Kaunas at 618: A Guide to Lithuania’s Massive Three-Day Birthday Bash
Lithuania’s second-largest city is preparing for its most significant annual celebration as Kaunas marks its 618th anniversary. From May 22nd to 24th, the city will transform into a sprawling festival ground, blending its medieval heritage with contemporary music, street food, and large-scale light installations. For UK travelers looking for a late-spring getaway, the event offers a unique window into the Baltic state’s cultural heart, accessible via direct flights to Kaunas Airport from several British hubs.
The festivities are concentrated around the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Santakos Park (the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers), the historic Town Hall Square, and the grounds of the 14th-century Kaunas Castle. Most events are open to the public and free of charge, reflecting the city’s ethos of a shared community celebration.
Friday, May 22: Art, Food, and Open-Air Discos
The celebration kicks off with a focus on community and modern lifestyle. The day begins with an extensive art fair and children’s entertainment zones in Santakos Park. Foodies should head to the ‘Open Kitchen’ area, a popular street food market concept that brings together local vendors and international flavors.
As evening approaches, the Old Town will host the ‘Kaunas Birthday Dinner,’ a massive communal table event designed to foster neighborly bonds. Music fans can catch ‘BandFest Kaunas,’ while those looking for a high-energy start to the weekend can join the open-air disco at Town Hall Square. The night concludes with a dramatic light installation illuminating the Santaka Bridge, setting the tone for the weekend’s visual spectacles.
Saturday, May 23: Medieval History and the ‘Stichijų Santaka’ Show
Saturday offers the most diverse range of activities, bridging the gap between the city’s ancient past and its modern identity. Near Kaunas Castle, a ‘Tourism Street’ and a dedicated Medieval Town will be established, featuring historical reenactments and traditional crafts. For automotive enthusiasts, a classic car exhibition will be on display nearby.
Sports fans are catered for with ‘LKL Street’ and RIMI basketball activities, reflecting Lithuania’s national obsession with the sport. Meanwhile, the Nemuno Island (Nemuno sala) will host the ‘Audra’ (Storm) festival, a contemporary youth culture event.
The Saturday highlight is undoubtedly the ‘Stichijų Santaka’ (Confluence of Elements) show. This final evening performance at Santakos Park combines fire, water, and music in a choreographed spectacle. The night ends with an acrobatic and laser show back at the Town Hall Square, accompanied by further DJ sets.
Sunday, May 24: Wellness and Family Culture
The final day of the 618th birthday celebration shifts toward a slower, more family-oriented pace. The morning begins with wellness activities, including free calisthenics training and functional sports competitions in the Dainų slėnis (Valley of Songs).
Children are the primary focus of the Sunday program, with a massive trampoline park, open-air workshops, and a performance of the popular Lithuanian musical ‘Kakė Makė and the Time Machine.’ The three-day event will draw to a close with a final concert in Santakos Park and the ‘TARP’ light installation, providing a reflective end to the festivities.
Travel and Practical Information
For those planning a visit, Kaunas is famously walkable, particularly the pedestrianized Laisvės alėja (Liberty Avenue) which connects the modern city center to the Old Town.
- Dates: May 22–24
- Primary Locations: Santakos Park, Town Hall Square, Kaunas Castle, Nemuno Island.
- Admission: Most outdoor concerts and fairs are free.
- Full Program: Available at the official city portal, kaunas.lt.
Kaunas, which served as a European Capital of Culture in 2022, has retained its momentum as a hub for ‘Interwar Modernist’ architecture and a thriving culinary scene. This birthday weekend serves as an ideal entry point for international visitors to experience the city’s unique blend of historical gravity and youthful energy.
Source: Kauno miesto savivaldybė
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