in 2019 immediately mark the 35 most interesting Vilnius events in your calendar, which have already become a tradition and have a large circle of fans not only in Lithuania. Discover the innovations of music or cinema, the diversity of art and culture, the latest trends presented and a special atmosphere full of ideas.
Vilnius International Film Festival "Cinema Spring"
March 21 - April 4, "Forum cinema"
The biggest and most important cinema event In Lithuania. Be the first to see the most relevant film premieres, participate in meetings with filmmakers, and collect the most interesting films. High-quality original world cinema panorama divided into five programs: "Discoveries of the Year", "Festival Favorites", "Masters", "Critics' Choice" and the European Debut Competition.
Robotics Festival "Robotiada"
March 23, Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center "Litexpo"
Dive into the future and take a look at the world of robots: humanoid, industrial, educational, entertainment robots will show what they are capable of. The great festival of inventors awaits both small robot fans and serious technology fans - don't miss creative workshops, robot battles or educational classes.
Electronic music festival "Young Music"
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
Here, technology and music create a new harmony - the festival presents innovations and ideas spread through various technological channels. Hear the most interesting works of creators of the young and middle generation, electroacoustic premieres. Don't miss the special evening program featuring artists from the alternative electronic music scene, experimental music creators and DJs.
International Contemporary Dance Festival "New Baltic Dance"
May 2-12, in various parts of the city
Learn about national and global dance trends. In addition to the works of already recognized and world-famous dance artists, you will also see the performances and experiments of beginning dance creators. The festival is a great opportunity to explore the limits of the human body's capabilities, current world events and unexpected ideas.
Design week
May 6-12, in various parts of the city
Cover the world in ink blue - this is the business card of Design Week. Here, original ideas and professional solutions go hand in hand with functionality and useful information. Take part in creative workshops, visit design exhibitions, gather knowledge at conferences, get acquainted with the works of Lithuanian design creators. This year's theme explores the theme of progress and highlights the achievements and innovations of recent years.
Europe Day
May 9, in various parts of the city
Europe Day is celebrated by thousands of people across the European Union. This is a great opportunity to get to know the culture and culinary heritage of European countries. Check how much you know not only about neighboring countries. Concerts, discussions, creative workshops invite you to better remember how and why the idea of a united Europe was born.
Street Music Day
May 18, in various parts of the city
Mark your calendar for the third of May. on Saturday, the streets of Vilnius old town will be filled with music. Professional musicians, amateurs and those dreaming of the big stage reveal their talents. Whatever music you like, you're sure to hear it. Grab your drum too - Drum2gether's percussion procession and improvisation invites everyone to join.
International folklore festival "Skamba skamba kankliai"
May 21-26, in various parts of the city
The oldest folklore festival in Lithuania, which has been taking place since 1973, invites you to wake up perhaps somewhat forgotten traditions. Hear Lithuanian traditional songs included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list, support children, participate in night dances or register for workshops. However, the festival is not only dedicated to Lithuanian folklore - here you will also hear the performances of authentic national music performers from foreign countries.
Vilnius festival
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
A real delicacy for classical fans - famous Lithuanian and foreign artists boldly interpret large symphonic and chamber works. Be the first to hear premieres by contemporary Lithuanian composers and original works commissioned by the festival. Here you can traditionally expect renaissance and baroque works, legendary jazz soloists, a recital by a Lithuanian artist and surprises.
International contemporary art fair "ArtVilnius"
May 30 - June 2, Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center Litexpo
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get acquainted with the works of contemporary Lithuanian and foreign artists. The 10th anniversary international art fair promises special surprises, installations and performances. At the fair, don't just look at art - take part in creative workshops, interact with the artists themselves and find out what inspires them to create art. Over 20 thousand visitors traditionally visit about 60 art galleries from 15 countries during three days at the fair. Who will be your favorite?
Login Technology and innovation event
June 6-7, Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center Litexpo
Get to know marketing, technology innovations and future trends at the largest conference in the Baltic States. At the international event, the most famous Lithuanian and foreign specialists give presentations and discuss innovations. This year, the event will also focus on the increasingly relevant topic of sustainability.
Culture night
June 14, in various parts of the city
When the sun goes down, Vilnius streets, galleries and the most unexpected spaces are flooded with the most diverse art. Will you be able to see more than 150 music, dance, theater, film, photography, contemporary installations and many other projects in one night? Visit cultural events for free and discover unconventional solutions, experiment and new creative spaces.
Christopher's Festival
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
Celebrate the festival on its 25th birthday. What to expect? The program is best reflected by the festival's motto: "all genres are good, except boring ones". Not only classical music masterpieces are played here. Jazz, experimental projects, and traditional cycles also find a place. Let the music take you under the vaults of churches, under the summer sky, or surrounded by nature.
Bicycle marathon
The date will be confirmed, starting at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania
Get moving! Test your strength and endurance on the bike. It doesn't matter if it will be the only ride this year or if you are aiming for sporting heights - the traditional "Velomaraton" invites you to roll through the streets of the Old Town. Have fun here with the whole family - the award-winning track for the little ones might inspire them to take a more serious interest in cycling.
Bartholomew fair
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
Feel like a time machine back to the Middle Ages. On the streets of Vilnius, townspeople dressed in Renaissance clothes, old music and crafts - the city crafts and arts festival revives traditions. Watch the ceremonial procession of all participating artisans, watch craft demonstrations, or put yourself in the shoes of a craftsman - spin a pot, spin, weave, or mint a coin.
We Run Vilnius
May 26, start at the Cathedral Square
Run as far as your legs can carry you in the biggest spring run in Lithuania! Test your strength with professional athletes, amateurs and even little runners on the 5, 10 and 21 km tracks. Enjoy the beautiful route through the Old Town and the friendly atmosphere, with the start and finish next to the Cathedral. Maybe you will surpass more than 10 participants?
SPOT Street Theater Festival
July 10-14, various places in the city
Immerse yourself in the culture at a free street theater festival. See urban spaces in a new way by observing a series of performances and installations in various city streets and squares. Choreographic performances, concerts, modern theater performances will introduce you to a different old town of Vilnius.
Vilnius Burger Fest "Vilnius Burger Fest"
The date will be confirmed, courtyard of the Lithuanian Theater, Music and Cinema Museum
You will smell this festival from afar - the smell of the grill will lure you to the patio, where the city's burger specialists will surprise you with gourmet combinations and fight for your attention. At the traditional festival, you'll find burgers that you can only taste once a year. The festival is close to the philosophy of slow food, the principles of ecology and ethical behavior - fresh and local products from local farmers are used in the preparation of burgers.
Film festival "Cinema under the stars"
August 1-31, the courtyard of the Palace of Lords
Movies can be watched in a variety of ways, but during the summer, enjoy the ultimate pleasure and immerse yourself in a romantic cinema experience. Sit in a chair with a cup of coffee, don't forget a cozy blanket, and watch cinema classics, Lithuanian films, documentaries and the most famous films of the year under the stars.
Capital days
August 30 - September 1, in various parts of the city
Celebrate with Vilnius in the biggest fiesta of music, good food, culture and great mood. Live concerts, a fair in the very heart of the city - Gediminas pr., exclusive artistic shows welcome the new - autumn - season in the city. Get ready for active cultural action and various creative ideas.
International Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts "New Circus Weekend"
September 2-8, Arts Printing House
Break away from everyday life and immerse yourself in the world of fantasy, illusions, temporary beauty and almost unlimited human possibilities. See that the circus can be completely different - the performances of troupes from all over the world will surprise you with their modernity and deal with current topics. Would you like to try your hand at it yourself? Participate in exercise classes.
Music and arts festival "Loftas fest"
September 6-7, Loft Art Factory
After the end of summer, the festivals continue - take part in the only urban music and arts festival in the Baltic States. High-quality music stages, art performances, performances, nightly movie screenings, open-air exhibitions - in the territory of former factories, get into the whirlwind of art. Taste street food, look for fashion pearls from young Lithuanian designers or vinyl records at the night market.
NowJapan Japanese Culture Festival
The date will be confirmed, Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center Litexpo
What do you know about Japan? Get to know the Land of the Rising Sun without leaving Vilnius. The special culture of the country includes so much that you just have to take part in it: plenty of performances, creative workshops, reports, exhibitions, film and animation sessions, competitions will not let you get bored. Japan is also famous for technology, so see all the innovations, try computer games and immerse yourself in virtual reality.
Banchetto Musicale International Early Music Festival
The date will be confirmed
It is not so often that you will hear the most beautiful works of old music in Vilnius. Not only works that have already become classics sound here. The festival dedicated to medieval, renaissance and baroque music, dance and theater commemorates the jubilee dates of famous composers, prepares theatrical programs and even stages performances.
Danske Bank Vilnius Marathon
September 8, starting at Vilnius Cathedral
Up for the 42 km challenge? If this distance scares you, choose a half marathon or 10 km, run 5 km with the family, or introduce the children to the fun sport of running at a distance of 200 meters. Everyone can run, so it's time to get your running shoes ready and explore the Old Town of Vilnius with a jogging step.
Fair of nations
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
You will definitely smell the fair from afar - here in the streets of Vilnius, various dishes of national cuisine are prepared, you will get to know national customs and household traditions. The famous German sausages, Georgian flatbreads, Karaim kibins and other delicacies tempt you to try everything. However, this is not just a fun paradise. Every year, the most active craft and culinary masters, song and dance virtuosos of national communities living in Lithuania participate in the fair.
Ahead Festival of Electronic Sound Practitioners
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
Seek out new experiences. The festival involves more than just music - take part in creative workshops, debate and get to know sound and electronic phenomena. Here, meet creators face-to-face and discover what it means to create and be part of electronic audio practices today.
International Jazz Festival "Vilnius Jazz"
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
A wave of modern jazz and improvisational music is flooding the city. This is a rare opportunity to see the most famous foreign jazz artists in Lithuania, discover musical innovations, hear rising stars and taste the jazz avant-garde. Immerse yourself in the free spirit of the festival and choose from the diverse program what will arouse your curiosity.
Contemporary music festival "Gaida"
The date will be confirmed, in various parts of the city
What is contemporary music? The festival reveals that it is not only what we hear on the radio stations. Hear for yourself. An open program for music of all traditions and all geographical latitudes awaits you. The main concert halls of Vilnius are occupied by both serious symphonic music and alternative creativity, electronic or experimental music, and multimedia projects.
Game Culture Festival "Game On"
The date will be confirmed, Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center Litexpo
Life is a game! Don't stop playing, no matter how old you are. At the festival you will find everything: from innovative solutions to the best gaming equipment, from virtual reality to the latest indie games. If you're a true fan, attend a spectacular costume show or an in-depth conference for game developers. Get all the news from the inside.
at the Lithuanian Gastronomy Festival
November 4-10, various places in the city
Taste it! Go on a gourmet tour of Vilnius restaurants and discover unexpected tastes. Special menus, degustation dinners and special creations of the city's best chefs will surprise you. The fate of the "Star of the Gastronomy Week" title is in your hands, so taste it and rate it.
Scanorama Film Forum of European Countries
November 7-24, "Forum cinema"
The most awaited feast for cinema gourmands - it can be difficult to choose from the wide program of the festival. Here are film traditions, the latest fashions, and films dealing with the most uncomfortable issues. Travel through the spaces of good European cinema from the classics to the present day and see the best, most valuable and recognized films in Europe. The most important question is how to manage to see everything?
International jazz festival "Vilnius mama jazz"
The date will be confirmed
Jazz is playing! Find out what is happening in the world of jazz today, how this music is changing, what is relevant now. Don't just go to concerts. Be interested in jazz at special exhibitions, participate in conversations with performers. Not only famous performances by foreign artists await here, but also a wide panorama of Lithuanian jazz, special artistic programs created for the festival, and performances by young artists. There will not be too much jazz both in the hall and in life.
Vilnius Beer Festival VAF
November 29-30, Loft Art Factory
200 different types of beer - a real test for even the biggest beer fan. Visit the largest independent craft beer festival in Lithuania. Taste, learn to combine beer with food. Here you will discover unexpected flavors - from old recipes handed down by brewers for thousands of years, to experiments - brandy beer or beer with exotic fruits in whiskey barrels.
Christmas in the capital
December 1 - January 6, in various parts of the city
What could be more beautiful than a Christmas tale in the narrow streets of the Old Town? Get festive and magical all month long. One of the most impressive Christmas trees in Europe, gingerbread-scented fairs, fun Christmas concerts, children's favorite Christmas train - here you will find pleasure and entertainment for both adults and children. Search for tons of free events and make the best memories.
The event guide was prepared by GO Vilnius
