GGFEST 2026: THE BALTICS’ BIGGEST ACTION SPORTS & YOUTH CULTURE FESTIVAL GOES COSMIC

From July 24-26, the largest active lifestyle outdoor festival in the Baltics - GGFEST 2026 - will take place in Ventspils, Latvia. Over three days, visitors can expect an exciting program featuring more than 20 sports disciplines, including international competitions, alongside creativity, humor, street food experiences, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

The 2026 edition will be the most ambitious in the festival’s history, fully utilizing Ventspils’ infrastructure: the skatepark, Concert Hall “Latvija”, the Great Square, and Lielais Prospekts. The festival will host extreme sports competitions, team and individual tournaments, dance battles, rap improvisation contests, esports, basketball, football, and much more - creating a dynamic, multi-layered, non-stop flow of events across all three days.

WHERE TO PATICIPATE

GGFEST primarily invites athletes and enthusiasts to compete in 3x3 basketball, football, and floorball. This year, special focus is placed on the next generation of extreme sports talent - competitions will take place in inline skating, skateboarding, BMX, and scooters. Several disciplines will also feature training camps leading up to the festival as their grand finale.

Tennis competitions will debut at a new level in Ventspils, while strength athletes can test themselves in the Norathlon challenge. Participants can also join disc golf, Run4Fun, and other disciplines, creating a program that caters to both professional athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts.

“GGFEST has definitely become one of the most anticipated events of my year - absolutely my favorite festival, which I attend with my entire family. This year GGFEST will be truly COSMIC. We are purposefully developing the program and actively inviting international athletes to join us, strengthening Latvia and Ventspils as an important meeting point for this global community. Our goal is to attract as many foreign guests as possible - it’s a direct way our organization can contribute to Latvia’s economy and positively promote the country internationally,” says Ghetto Games leader Raimonds Elbakjans.

For the fourth consecutive year, GGFEST is organized in partnership with its general partner Balcia Insurance, whose support has enabled rapid growth both in participant numbers and the diversity of sports represented. The partnership will continue for the next three years with a clear objective: to establish GGFEST as the largest active lifestyle outdoor festival in Europe and attract even more international competitors, raising the level of competition and development opportunities for Latvian athletes. The next major milestone of this collaboration is the ambitious goal of organizing an alternative Olympic-style event in Latvia in 2028.

“Our mission is to inspire young people to live the life they truly want. We believe in the power of an active lifestyle and the courage to try new things - because that is where personal growth begins. Movement, sport, and adventure naturally come with challenges, and as an insurer, we stand beside people, adapting to their needs and lifestyle to provide security on their journey toward their goals. GGFEST fully embodies this philosophy - a place where sport, creativity, and community inspire people to live actively, joyfully, and confidently,” explains Reinis Bērzkalns, Vice President of Balcia.

WHAT TO SEE

GGFEST is just as exciting for spectators as it is for participants. Audiences can expect high-level sports showcases and unique formats. One of the main highlights will be the U23 Nations League in basketball, the European Panna Championship (1v1 football), and the international Ghetto Football tournament, bringing together top players from across Europe.

The Baltic Final of Counter-Strike 2 promises intense esports action, alongside a unique 2v2 freestyle rap battle format. 3x3 hockey will return with newly developed rules designed to make the game even more dynamic.

The skatepark will host three days of extreme sports competitions across multiple levels, culminating in BMX freestyle finals. Additional highlights include the two-day Ghetto Fight tournament and the Ghetto Dance VIP competition featuring international participants.

“For the 14th time, the Ghetto Games festival in Ventspils proves that our city is a place where youth, sport, creativity, and passion meet. From July 24 to 26, Ventspils will become a true epicenter of street sports, music, and culture, gathering more than 1,000 participants from around the world. Ghetto Games is an event that unites, inspires, and fills the city with energy — and we are proud to be part of it,” says Guntis Blumbergs, First Vice Chairman for Cooperation Issues of the Ventspils City Council.

Beyond sports, GGFEST will feature a vibrant food zone, bringing together diverse flavors and street food culture throughout all three days.

A dedicated stage at the skatepark will host live podcasts - conversations with influential personalities, real-life stories, and live musical performances all in one place.

The full event program and registration for sports competitions will open soon.

The Ghetto Games Festival is organized in cooperation with the Municipality of Ventspils and with its financial support.