Kaunas at 618: Your Guide to Lithuania’s Biggest Summer City Festival

Lithuania’s second-largest city is preparing to mark its 618th anniversary with a sprawling three-day celebration that transforms the historic streets into a massive open-air stage. From May 22 to 24, Kaunas will host a diverse program of music, food, and light shows, offering a unique opportunity for international visitors to experience the Baltic nation’s cultural heart at its most vibrant.

For UK travelers looking for a late-spring getaway, the Kaunas City Birthday offers a blend of medieval atmosphere and contemporary European festival culture. The event is centered around the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Santaka Park (where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet), the historic Town Hall Square, and the medieval Kaunas Castle. Most events are free to the public, making it an accessible peak into Lithuanian community life.

Essential Festival Information

• Dates: May 22–24
• Primary Locations: Santaka Park, Town Hall Square, Kaunas Castle, Nemunas Island, and the Song Valley (Dainų slėnis).
• Admission: Free for the majority of public concerts and exhibitions.
• Vibe: A mix of family-friendly workshops, high-energy evening concerts, and sophisticated light installations.

Friday: Art Fairs and Open-Air Discos

The festivities kick off on Friday, May 22, with a focus on community and contemporary art. The day begins with an extensive art fair and children’s entertainment zones in Santaka Park. Foodies should head to the “Open Kitchen” area, a street food hub that has become a staple of Lithuanian summer weekends.

As evening approaches, the Old Town will host a communal “Birthday Dinner,” encouraging locals and visitors to dine together in the historic streets. The night concludes with high-energy performances at the “BandFest Kaunas” and an open-air disco in Town Hall Square, all set against the backdrop of a massive light installation illuminating the Santaka Bridge.

Saturday: Medieval History and Elemental Shows

Saturday, May 23, is the festival’s busiest day, bridging the gap between the city’s medieval past and its modern identity. Near Kaunas Castle, visitors can explore a reconstructed Medieval Town and a “Tourism Street,” alongside a classic car exhibition for automotive enthusiasts.

For those seeking a more alternative vibe, the “Audra” (Storm) festival will commence on Nemunas Island, showcasing contemporary music and youth culture. The day’s highlight is the “Stichijų Santaka” (Confluence of Elements) show—a grand production combining fire, water, and music. This is followed by an acrobatic and laser spectacle in the Town Hall Square, designed to showcase the city’s architectural beauty through modern technology.

Sunday: Sports, Family, and the Final Chord

The final day, May 24, takes a more relaxed, wellness-oriented approach. The morning starts with free public calisthenics and functional sports competitions in the Song Valley. Families are catered to with a massive trampoline park and outdoor workshops, including kite-making sessions.

A major draw for local families is the musical performance of “Kakė Makė and the Time Machine,” based on a beloved Lithuanian children’s character. The three-day marathon concludes in Santaka Park with a final concert and the unveiling of a light installation titled “TARP” (Between), symbolizing the city’s role as a bridge between different eras and cultures.

Why Visit Kaunas Now?

While Vilnius often takes the spotlight, Kaunas—the 2022 European Capital of Culture—offers a more concentrated look at Lithuanian history and Art Deco architecture. For UK visitors, the city is highly accessible via direct flights from London, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

Beyond the festival, the city is home to the world’s only Devil’s Museum and the hauntingly beautiful Ninth Fort memorial. The birthday celebrations provide the perfect festive wrapper for a weekend of historical exploration and modern Baltic hospitality. Whether you are drawn by the medieval reenactments or the cutting-edge light shows, the 618th birthday is the definitive time to see Kaunas at its best.

Source: BNS