In honor of our 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to feature pianist Peteris Zarins, a cherished Garezers counsellor and teacher. Join us for three unique sessions as Peteris performs works by 60 different Latvian composers, spanning generations and styles from classical to popular. Enjoy informal performances filled with good humor and insightful commentary, each piece carrying a special connection to Garezers. Performance times will be announced closer to the weekend event.

Thursday at G60 sets the tone for a memorable weekend. Take part in the afternoon opening ceremony, gathering, reflection, and celebration to begin G60.

• 16:00-16:30 – Opening Ceremony: Gather at Brīvdabas baznīca (Outdoor church) for the official start of G60.

• 17:30-20:00 – Zelta Ticket Reception: A special thank-you cocktail hour (17:30 - 18:30) and dinner for Zelta Ticket holders in the Bērzi terrace.

• 18:00-22:00 – Welcome Everyone to G60! Let’s meet up at our Welcome BBQ and Beer Garden: Enjoy a relaxed evening with great company at our welcome celebration. Delicious BBQ and refreshing drinks available for purchase. Lāču Annas Pavilion.

• 21:00 - TBD - Scouts and Guides Bonfire: Special reunion for Latvian Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to sing cherished songs and share memories. This gathering is a special opportunity to reconnect and honor the legacy of Latvian scouting.

Friday is filled with activities that celebrate Latvian culture, provide opportunities for connection, and offer fun for all ages:

• 08:00–14:00 – Golf Tournament: Tee off at Pine View Golf Club for a friendly competition with fellow attendees. Purchase your tournament entry here.

• 08:00 - 09:30 - Morning Meditation and Yoga: Grounded in Our Roots: Start your Friday and Saturday mornings at G60 with a serene meditation and yoga session on the beach, overlooking Gaŗezers. Embrace the theme "No tām pašām saknēm" (From the Same Roots) by connecting with your inner self and the natural beauty of Gaŗezers. These sessions include intention setting and gentle stretching, grounding participants in shared traditions and the enduring bonds of the community. It’s a perfect way to reflect on our roots, grow together, and begin each day with mindfulness and harmony. Summer Programs Beach.

• 09:00–10:30 – Koknešu Awardee Breakfast: A special invite only breakfast honoring Koknešu award recipients. Bērzi terrace.

• 09:00–17:00 – Art Market & Artisan Garden: Bērzi hall.

  Gaŗezers 60th Anniversary Art market
  For the first time since G50, a significant part of the Gaŗezers Klinklava Art Gallery collection will be on view and for sale. The Klinklava Gallery collection is the largest collection of Latvian art outside Latvia. In 2020, the entire collection was packed up and transported to special warehouses in preparation for the demolition of Kronvalda zale. The G60 Art market will offer about 120 works by various artists and artistic styles.

  Artisan Garden
  Discover a world of creativity in the Artisan Garden, where talented craftsmen and creators gather to display and sell their unique handmade treasures. From intricate jewelry to pottery, textiles, and metalworks, this vibrant marketplace celebrates the skill and passion of artisans in our community. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece and support the artists who bring beauty and craftsmanship to life. Bērzi hall.

• 10:00 - 12:00 - Latvian Scout and Guide Museum:  Experience the Latvian Scout and Guide Museum.   The museum houses the history of the Latvian Girl Guides and Scouts from the organizations founding in Latvia after WWI to the 21st century. The museum is the only one of its kind in the world. Photographs and memorabilia abound at this museum. Visit and immerse yourself in the long history of this organization.

• 10:00–13:00 – Children’s Games: Fun and engaging activities for the youngest attendees. See Children’s Activities for full details.

• 13:00–15:00 – Afternoon Social Event: Come and meet the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce (LACC): Open to all. A great opportunity to come and hear the voices of Latvian American business people and how they are impacting trade and investment between Latvia and the United States! Lāču Annas Pavilion.

• 17:00–18:30 – ALA Event: Join the American Latvian Association (ALA) for a vibrant social hour at G60! Open to all. Network with community members, celebrate our shared heritage, and engage in this lively opportunity to foster connections and explore ALA’s impact! Lāču Annas Pavilion.

• 19:00–22:00 – Open Mic and Sadziedāšana: With Long Lake fireworks as our backdrop - sing a song, recite a poem, play an instrument or just perform! Lāču Annas Pavilion.

  Sign up for a 10 minute slot here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094BAFA823A1F94-54267632-garezers

• 19:00–01:00 – ALJA Youth Dance: Join the younger crowd for a vibrant evening of music and dancing. The evening begins at the Summer Programs Beach and ends at Mežmāja.

Saturday is the heart of the G60 celebration, filled with activities that bring people together to honor Gaŗezers’ legacy and enjoy community traditions:

• 08:00–11:00 – Pickleball: Join us for a fun-filled morning at our Pickleball Social! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is designed for all skill levels to come together and enjoy friendly competition and camaraderie. Held at the Tennis Courts, we'll have a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where players of every ability can mix, match, and learn from one another. We’ll have paddles and balls available.

• 08:00 - 09:30 - Morning Meditation and Yoga: Grounded in Our Roots: Start your Friday and Saturday mornings at G60 with a serene meditation and yoga session on the beach, overlooking Gaŗezers. Embrace the theme "No tām pašām saknēm" (From the Same Roots) by connecting with your inner self and the natural beauty of Garezers. These sessions include intention setting and gentle stretching, grounding participants in shared traditions and the enduring bonds of the community. It’s a perfect way to reflect on our roots, grow together, and begin each day with mindfulness and harmony. Summer Programs Beach.

• 08:00–09:30 – XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival Hosts Coffee and Pastries: Enjoy coffee and sweet treats while connecting with hosts and fellow attendees. Come learn more about the 2026 event! Everyone is welcome! Lāču Annas Pavilion.

• 09:00–14:00 – Art Market & Artisan Garden: Explore a large selection of Latvian-inspired art, crafts, and handmade goods. Bērzi hall.

• 10:00–12:00 – Sips and Snacks with Daugavas Vanagi (DV ASV): Discover this organization’s rich history in supporting Latvian heritage and development here and abroad as well as its unprecedented financial support of Gaŗezers Educational programs.  Don’t miss the chance to connect with members and new leadership of DV ASV!!! Lāču Annas Pavilion.

• 11:00 - 3:00 - Children’s Games: Fun and engaging activities for the youngest attendees. Atbalsis. See Children’s Activities for full details.

• 15:00–16:30 – Anniversary Celebration: The centerpiece of Saturday’s events, this formal program honors Gaŗezers’ history and the contributions of its community. Dziesmu Lejā.

• 18:00–01:00 – Zaļumballe: Dance the night away at this lively outdoor celebration, blending music, laughter, and joy under the stars featuring Edvards Strazdiņš from Latvia, and our own Adam Zahl. Dziesmu Lejā.

• 21:00 - Clear Lake Association Fireworks: Need more than one night of fireworks? Head over to Atbalsis for the Clear Lake Association show!

Sunday marks the final day of G60, a time to reflect on the memories made and the connections forged. The morning begins with a church service, followed by a lunch where we’ll gather one last time to share stories, laughter, and gratitude.

• 10:00-11:00 - Church Worship Service: Begin the day with a church service in our iconic Brīvdabas baznīca (Outdoor church).

• 11:00-12:00 - Coffee and Light Bites: Close out the G60 celebration with a coffee hour hosted by the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Let’s reflect on the weekend and look to the future. Dining Hall.

This weekend is packed with fun for kids of all ages! Dive into a day full of exciting activities, from bouncy houses and face painting to classic yard games and sports. Embrace Gaŗezers’ rich history as a former Girl Scout camp with a special activity hosted by the Latvian Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. With crafts, games, swimming, and even popcorn and cotton candy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while creating lifelong memories.

Where: Atbalsis

Friday, July 4 

• Bouncy houses

• Yard Games

• Face paint

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Putt putt golf

• Craft Corner

• Bean bag toss

• Toddler games and obstacle course

• Popcorn and cotton candy

Saturday, July 5

• The Latvian Boy Scouts and Girl Guides are hosting a special activity for kids on the small island at Atbalsis where they will help the kids learn how to make - and perhaps bake - something interesting - and perhaps tasty! 

• TBD - Kids Yoga

• TBD - Traditional Latvian kid’s dances

• TBD - Kids beach volleyball

Other Available Kids Activities:

• Swimming in Dzintari

• Playgrounds 

We kindly request that parents remain present with their children throughout the event.