name of musical freshness, soulfulness, fun, the message of a song and the spirit it evokes.
Language
English with some Latvian, and possibly Ukrainian songs.
Thursday 7/2
Children's activity room
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Ballroom, 0900–1100
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description
The children’s activity room will offer toys, games, and activities for both Latvian- and English-speaking children. A welcoming and creative space for our youngest Festival guests.
Language
The event is suitable for all. Games and toys for both languages.
Marketplace
Amway Grand Hotel, Pantlind Ballroom, 0900–1800
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
The festival marketplace will host a diverse group of Latvian artists, artisans, and merchants. Come and enjoy!
Art Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Senator Vandenberg Room, 0900–1800
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Contemporary art exhibit of work by Latvian artists.
"Moment in Time" Pop-Up Stage
Amway Grand Hotel,, Center Concourse, 0900–1230
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Our pop-up stage, Mirklis, will bring artists and audiences together in one shared moment—a space for music, dance, and poetry that celebrates the here and now.
Parade of Latvian National Costumes
Amway Grand Hotel, Imperial Ballroom, 1130–1230
Ticket price & details
$25, SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability.
Description
Let’s travel across Latvia as we explore our traditional costume, which is a testament to our rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories of how traditional costumes have been handed down across the generations.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with a brief overview of the event available in English.
"We are Latvian" Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Room, 1200–1600
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
An exhibition of the American Latvian Association's Latvian museum. Step back into history and learn about the Baltic way to freedom. Exhibition presented in English.
Market and Art Exhibit Open House
Amway Grand Hotel, 1230–1430
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
The festival marketplace will be running July 2–July 5th. The market will host a diverse group of Latvian artists, artisans, and merchants and, together with the art exhibit, we are hosting a happy hour on July 2nd. Come and enjoy!
Documentary: Song Sources 1866
Amway Grand Hotel, Emerald Room, 1430–1530
Ticket price & details
Free, but ticket is required. SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability.
Description
The documentary film, "Dziesmu Avoti 1866" tells the story of the first Latvian youth choir festival in Lazdona.
Language
The film will be presented in Latvian, with English subtitles. Introduction will be presented in Latvian.
Dance Ensemble "Daiļrade" Dance Performance
DeVos Performance Hall, 1600–1800
Ticket price & details
Youth (5-12) $30, adult (13+) $50. Ticketmaster digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability. Under 5 free in lap. All youth tickets MUST be accompanied with adult ticket.
Description
In their US debut, Dance ensemble Daiļrade tells stories and creatively expresses emotion through dance. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness one of Latvia’s elite dance groups perform!
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with a brief overview of the event available in English.
“A festive step from song to dance” - parade, opening ceremony and garden party
Rosa Parks Circle, Downtown Grand Rapids, 1900–2300
Ticket price & details
Free, no ticket required.
Description
After many years, the streets of Grand Rapids will once again echo with songs and footsteps—as the Festival Parade awakens the city to celebration! On Thursday evening, July 2, 2026, the flow of festivity will cross the bridge to Rosa Parks Circle, where song and dance will unite us for the official opening of the Festival. As the first notes rise, the evening will transform into a garden party, where Rikši from Latvia will lead everyone into a joyful whirl of music and dance.
Language
The event will be primarily in Latvian, with some introductions and congratulations speeches in English. Music perfromance will be in Latvian. Minimal formal activities.
After-Hours Singalong
Amway Grand Hotel, Atrium Room, 2300–0100
Ticket price & details
Free, no ticket required.
Description
After-hours singalong. Enjoy evenings together, singing the most beloved Latvian songs.
Friday 7/3
Children's activity room
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Ballroom, 0900–1100
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description
The children’s activity room will offer toys, games, and activities for both Latvian- and English-speaking children. A welcoming and creative space for our youngest Festival guests.
Language
The event is suitable for all. Games and toys for both languages.
Marketplace
Amway Grand Hotel, Pantlind Ballroom, 0900–1730
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
The festival marketplace will host a diverse group of Latvian artists, artisans, and merchants. Come and enjoy!
Art Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Senator Vandenberg Room, 0900–1700
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Contemporary art exhibit of work by Latvian artists.
"Moment in Time" Pop-Up Stage
Amway Grand Hotel, Center Concourse, 0900–1230
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Our pop-up stage, Mirklis, will bring artists and audiences together in one shared moment—a space for music, dance, and poetry that celebrates the here and now.
"We are Latvian" Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Room, 0900–1500
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
An exhibition of the American Latvian Association's Latvian museum. Step back into history and learn about the Baltic way to freedom. Exhibition presented in English.
Pickleball Tournament
Amway Grand Hotel 4th floor Rooftop, 0900–1300
Ticket price & details
Open division: $30 per player / $60 per team. Mixer: $25 per player. Once your team registration is submitted, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to complete your registration payment.
Description
Registration for Open division is closed. Mixer is still accepting registrations at this link.
Get ready for a fun and competitive day on the court! We’re excited to announce that registration for the Pickleball Tournament during the Song Festival is officially open. All levels are welcome to join either division. There will be two divisions: Open and Mixer.
Once your team registration is submitted, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to complete your registration payment.
We’re looking forward to an exciting, fun, and friendly tournament!
Language
Games will be played in English.
Concert "Kokles Through the Ages”
St. Cecilia Music Center, 1200–1330
Ticket price & details
$40, $35 for marginally impeded view. SimpleTix digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability.
Description
Let’s celebrate 65 years since the 13-string kokle was born in exile! Audience favorites and time-tested kokle arrangements by A. Jansons, M. Aldiņš, K. Lietiņš, and others. We will imagine how the kokle might sound in the future. The concert includes kokle players and vocal groups from the United States and Canada and will feature the New York Latvian Choir performing Bruno Skulte’s “Ganiņš biju”.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translations of song titles and a brief overview of the event available.
New Choreography Showcase
DeVos Performance Hall, 1430–1630
Ticket price & details
Youth (5-12) $30, adult (13+) $50. Ticketmaster digital ticket. Under 5 free in lap. All youth tickets MUST be accompanied with an adult ticket.
Description
The New Choreography Showcase spotlights the newest in Latvian folk dance and supports choreographers who are continuing Latvian dance traditions in North America, Latvia, and around the world. Dances will be judged based on choreography, technical elements, Latvian character and overall impression. Winners will be announced at the Latvian Song and Dance Festival Grand Folk Dance Concert on Sunday, July 5.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translation of the dance title and a brief overview of the event available.
Riga Cathedral Choir School Mixed Choir Concert
St. Cecilia Music Center, 1830–2000
Ticket price & details
$40-$45, SimpleTix digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability.
Description
The choir will perform classics of Latvian choral music as well as works by contemporary composers. The Riga Cathedral Choir School Mixed Choir has been awarded multiple prizes in various international European choral competitions and has received Latvia’s highest state award in music, the “Grand Music Award.”The choir is made up of students of the Riga Cathedral Choir School, who themselves study conducting and vocal arts.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translations of song titles and a brief overview of the event available.
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Celebration of our Folkloric Heritage
Amway Grand Hotel, Pearl Room, 1930–2100
Ticket price & details
Free, ticket not needed.
Description
An evening celebrating our ancient folkloric heritage: Dievturi will explore virtues and values as they appear in "dainas", Latvian folk song verses.
Language
This event will be in Latvian.
Rock Event: Bermudu Divstūris & Apvedceļš
GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 2100–2430
Ticket price & details
Ticket info: $85 for 16+, free for 15 and under (see information below). Seating is available in the Mezzanine on a first come first serve basis.
Adult tickets available via Ticketmaster digital ticket (LINK). Youth 15 and under will have free admission to the Rokvakars IF they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who has purchased a ticket. 250 free youth tickets will be first come, first served at the Info Table - during normal hours of operation. Parents/guardians will show their Rokvakars paid ticket, and we will give them the number of tickets they request. There is a max of five youth tickets to 1 adult paid ticket.
Groups MUST enter GLC Live simultaneously. This will be an honesty policy, in that most of these kids don't carry IDs. Youth will not be admitted without an adult.
Description
The Rock Event brings together two powerhouse acts from Latvia - Apvedceļš, the beloved country/schlager band from Smiltene known for heartfelt melodies and nostalgic charm, and Bermudu Divstūris, Latvia’s satirical hip-hop phenomenon with explosive energy and theatrical swagger. From soulful ballads to beat-driven anthems, this genre-bending showcase celebrates the bold diversity of Latvian popular music at the fabulous GLC Live at 20 Monroe (6 minute walk from Amway Grand Hotel)
Language
Musical performances will be in Latvian.
After-Hours Singalong
Amway Grand Hotel, Atrium Room, 2300–0100
Ticket price & details
Free, no ticket required.
Description
After-hours singalong. Enjoy evenings together, singing the most beloved Latvian songs.
Saturday 7/4
Morning Meditation
Amway Grand Hotel, Pearl Room, 0830–0930
Ticket price & details
Free, ticket not needed.
Description
Begin your Festival day in peace and harmony at a morning meditation accompanied by kokle musician Inga Karpača. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge through the soothing sounds of the kokle.
Language
This event will be in Latvian.
Marketplace
Amway Grand Hotel, Pantlind Ballroom, 0900–1500
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
The festival marketplace will host a diverse group of Latvian artists, artisans, and merchants. Come and enjoy!
Art Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Senator Vandenberg Room, 0900–1500
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Contemporary art exhibit of work by Latvian artists.
"Moment in Time" Pop-Up Stage
Amway Grand Hotel, Center Concourse, 0900–1230
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Our pop-up stage, Mirklis, will bring artists and audiences together in one shared moment—a space for music, dance, and poetry that celebrates the here and now.
We Are Latvian” Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Room, 0900–1500
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
An exhibition of the American Latvian Association's Latvian museum. Step back into history and learn about the Baltic way to freedom. Exhibition presented in English.
Children's Event
Amway Grand Hotel, Ambassador Ballroom, 1000–1130
Ticket price & details
Free, but ticket is required. SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission.
Description
We will sing folk songs and dance dances, as our ancestors have done for many centuries. Imagine, how a child who lived 200 years ago would feel in today's world? It seems the themes are the same - work, holidays, travel, eating, sleeping, however, the modern world is completely different. During the children's event, singing and dancing with the post folklore group "RIKŠI", we will journey from the past to the present. Children must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult age 18 or older.
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Language
This event will be Latvian, with English instructions provided of the dances and childrens activities
One act comedy "Please Have a Seat"
Civic Theatre, 1300–1430
Ticket price & details
$35-$50, SimpleTix digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability
Description
"Please Have a Seat" is a one-act comedy set in the waiting room of a psychiatrist's office when, due to a technical glitch, all the patients arrive at the same time.
Language
The play will be performed in Latvian, with a brief synopsis provided in English.
Grand Choir Concert
DeVos Performance Hall, 1600–1830
Ticket price & details
Youth (5-12) $40, adult (13+) $50-$65. Ticketmaster digital ticket. Under 5 free in lap. All youth tickets MUST be accompanied with an adult ticket.
Description
The Grand Choir concert “The Paths of Our Ancestors Lead to the Future” - The performance reflects the passage of time through the choir’s repertoire. The program will include classical works by old masters, lesser-known gems, five new compositions, as well as beloved choral pieces. Performers to include choirs from North and South America, Latvia, vocal and instrumental soloists. The orchestral duties will be performed by the Orchestra of the Latvian National Guard.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translations of song titles and a brief overview of the event available.
Grand Ball
Amway Grand Hotel, Ambassador Ballroom, 2100–2430
Ticket price & details
Children (5-12) free, youth (13-17) $50, adult (18+) $80. SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability. Purchase of all youth tickets must be accompanied by simultaneous purchase of an adult ticket.
Description
Dance the night away to Apvedceļš and Adam Zahl! There will be a bar, and tables will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Language
Musical performances will be in Latvian.
After-Hours Singalong
Amway Grand Hotel, Atrium Room, 2300–0100
Ticket price & details
Free, no ticket required.
Description
After-hours singalong. Enjoy evenings together, singing the most beloved Latvian songs.
Sunday 7/5
Marketplace
Amway Grand Hotel, Pantlind Ballroom, 0900–1300
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
The festival marketplace will host a diverse group of Latvian artists, artisans, and merchants. Come and enjoy!
Art Exhibit
Amway Grand Hotel, Senator Vandenberg Room, 0900–1300
Ticket price & details
No ticket required.
Description & language
Contemporary art exhibit of work by Latvian artists.
Writer's Event - Author Reading
Amway Grand Hotel, Governor's Room, 1000–1130
Ticket price & details
$35-$50, SimpleTix digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability
Description
The writers' event will feature poetry by Sarma Muižniece Liepiņa, a play by Laris Krēsliņš, readings from upcoming works by Zinta Aistars, Rita Laima (Bērzina), and from books by Dagnija Lāce and Charlie Maddaus. Ilona Ruskule and Ilona Matvejeva from the Latvian National Museum of Literature and Music will talk about the song festival exhibition and a book of essays by Nora Ikstena.
Language
Some of the writers will present in English, some will present in Latvian.
One act comedy "Please Have a Seat"
Civic Theatre, 1300–1430
Ticket price & details
$35-$50, SimpleTix digital ticket, assigned seating, limited availability
Description
"Please Have a Seat" is a one-act comedy set in the waiting room of a psychiatrist's office when, due to a technical glitch, all the patients arrive at the same time.
Language
The play will be performed in Latvian, with a brief synopsis provided in English.
Church Service
Fountain Street Church, 1300–1500
Ticket price & details
Free, no ticket required.
Description & language
Ecumenical worship service, which will be led by Lutheran and Baptist clergy members, and will include musical performers. This event will be in Latvian.
Grand Folk Dance Concert
Van Andel Arena, 1600–1830
Ticket price & details
Youth (5-12) $40, adult (13+) $55-$75. Ticketmaster digital ticket. Under 5 free in lap. All youth tickets MUST be accompanied with an adult ticket.
Description
The Grand Folk Dance Concert is the culmination of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, honoring the centuries-long tradition of folk dance by exploring choreography ranging from simple country dances to modern iterations including the influence of the Latvian diaspora. Skaista Mana Tēvu Zeme, which translates to “My Beautiful Fatherland”, celebrates Latvia’s connection to nature and will take the audience on a journey through Latvia’s fields and forests, rolling hills and beautiful seaside.
Language
The program will be presented in Latvian, with English translation of the dance title and a brief overview of the event available.
Farewell Party "From Shore to Shore"
Amway Grand Hotel, Ambassador Ballroom, 2100–2430
Ticket price & details
$40, SimpleTix digital ticket, general admission, limited availability.
Description
The Song Festival’s Farewell Party is a chance to spend the last few beautiful festive moments together, with musical groups “Trejdeviņi” and “Pēdejais Vilciens”. Let’s enjoy the night with artists and friends from every part of America, because we already can't wait to see each other at the next Festival!
Language
Musical performances will be in Latvian.