# Liepāja European Capital of Culture 2027 preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/liepja-european-capital-of-culture-2027-preparations > Updated: 2026-09-22T07:10:07.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Liepāja is undertaking various preparatory initiatives for its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2027. Early efforts focused on cultural heritage through the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, which launched a co-financing competition titled ‘Jāņi lauku sētās’ to promote Latvian summer solstice traditions and intangible heritage as part of the ‘Northern Solstice’ project. Preparations have expanded to include media arts, technology, and regional tourism development. Upcoming activities include the “UPDATE: democratic technologies” festival, which explores the societal impact of technology, and the “Manor Hackathon” aimed at developing sustainable ideas for historical sites in Kuldīga and South Kurzeme. The Liepāja 2027 Foundation also plans to unveil its “(ne)miers” program, a comprehensive schedule of over 500 events. The official designation period is set to begin in late January 2027 with opening events in Kuldīga and Aizpute. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Liepāja prepares for 2027 European Capital of Culture designation Liepāja is advancing its preparations for the 2027 European Capital of Culture through a media arts technology festival and the upcoming announcement of a 500-event cultural program. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liepja-prepares-for-2027-european-capital-of-culture-designation ### 2026-08-31: Liepāja 2027 Foundation announces cultural heritage funding competition The Liepāja 2027 Foundation has launched a competition to fund traditional Jāņi summer solstice celebrations in rural homesteads as part of its preparations for the European Capital of Culture 2027. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liepja-2027-foundation-announces-cultural-heritage-funding-competition --- Cite as: Liepāja European Capital of Culture 2027 preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/liepja-european-capital-of-culture-2027-preparations