The first day of the La-Di-Da-Di Garden Festival took place at the Green Theatre in Mežaparks, bringing together fans of indie and alternative pop music in a warm, relaxed atmosphere rarely associated with a weekday. Visitors enjoyed live music, fine food, and a unique sense of togetherness.

The sunny Tuesday evening began with a DJ set by Toms Grēviņš, who curated a special vinyl selection exclusively for the festival. The live music programme opened with multi-instrumentalist Kočāns Miķelis from Cēsis, who also premiered a new song written especially for the La-Di-Da-Di Garden Festival just one day earlier. Later in the evening, Latvian alternative rock band Bēdu brāļi took to the stage, representing the festival’s rock programme.

After an eight-year absence from Latvian stages, Estonia’s shoegaze and dream pop pioneers Pia Fraus returned with a long-awaited performance. The evening concluded with an intimate and heartfelt concert by Gothenburg singer-songwriter Jens Lekman, whose performance invited the audience to both dance and embrace the dreamy atmosphere of a summer evening.

Speaking ahead of his performance, Lekman said that intimate events such as La-Di-Da-Di are his favourite places to perform. According to the artist, smaller concerts allow for a unique connection with the audience and create an atmosphere that is often impossible to achieve at large-scale festivals.

The La-Di-Da-Di Indie Garden Festival continues on 8 July, featuring Lithuania’s rising indie folk sensation Kabloonak, Irish experimental indie pop artist Goldbug, and the critically acclaimed British band caroline, widely described by international media as one of the most exciting contemporary alternative acts to experience live. The second day will also mark the long-awaited return of the legendary Latvian–Danish alternative pop band Aparāts after an extended hiatus.