Events & Festivals in Lithuania

A key winter event for film enthusiasts, focusing exclusively on short films. Screens international competition entries, retrospectives, and thematic programs, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling.

A traditional pre-Lenten festival to chase away winter. Expect costumed processions led by characters like 'Lašininis' (the Fat Man), puppet shows, the burning of 'Morė' (an effigy of winter), and abundant eating of pancakes and doughnuts before the Lenten fast.

The largest literary event in the Baltics, attracting hundreds of publishers, authors, and thousands of visitors. Features book launches, author signings, discussions, poetry readings, and a massive marketplace for books in Lithuanian and other languages.

Commemorates the signing of the Act of Independence in 1918. Marked by official ceremonies, the hoisting of flags nationwide, a solemn gathering at the House of Signatories in Vilnius, and a patriotic military parade through the capital's main avenue.

The largest and most prestigious film festival in the Baltics, showcasing over 200 feature films, documentaries, and shorts from around the world. Includes premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, industry events, and awards ceremonies.

A massive traditional crafts and folk art fair dating back to the 17th century. Hundreds of artisans sell 'verbos' (decorative palms), pottery, amber jewelry, linen textiles, wood carvings, and traditional food. Features folk music and dance performances.

A major international running event attracting thousands of participants. Offers marathon, half-marathon, 10km, and fun run distances. The scenic route passes through the historic center of Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A energetic celebration of street art, music, and performance transforming public spaces. Expect open-air concerts, dance performances, theater, art installations, workshops, and a general atmosphere of creative freedom and community.

A prestigious international festival of classical music and opera. Features world-renowned orchestras, conductors, soloists, and ballet companies performing in Vilnius's most beautiful historic venues.

The most magical night of the year, a pagan celebration of the summer solstice. Traditions include searching for the mythical fern flower, singing folk songs, jumping over bonfires for purification, and floating flower wreaths on rivers. A night of minimal darkness.

A massive three-day celebration of maritime culture in Lithuania's only seaport. Features concerts on multiple stages, a traditional fishermen's celebration, yacht races, art fairs, a 'Sea Food Street', spectacular fireworks, and the ceremonial blessing of the sea.

One of the largest and most popular open-air pop and rock festivals in the Baltics. Attracts top international and Lithuanian acts across multiple stages. Known for its energetic atmosphere, camping options, and diverse musical lineup.

An eclectic, family-friendly open-air festival set in a beautiful forested area. The lineup spans rock, folk, world music, and electronic acts. Emphasizes sustainability, art installations, workshops, and a relaxed, community-oriented vibe away from the city.

Vilnius's official birthday celebration, marking the city's founding. A city-wide party with free concerts on stages throughout the Old Town, street performers, historical reenactments, guided tours, food stalls, and a grand finale fireworks display.

A quirky and delicious festival celebrating the humble gooseberry in the town famous for its cultivation. Features gooseberry pie baking contests, tastings of various gooseberry products (wine, jam, juice), folk music, and the election of the 'Gooseberry King and Queen'.

Commemorates the 1989 peaceful political demonstration where approximately two million people joined hands forming a 675-km human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Events include concerts, exhibitions, and public gatherings celebrating freedom and Baltic unity.

A dynamic weekend closing the summer festival season. The city center transforms with open-air art galleries, theater performances, live music on every corner, dance workshops, fashion shows, and a massive outdoor party atmosphere.

A celebration of Lithuania's deep forest culture and the autumn mushroom harvest. Includes mushroom picking competitions, expert-led foraging tours, cooking demonstrations, a market for wild mushrooms and berries, and plenty of tasting opportunities.

An internationally acclaimed festival presenting avant-garde, contemporary, and traditional jazz. Renowned for its curated lineup of innovative musicians from Lithuania and abroad, offering intimate club concerts and larger hall performances.

A solemn and beautiful national holiday where families visit cemeteries to honor the deceased. Graves are meticulously cleaned and decorated with thousands of candles ('kapinių šviesa'), creating a breathtaking sea of flickering lights across the country at dusk.

Traditional markets spring up in town squares, filling the air with the scent of mulled wine ('glintveinas'), gingerbread, and roasting nuts. Stalls sell handmade crafts, woolens, amber, and decorations. Features a central Christmas tree, carol singers, and festive workshops.

The most important family celebration of the year, steeped in pagan and Christian traditions. A 12-dish meatless supper is served after the first star appears. Customs include sharing 'plotkelė' (communion wafer), leaving an empty seat for absent loved ones, and predicting the future.

Major cities host large public celebrations with live music stages, DJs, ice sculptures, and food stalls. The countdown to midnight culminates in impressive fireworks displays over the main squares and rivers. A night of festive public merriment.