Ventava – Local History, Culture and Spring Market

Ventava combines local history with cultural activities at the “Mazā Vinda” community centre, a recurring spring market and a cycling loop that passes through the village. This lets you see Ventava from different perspectives: as a place with historical origins, a venue for cultural activities and a section of a longer cycling route.

Local History and Culture

Ventava developed on the site of the former Zūru estate. This origin provides a different perspective from the cultural activities at the “Mazā Vinda” community centre, where amateur arts groups rehearse and themed gatherings take place.

Up to 50 people can gather at the “Mazā Vinda” community centre at a time; its rooms can be rented for private events. Amateur arts groups also rehearse there, and themed gatherings are another use of the venue. The dance ensemble “Vāruve” from Vārves parish, made up of members of the middle generation, follows a specific rehearsal schedule: it rehearses at the community centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 p.m.

The amateur theatre “Vārava” was founded in 2010 and has staged performances in numerous municipalities in Kurzeme, as well as in Alūksne, Koknese Municipality, Riga and Eslingen, Germany. The women’s vocal ensemble “Tev līdzās” includes members from Ventava, Zūras, Vārve, Užava and Ventspils. While “Vārava” is described through its performances in many places, “Tev līdzās” brings together members from five places.

Spring Market and Local Offerings

The Ventava Spring Market is a recurring event. At the 2026 edition, visitors could buy farm produce, handicrafts, plants, manufactured goods and treats available at the event venue. The cultural and entertainment programme at the same edition included performances by amateur arts groups and a group line-dancing session. Shopping and the cultural programme offer different highlights of the market. If you choose it as a reason to travel, check the date of the relevant edition.

The “Rūtas Karaliskie gardumi” pastry shop is located at Ventas iela 15 in Ventava. For “Home Café Days” on 17 and 18 August 2024, host Rūta was expected to offer a wide selection of cakes at this café, for eating on-site or taking away. If you visit later, ask at the café about its current offerings.

Ventava on the Cycling Route

For cycling travellers, loop route 561 is a specific geographic reference: it is 85 kilometres long and passes through Zlēkas, Ventava and Zūras. Ventava lies on the route between Zlēkas and Zūras; 85 kilometres is the total length of the loop. Ventava is therefore a named section of a longer circuit, not the entire route. Local history and culture offer different points of interest from the cycling route, while the spring market, when planning a trip, is tied to the date of its respective edition.

Discover more destinations: Ugāle, Pasiekste, Ziras, Dzirnavas, Liepene, Lielirbe, Jūrkalne, Pope

For the broader travel overview: Ventspils.