Vilnius Pink Soup Fest 2024: Full Lineup and Weekend Schedule for Lithuania’s Most Vibrant Food Festival
Vilnius is set to transform into a sea of pink this May as the annual Vilnius Pink Soup Fest returns to the Lithuanian capital. Running from May 29 to May 31, the festival celebrates the country’s iconic cold beet soup, šaltibarščiai, through a massive three-day programme of music, comedy, and culinary innovation. Organized by the city’s tourism and business development agency, Go Vilnius, the event has expanded from a single evening into a full weekend celebration across the city’s most famous public spaces.
For those planning to attend, the festival offers a mix of free concerts and performances centered around Town Hall Square and the White Bridge. Whether you are a fan of live pop, hip-hop, or stand-up comedy, the 2024 edition promises a diverse cultural experience that matches the vibrant hue of the soup itself.
Friday, May 29: Opening Night at Town Hall Square
The festivities kick off on Friday evening at 19:00 in the historic Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė). The opening night is designed to set a high-energy tone for the weekend with a lineup that blends folk-rock, comedy, and rap.
- Black Biceps: Returning for their second year, this energetic group will perform alongside an eight-piece orchestra. Known for their high-octane live shows, they are expected to bring a “positive energy bomb” to the stage to officially open the festival.
- K2 Comedy – The Pink Soup Court: In one of the weekend’s most anticipated segments, the K2 comedy collective will host a mock trial. Using the format of absurd comedy, they will attempt to settle the long-standing (and lighthearted) debate: who truly owns the heritage of pink soup—Lithuania, Latvia, or Poland?
- Despotin Fam: Closing the first night, this influential hip-hop group will perform with a full live band for the first time at the festival. The group has promised a 45-minute set of rapid-fire lyrics and melodic hooks, describing their presence as the “cucumber in the soup”—an essential ingredient for the perfect experience.
Saturday, May 30: Pop and Soul Take the Stage
On Saturday, the focus remains at Town Hall Square, but the musical mood shifts toward contemporary pop and R&B. Starting at 20:00, two of Lithuania’s most prominent voices will take the stage to usher in the summer season.
- Angelou: Known for her smooth, soulful vocals, Angelou views the festival as a unique intersection of food, urban culture, and music. Her performance is expected to provide a lighter, more melodic atmosphere for the Saturday night crowds.
- Donatas Montvydas: One of Lithuania’s biggest pop stars, Montvydas will be making his debut at the Pink Soup Fest. He has indicated that his performance will be tailored specifically for the event, including stage outfits that match the festival’s signature pink theme. For Montvydas, this concert serves as the official launch of his summer season, promising a polished and visually striking show.
Sunday, May 31: Grand Finale at the White Bridge
The final day of the festival moves the action to the White Bridge (Baltasis tiltas), a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The Sunday programme is designed to be more relaxed and family-friendly, starting in the mid-afternoon.
- Sandra Carrillo: At 15:00, the Spanish-born artist, well-known in Lithuania for her Latin-infused pop sound, will perform a closing concert. Accompanied by members of “Los Secretos De Pablo,” her set will bring Mediterranean rhythms and festive energy to the riverbank, providing a sunny conclusion to the pink-themed weekend.
Beyond the main stages, visitors can expect local restaurants and cafes throughout Vilnius to offer specialized pink soup menus, pink-themed desserts, and even pink-inspired coffee. The festival encourages attendees to dress in pink, turning the UNESCO-listed Old Town into a living art installation. With no admission fees for the main musical performances, the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest remains one of the most accessible and visually distinct cultural events in the Baltic region.
Source: ELTA
