Lithuania’s second-largest city, Kaunas, is preparing to celebrate its 618th anniversary with an expansive three-day festival from May 22 to May 24. Known for its unique Interwar modernist architecture and its history as a former European Capital of Culture, the city is opening its most iconic spaces—from the medieval Kaunas Castle to the modern Nemunas Island—for a weekend of music, gastronomy, and light spectacles.
For UK travelers looking for a late-spring getaway, the festival offers a rare glimpse into the Baltic nation’s blend of deep-rooted history and contemporary urban culture. Most events are free to the public, making it an accessible peak into the city’s vibrant community spirit.
Essential Festival Information
- Dates: Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24.
- Primary Locations: Santaka Park (the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers), Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė), Kaunas Castle, and Nemunas Island.
- Admission: The majority of outdoor concerts, fairs, and light shows are free to attend.
- Getting There: Direct flights to Kaunas (KUN) are available from several UK airports, including London Stansted, London Luton, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
Friday, May 22: Art and Open-Air Discos
The festivities begin on Friday with a focus on community and contemporary art. The Santaka Park will transform into a sprawling art fair, showcasing local Baltic designers and craftspeople. For food enthusiasts, the “Open Kitchen” space will launch, offering a curated selection of street food that reflects Lithuania’s evolving culinary scene.
As evening falls, the Old Town will host the “Kaunas Birthday Dinner,” a community-driven initiative where residents and visitors dine together in the streets. This is followed by a high-energy transition into the night with an open-air disco at the historic Town Hall Square and a massive light installation projected onto the Santaka Bridge.
Saturday, May 23: From Medieval Markets to Elements of Fire
Saturday is the festival’s most diverse day, bridging the gap between the city’s 14th-century origins and its modern youth culture. Near the Kaunas Castle, a Medieval Town will be reconstructed, complete with traditional crafts, knightly tournaments, and a Tourism Street for those looking to explore regional hidden gems. This historical immersion is complemented by a classic car exhibition nearby.
Simultaneously, Nemunas Island will host the “Audra” (Storm) festival, a contemporary youth-focused event featuring electronic music and urban art. The day’s climax occurs at the confluence of the rivers with “Stichijų Santaka” (Confluence of Elements), a massive multi-sensory show involving fire, water, and lasers, accompanied by live orchestral and electronic music.
Sunday, May 24: Family Activities and the Final Chord
The final day takes a more relaxed, family-oriented tone. The Dainų slėnis (Valley of Songs) will host functional sports competitions and calisthenics sessions for those looking to stay active. For families, the day features a giant trampoline park and the popular local musical “Kakė Makė and the Time Machine,” based on one of Lithuania’s most beloved children’s book characters.
The 618th birthday celebrations will conclude on Sunday evening with a final concert at Santaka Park and the unveiling of a light installation titled “TARP” (Between), symbolizing the city’s position between its storied past and its ambitious future.
A City of Confluences
Kaunas is often defined by its geography—the point where Lithuania’s two largest rivers meet. This “confluence” is not just physical but cultural. Visitors during the birthday weekend will notice the contrast between the Hanseatic brick Gothic of the Old Town and the sleek, UNESCO-recognized modernist buildings of the city center. For a UK visitor, the scale of the celebration offers a festive atmosphere comparable to major UK city festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe or Bristol Harbour Festival, but with a distinct Baltic flavor and a significantly lower cost of living for dining and entertainment.
Source: BNS
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