Events & Festivals in Vilnius

Major public celebration at Cathedral Square featuring live music, fireworks at midnight, festive decorations, and thousands of revelers welcoming the new year. The atmosphere is joyous with food stalls and entertainment throughout the evening.

Traditional Lithuanian carnival marking the end of winter. Features costumed processions, burning of Morė (winter effigy), folk music, dancing, and eating of pancakes and doughnuts before Lent begins.

The largest literary event in the Baltics featuring book launches, author meetings, discussions, and publishing exhibitions. International and Lithuanian authors participate with thousands of titles available.

The largest film festival in Lithuania showcasing contemporary international cinema, with premieres, director Q&A sessions, and special programs. Features arthouse, documentary, and competition films across multiple venues.

Centuries-old traditional crafts fair originating in the 17th century. Features handmade wooden crafts, amber jewelry, woven palm decorations, folk art, traditional food, and live folk music performances throughout the Old Town.

National holiday commemorating Lithuania's restoration of independence in 1990. Official ceremonies, flag hoisting, military parade, and evening concert at Cathedral Square. Buildings illuminated in national colors.

International running event featuring marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and family run distances. Course winds through historic city center and along the Neris River with enthusiastic crowd support.

Traditional Easter celebrations including Palm Sunday processions, blessing of food baskets on Holy Saturday, Easter Mass at Vilnius Cathedral, and markets selling decorated eggs, Easter bread, and spring crafts.

Celebration of craft brewing featuring local and international beers, brewing workshops, food pairings, live music, and competitions. Showcases Lithuania's growing craft beer scene with dozens of breweries participating.

Prestigious international music festival featuring classical, opera, and contemporary performances by world-renowned artists and orchestras. Concerts held in historic venues including Vilnius Cathedral and National Philharmonic.

Open-air classical music festival held in picturesque courtyards, parks, and historical sites throughout Vilnius. Features chamber music, jazz, and world music performances during long summer evenings.

Open-air opera performances in the picturesque setting of Verkiai Palace park. Features Lithuanian National Opera productions with natural acoustics and romantic evening atmosphere under the stars.

Outdoor food festival dedicated to pizza with competitions among local pizzerias, workshops by master pizzaiolos, live music, and family activities. Dozens of pizza varieties available for tasting.

Important Catholic feast day marked by special Masses, particularly at the Gates of Dawn chapel. Traditional blessing of herbs and flowers, followed by processions. Many Lithuanians return to their hometowns for family gatherings.

The city's birthday celebration spanning a weekend with open-air concerts, street performances, food festivals, historical reenactments, and fireworks. Highlights include the Mayor's reception and cultural events across all districts.

Unique evening running event where participants race through illuminated city streets as darkness falls. Distances include marathon, half-marathon, and 10K with spectacular night views of historic buildings.

Contemporary theatre festival showcasing innovative Lithuanian and international productions. Features experimental performances, site-specific works, discussions, and workshops focusing on cutting-edge theatrical expression.

Specialized festival celebrating animated films from around the world. Features competition screenings, retrospectives, workshops, and exhibitions. Includes both professional and student animation categories.

International jazz festival featuring world-class musicians in intimate venues. Includes concerts, jam sessions, workshops, and emerging artist showcases across various jazz genres from traditional to avant-garde.

Solemn day when Lithuanians visit cemeteries to remember deceased relatives. Cemeteries glow with thousands of candles creating a moving spectacle. Special Masses are held and graves are cleaned and decorated.

Major electronic music event featuring international DJs and producers across multiple venues. Showcases techno, house, and experimental electronic sounds with state-of-the-art sound systems and visual productions.

Traditional Christmas market at Cathedral Square with wooden stalls selling handicrafts, seasonal decorations, hot mulled wine ('gira'), and traditional foods. Features live music, carousel, and festive atmosphere.

International charity bazaar organized by diplomatic community featuring food, crafts, and gifts from around the world. All proceeds support Lithuanian charities. Includes cultural performances and Santa visits for children.