“Das Beat” from Berlin, “Auļi”, “Nova Koma”, and “Nora Kripta” Join the “Laba Daba” Festival Lineup

The international music and arts festival “Laba Daba” continues to expand its diverse musical lineup with the addition of “Das Beat” (Germany), “Auļi”, “Nova Koma”, and “Nora Kripta”. The festival will take place from July 17 to 19 at the University of Latvia recreation complex “Ratnieki,” located within the Gauja National Park.

Guests from Berlin—the band “Das Beat”—are joining the previously announced lineup for the 2026 festival. Formed in 2021, the project blends German New Wave, dark disco, indie, and dance music. At its core, the band is a duo consisting of vocalist Eddie Rabenberger and Canadian musician Alexander Cowan (DJ Kirby) from the electronic music duo “Blue Hawaii”. In 2025, “Das Beat” released their latest album Frau Fatal, while this spring they have already put out the singles “Supermonster” and “Ringo”. The band is preparing a special, performative live set for the “Laba Daba” audience.

Das Beat

The local lineup is reinforced by the drum and bagpipe group “Auļi”, garage rock band “Nova Koma”, and the winners of the “Hadrons 2026” young music band competition - the experimental music project “Nora Kripta”.

Previously announced domestic acts include “Hospitāļu iela”, “Aparāts”, “Nesen”, Evija Vēbere and Ivars Arutjunjans, the Strazdumuiža Brass Band, “Dzelzs vilks”, “Trīsas” (Latvia/Norway), “DJ Krankenwagen”, “Nakts arāji”, “Inokentijs Mārpls”, “Saucējas” and “Sun Horse”, “Zeme dunn”, “Aptiekas bēru ansamblis”, Imants Daksis and “Dīvainās pasaules gaisma”, “Alum Alu”, Reinis Jaunais and Daniele Mammarella (Italy), Abeneko & The Positive Mind (Tanzania), “INGAJA” (Lithuania), “Tante gaida”, Jēkabs Nīmanis and Elīza Dombrovska, “Stūrī zēvele”, “Oranžās brīvdienas”, “Tavas māsas nāsis”, “Pienvedēja piedzīvojumi”, “Zōna”, “Mighty Jupiter & The Mooncake Band”, as well as the University of Latvia choir “Dziesmuvara”.

This year’s festival program features over 100 music and art events, including concerts, DJ sets, theatrical performances, dance, poetry readings, cinema, creative workshops, masterclasses, sports activities, and a craft market. The festival will unfold across several stages, each offering a distinct program. The “Lācis” (Bear) and “Ezis” (Hedgehog) stages will host the main musical acts and international guests. The “Krauklis” (Raven) stage will feature the electronic music program, while the “Suns” (Dog) stage (the barn) will be dedicated to theater, dance, and performances. Meanwhile, the “Kino zālīte” (Cinema Nook), in collaboration with the Riga International Short Film Festival “2Annas”, will screen a specially curated selection of short films. The festival will also host the LR6 – LU Radio NABA stage and live broadcasting studio. Alongside the music and arts program, attendees can explore a creative zone, masterclasses, and a craft market.

“Laba Daba” is one of the most family- and environment-friendly music and arts festivals held outside the urban environment, traditionally taking place in the Gauja National Park. This year marks the festival's 15th edition. The organizers continue to maintain an accessible ticket policy, offering discounts for teenagers and students. Admission is free for children under 13, and access to the tent camping site is included with all tickets at no extra cost.

• Information and tickets: www.labadaba.lv

• Venue: LU recreation complex “Ratnieki”, Cēsis municipality, Līgatne parish

• Dates: July 17–19, 2026

The festival is organized by the full-service event agency “Pareizā ķīmija” and Radio NABA, with the support of SIA “Cido grupa” and the State Culture Capital Foundation (VKKF).