“Feel the forest in the heart of the city!” – with this motto, the “The Forest Comes to Jelgava 2026” event will take place in Jelgava Palace Park on 26 September from 10:00 to 17:00. During this one-day event in the city centre, you will have the chance to meet forestry professionals, representatives of educational institutions, entrepreneurs, scientists, craftspeople, and emergency services, as well as take part in informative, practical, and entertaining activities yourselves.
The day at Jelgava Palace will also feature other events, including the conclusion of the motorbike season. A gathering is scheduled at the Jelgava Palace car park from 10:00, followed by a JAWA club motorcycle exhibition and a concert featuring new bands in the palace courtyard. A motorcycle parade is planned for 13:00, which will finish at Pasta sala (Post Island).
“The Forest Comes to Jelgava” has become an annual tradition, bringing together forestry professionals, educational institutions, nature enthusiasts, and families to collectively learn about and understand the forest, as well as the significant role that it and related sectors play in our country’s ecology and economy. This year, Jelgava Palace Park will be transformed for a day into an educational and adventurous “forest town”, where every visitor can experience the presence of the forest first-hand and explore its diversity.
The event programme is designed to allow visitors to explore the forest from various perspectives – from forest ecology and the preservation of biodiversity to the sustainable production and everyday use of wood and non-timber products. Visitors will be able to discover medicinal plants, sauna accessories, and unique wooden products, watch craft demonstrations and their production processes, and gain ideas for high-quality recreation in the forest.
There will also be plenty of activities for the whole family, including educational games, exciting experiments, machinery and equipment demonstrations, and fun adventures that both young and old guests can join in with.
Forest management and technology up close
A wide range of participants will take part in the event, representing forest management, science, education, business, and emergency services. Each of them has prepared a special programme for visitors.
The forest management sector will be represented by AS “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM), SIA “Rīgas meži”, SIA “ZLM”, and other managers. LVM and “Rīgas meži” will talk about various forest management methods, nature conservation, and forestry.
Meanwhile, SIA “ZLM” will invite visitors to step into the shoes of foresters – there will be an opportunity to try out the measuring instruments used in the field, determine the age of trees, and test your knowledge with forest-themed riddles.
The State Forest Service (VMD) will speak about the state's role in forest supervision and protection. Visitors will also be able to learn about state oversight of forest fire safety and view specialised vehicles.
Education – a stable foundation for the future of the forestry sector
A significant part of the event will be dedicated to education and youth opportunities. Vocational education institutions will introduce modern study programmes and practical skills that young people can acquire in Latvia.
Representatives from the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU MVZF) will talk about higher education and career opportunities in forestry, timber processing, environmental science, and construction, especially timber construction. University scientists will also demonstrate exciting experiments on wood strength.
Ogre Technical School will offer visitors two activities – an introduction to personal protective equipment in forestry and the identification of forest birds using taxidermy specimens.
Bulduri Technical School will also participate in the event, providing information on vocational education opportunities, the knowledge and skills to be acquired, and career prospects in fields related to forest, environmental, and nature management.
Additionally, Jelgava Technical School will offer creative activities for younger and older visitors, and an exhibition of furniture products will be on display.
How does the forest turn into innovations and products?
The event will also provide an opportunity to learn about companies that add value to forest resources. SIA “Stiga RM” will introduce its modern forest machinery fleet, providing insight into how local wood begins its journey into globally demanded material.
SIA “Laflora”, one of Latvia’s largest peat extraction and processing companies, will demonstrate the role of peat in horticulture and forest seedling cultivation.
SIA “Geomatic” will introduce the latest geospatial data and IT solutions. The technology used in forestry will also be available to see in person – visitors will be able to see how precise 3D maps, stand measurements, and road planning are created using modern drones and laser scanning, or LiDAR, technologies.
Knowledge and support for forest owners
The Forest Consulting and Services Centre (MKPC) will also be represented at the event, providing forest owners with advice and support on various matters related to forest management. Event visitors will be able to learn more about forest management and the possibilities of receiving professional consultative support.
Safety in the forest and in society
“The Forest Comes to Jelgava” will be an opportunity not only to learn about the forest and its significance but also to find out more about safety in the forest and in society.
The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) will take part in the event, drawing visitors' attention to safety in the forest, fire safety, and how to act in various emergency situations.
Meanwhile, the State Police will look after traffic safety in the vicinity of the event and engage with children and young people using their police mascots – Runcis Rūdis and Bebrs Bruno. Police operational transport and special equipment will also be demonstrated.
The National Guard (National Armed Forces) will demonstrate their equipment, weapons, and military transport. National Guards will share practical tips on survival skills in the forest in any weather conditions and how to navigate terrain without GPS. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the possibilities of joining the National Guard to protect our country’s security.
Forest produce, crafts, and opportunities to relax in nature
Other representatives of the forest and related sectors will also be present at the event. Individual craftspeople will be making various household items, toys, and jewellery from wood, while sauna masters will talk about sauna rituals and the power of forest plant whisks.
Special attention will also be paid to the local home producer SIA “Mītavas čiekurs”, which showcases “forest gifts” in their most delicious form. Visitors will be able to taste and purchase healthy treats made from pine cones – syrups, jams, sweets, chocolate-covered pine cones, and other natural products for boosting immunity.
Nature conservation and tourism organisations will introduce new walking and educational routes in Latvian forests, giving visitors practical ideas on how to discover and enjoy the forest even outside the city.
Discover the diversity of the forest in Jelgava Palace Park
“The Forest Comes to Jelgava 2026” provides a unique opportunity to see in one place how the forestry sector combines ancient traditions with world-class innovations, high technology, and care for the environment.
This is not just an event for exhibitions and demonstrations, but a place for active participation and gaining new knowledge for the whole family. Here, there will be a chance to get to know the forestry sector, meet its professionals, learn about education and career opportunities, view machinery and technology, discover craft skills and forest produce, and try out various activities yourself.
“The Forest Comes to Jelgava 2026” invites everyone to step into the forest for a day – not by going out of the city, but right here in the heart of Jelgava.
Come and enjoy the magic of the forest in the heart of Jelgava!