Lithuania’s second city, Kaunas, is preparing to mark its 618th anniversary with an expansive three-day festival that transforms the city’s historic landmarks into a vibrant stage for music, gastronomy, and culture. Running from May 22 to May 24, the celebration is designed to showcase the city’s evolution from a medieval stronghold to a modern European hub. For international visitors and the local community alike, the event offers a unique window into the Baltic spirit, blending ancient traditions with contemporary light and sound installations.
The festival is strategically spread across the city’s most iconic locations, including the Santakos Park (the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers), the historic Town Hall Square, the grounds of Kaunas Castle, and the modern Nemunas Island. Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis has described the event as a collective celebration of the city’s growth, inviting residents and guests to experience a programme designed to inspire pride and community connection.
A Three-Day Itinerary of Events
To help visitors navigate the extensive offerings, the festival is organized into thematic days, each catering to different interests from high-energy nightlife to family-oriented workshops.
Friday, May 22: Gastronomy and Nightlife
* Art and Food: The festivities begin with a large-scale art fair and the “Open Kitchen” food space in Santakos Park, offering a taste of local and international street food.
* Musical Highlights: The “BandFest Kaunas 2026” festival kicks off, bringing a variety of live performances to the city streets.
* Evening Atmosphere: A communal “Birthday Dinner” will be held in the Old Town, followed by an open-air disco in Town Hall Square and a major light installation illuminating the Santaka Bridge.
Saturday, May 23: History and the Confluence of Elements
* Family and Sports: The day features interactive water walls, kite-flying workshops, and the “LKL Street” basketball zone, celebrating Lithuania’s national sport.
* Heritage: A dedicated “Tourism Street” and a reconstructed Medieval Village will be established near Kaunas Castle, complemented by a classic car exhibition.
* The Main Event: As evening falls, the “Audra” (Storm) festival begins on Nemunas Island. The night concludes with “Stichijų Santaka” (Confluence of Elements), a massive sensory show combining fire, water, and music, followed by acrobatic performances and laser shows.
Sunday, May 24: Wellness and Culture
* Active Morning: The final day focuses on health, with free calisthenics sessions and functional sports competitions in the Song Valley (Dainų slėnis).
* Youth Entertainment: A massive trampoline park and outdoor children’s activities will be available, alongside the popular musical “Kakė Makė and the Time Machine.”
* Closing Ceremony: The celebration wraps up with a final concert in Santakos Park and the debut of the “TARP” light installation.
The Significance of the 618th Anniversary
Kaunas is a city defined by its resilience and architectural heritage. Having served as the temporary capital of Lithuania during the interwar period and more recently as the European Capital of Culture in 2022, the city uses its birthday to reinforce its identity. The 618th anniversary specifically references the granting of Magdeburg rights to the city in 1408, a pivotal moment that established Kaunas as a self-governing trade hub within the Hanseatic League.
For those traveling from the UK, Kaunas is highly accessible via direct flights from major hubs like London Luton, London Stansted, and Bristol. The city’s compact nature makes it easy to navigate the festival on foot, allowing visitors to move between the medieval castle ruins and the modernist architecture that has earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Planning Your Visit
Most events during the three-day celebration are free of charge and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, as several streets in the Old Town and near Santakos Park will be pedestrianized to accommodate the crowds. For the most up-to-date schedule and specific performance times, the official city portal at kaunas.lt provides a comprehensive digital guide. Whether you are drawn by the promise of world-class light shows or the simple pleasure of a riverside food market, the 618th birthday offers a compelling reason to explore Lithuania’s cultural heart.
Source: BNS
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