Published 15 May 2025
Location: Kaunas
Dates: April 25–27, 2025
Description: Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, this is one of the most important jazz events in the Baltic region. The festival attracts top-tier jazz musicians from across the globe, alongside Lithuania’s own finest talent. Performances take place in both intimate indoor venues and vibrant open-air spaces throughout Kaunas and Vilnius. It’s a great cultural highlight for both jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners, offering a rich blend of contemporary, fusion, and classic jazz performances.
Tickets: Many outdoor performances are free; ticketed concerts range from €20–€40.
Location: Kaunas
Dates: April 27, 2025
Description: This scenic marathon takes runners through Kaunas’ charming Old Town and along the serene banks of the Nemunas River. Participants can choose from a variety of distances including 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon, making it a welcoming event for all fitness levels. The route features beautiful architecture, river views, and a festive atmosphere with local music and cheering fans lining the streets.
🎫 Entry Fee: Approximately €50 for marathon; shorter distances are lower. Spectating is free.
Location: Panevėžys
Dates: May 13–18, 2025
Description: This new festival is turning the northern Lithuanian city of Panevėžys into a stage for global drama and experimental theater. It hosts international theatre troupes, puppeteers, and innovative performance artists, blending classical works with avant-garde creativity. Expect thought-provoking productions, interactive sessions, workshops, and even street performances, making it accessible for families, artists, and theater lovers alike.
Tickets: €10–€15 per performance; some outdoor or community events may be free.
Location: Trakai Island Castle
Dates: May 30 – June 1, 2025
Description: Step into a living history experience at one of Lithuania’s most iconic castles. The grounds of Trakai Castle are transformed into a bustling medieval village, complete with armored knights, jousting tournaments, artisan markets, folk musicians, and traditional Baltic food. Activities for children include archery lessons, interactive workshops, and knight school. It’s a highly visual and educational event, perfect for families, history buffs, and photographers.
Tickets: €10 adults, €5 children; some experiences inside castle walls may require extra tickets.
Location: Nationwide (notably Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda)
Dates: May 17, 2025
Description: A unique Lithuanian tradition where professional and amateur musicians take to the streets, turning entire cities into live music arenas. Musicians perform in every imaginable style— rock, jazz, folk, classical, hip-hop, and more—on street corners, in courtyards, and on sidewalks. It’s a spontaneous, joyous celebration of music, free expression, and creativity. Passersby are welcome to join in or just enjoy the sounds.
Tickets: Completely free; open to everyone.
Location: Kaunas (Santaka Park and city center)
Dates: May 23–25, 2025
Description: Kaunas celebrates its birthday with a weekend-long citywide celebration featuring parades, concerts, pop-up art exhibits, traditional Lithuanian cuisine, and fireworks. Highlights include performances by top local and international musicians, family zones with activities for kids, and heritage tours of historic sites. This annual event brings together locals and visitors for an inclusive celebration of community, culture, and modern Lithuanian identity.
Tickets: Free admission to all main events; food and merchandise available for purchase.
Location: Countrywide – especially celebrated in Kernavė and Vilnius
Dates: June 23–24, 2025
Description: Midsummer’s Eve, known as Joninės or Rasos, is one of the oldest and most mystical holidays in Lithuania. People gather around bonfires in nature reserves, castles, and riverbanks to sing, dance, tell fortunes, and stay awake until dawn. Traditional rituals include wreath-floating on rivers, fire-jumping, and searching for the mythical “fern blossom.” The celebration in Kernavė includes authentic pagan rites, while Vilnius hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the night.
Tickets: Free public holiday; most events are free to attend.
Location: Klaipėda Old Town & Castle grounds
Dates: June 27–29, 2025
Description: This seaside jazz festival blends smooth saxophones with salty sea air. International and local artists perform in the historic surroundings of Klaipėda Castle and along the Danė River promenade. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with night-time headline performances and daytime street jam sessions. It’s a must for jazz lovers and a great cultural experience by the coast.
Tickets: Free for most events; prime seating may be ticketed.
Location: Varniai, Lake Lūkstas
Dates: July 4–6, 2025
Description: A legendary Lithuanian blues festival by the lake, now in its 31st year. Known for its intimate, Woodstock-inspired vibe, this event features blues, rock, funk, and soul acts from around the world. Attendees can camp right on the lake shore, enjoy sunrise swims, and participate in creative workshops. Expect passionate jam sessions, dancing under the stars, and a deeply communal atmosphere.
Tickets: ~€50 for full weekend pass; includes camping access.
Location: Šiauliai and surrounding towns
Dates: July 1–6, 2025
Description: This colorful folklore festival brings together traditional dance and music groups from across the globe. Featuring daily concerts, parades, folk art exhibits, and competitions, the event celebrates cultural diversity through performance. Expect costumed ensembles, traditional instruments, and high-energy choreography, alongside workshops in song, weaving, and national cuisine.
Tickets: Most events are free; gala performances ~€10.
Location: Klaipėda Port and City Center
Dates: July 25–27, 2025
Description: Lithuania’s largest summer festival transforms the Klaipėda seafront into a massive open-air carnival. Events include a parade of tall ships, sailor marches, maritime exhibits, folk concerts, family-friendly games, food trucks, and spectacular fireworks. The festival coincides with the international Baltic Sail gathering, where historic ships are open for tours and sailing trips.
Tickets: Free public festival; ship tours may charge a small fee.
Location: Zarasai Lake Island
Dates: July 28–29, 2025 (TBC)
Description: A high-energy music and lifestyle event that takes place on a lush island surrounded by water and forest. Genres range from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop. In addition to music, festivalgoers can enjoy wakeboarding, kayaking, art installations, and camping under the stars. It’s one of Lithuania’s most youthful and dynamic festivals.
Tickets: Around €50 for two-day pass; camping included.
Location: Vilnius
Dates: July 1 – September 9, 2025
Description: A prestigious cultural series featuring more than 40 concerts across two months in the capital. The festival showcases everything from baroque and contemporary classical music to tango, world music, and jazz. Performances are held in venues ranging from ancient churches to modern courtyards. A refined and intimate way to enjoy summer in Vilnius.
Tickets: €10–€30 depending on event.
Location: Vilnius
Dates: August 29–31, 2025 (expected)
Description: The biggest cultural and entertainment event in Vilnius each year, marking the unofficial end of summer. Gediminas Avenue becomes a pedestrian promenade filled with artists, live music, street food, design fairs, and family entertainment. A main stage in Cathedral Square hosts top performers each night.
Tickets: Free public event.
Location: Vilnius
Dates: September 14, 2025
Description: A large-scale city marathon attracting international runners. The scenic course winds through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, along the Neris River, and past some of Vilnius’s most iconic landmarks. In addition to the full marathon, there are half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and fun run categories, making it ideal for all levels.
Tickets: ~€60; early registration recommended.
Location: Raudonė, Jurbarko district
📅 Dates: May 31, 2025
Description: Set against the backdrop of the historic Raudonė Castle, this family-friendly festival blends history and modern entertainment. Highlights include the debut of the rock opera Karalių kraujas inspired by the love story of Barbora Radvilaitė and Žygimantas Augustas, performances by renowned Lithuanian artists such as Marijonas Mikutavičius, Rūta Mur, and a special comeback by pop star Atlanta. The event also features a traditional crafts fair and children’s activities, offering a rich cultural experience for all ages.
🎫 Tickets: €11.20–€196; free for children under 6
🔗 https://www.mzirafos.lt/renginiai/vasaros-festivaliai/raudones-pilies-festivalis25/
Location: Vilkpėdės event zone, Savanorių pr. 178B, Vilnius
📅 Dates: November 29–30, 2024
Description: This premier craft beer festival in Vilnius brings together 36 breweries from 15 countries, offering over 150 unique brews.Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with craft beer tastings, gourmet food from 20 different vendors, and live entertainment. It’s a must-visit event for beer enthusiasts looking to explore a diverse range of flavors and styles.
🎫 Tickets: Prices vary; check the official website for details
This curated guide showcases Latvia’s cultural, musical, seasonal, and sporting events taking place from April to September 2025. The lineup includes everything from internationally renowned festivals and midsummer celebrations to classical concerts, medieval fairs, and regattas—offering rich experiences for visitors throughout the country.
Location: Riga, Latvian National Opera
Dates: June 1–20, 2025
Description: Held at the historic Latvian National Opera House, this annual event showcases the Pinest productions of the season. The 2025 program includes Salome, La Traviata, Macbeth, and a grand Gala Concert featuring international opera stars. Set in one of Europe’s most elegant opera houses, the festival is a cornerstone of Latvia’s classical music calendar.
Tickets: From €15 to €80, depending on seat and performance.
Location: Riga
Dates: July 2–5, 2025
Description: Rı̄ga’s premier jazz and world music event brings together acclaimed musicians from around the globe. Hosted across intimate venues and public stages in the Old Town, the festival features concerts, workshops, and jam sessions. It offers both rePined and experimental performances that appeal to dedicated music lovers and casual listeners alike.
Tickets: Main concerts €20–€50; some outdoor events are free.
Location: Nationwide, especially in Riga and rural regions
Dates: June 23–24, 2025
Description: Latvia’s most celebrated national holiday, Jān̦i marks the summer solstice with bonPires, singing, feasting, and wreath making. In Riga, large-scale public events take place on Lucavsala Island, while traditional festivities in the countryside, like those at Turaida, offer a more folkloric experience. It’s a joyful, all-night celebration of nature, light, and community.
Tickets: Public events are free; some rural locations may have entrance fees.
Location: Lucavsala Island, Riga
Dates: August 8–9, 2025
Description: Positivus is the Baltics’ largest pop and alternative music festival, now held in central Riga. The 2025 edition features major international acts alongside local artists across several stages set on the banks of the Daugava River. The festival also includes art installations, design markets, and a relaxed, youthful atmosphere.
Tickets: Starting from €99 for a full festival pass.
🔗 https://www.positivusfestival.com
Location: Cēsis
Dates: Throughout July and August 2025
Description: Cēsis, Latvia’s 2025 Cultural Capital, hosts an expansive program of visual art, chamber music, opera, poetry, and Pilm. Events are held in historic venues, castle ruins, and contemporary galleries. This rePined and accessible festival brings together artists and audiences in a town known for its medieval charm and creative spirit.
Tickets: Many exhibitions are free; concerts and screenings range from €5 to €25.
Location: Liepāja Beach
Dates: July 18–19, 2025
Description: A two-day electronic and pop music festival held on the white sands of Liepāja’s Baltic Sea coastline. It features major DJs, local bands, beach activities, food courts, and vibrant nightlife extending into the early morning hours.
Tickets: Full pass from €69.
Location: Riga
Dates: May 18, 2025
Description: One of the most scenic marathons in Northern Europe, the event offers distances from 5K to a full marathon, welcoming both elite runners and beginners. The route covers the Daugava riverbanks and the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Tickets: Entry fees from €25 depending on distance.
🔗 https://www.rigamarathon.com
Location: Kurzeme Region
Dates: June 14–15, 2025
Description: This adrenaline-pumping motorsport event attracts racers from across the Baltics. Held on gravel roads in scenic Kurzeme, it offers spectators the chance to see high-performance vehicles and dramatic high-speed action up close.
Tickets: Spectator access is usually free or €5–€10 for special stages.
Location: Bauska Castle
Dates: July 12–13, 2025
Description: A celebration of 15th-century history held in the grounds of Bauska Castle. The event features reenactments, archery, blacksmithing, historical cuisine, and folk performances, offering fun for all ages.
Tickets: Adults €6, children €3.
Location: Dzintari Concert Hall, Jūrmala
Dates: July 20–27, 2025
Description: An elegant music festival presenting classical concerts, opera, and chamber music at the iconic Dzintari Hall. Expect top-tier performers in an open-air seaside venue known for its acoustics and charm.
Tickets: €15–€45 depending on performance.
🔗 https://dzintarukoncertzale.lv
This curated guide presents Estonia’s premier cultural, music, arts, and outdoor events from April through September 2025. Spanning the capital of Tallinn to historic towns like Tartu and coastal gems like Pärnu, these events range from grand medieval festivals to avant- garde music and world-class sailing competitions. A perfect guide for visitors seeking vibrant Baltic experiences.
Location: Tallinn
Dates: April 1–7, 2025
Description: Tallinn Music Week is a globally recognized music and city culture festival showcasing a lineup of regional and international artists across diverse genres including indie, pop, electronic, classical, and jazz. Alongside concerts, the event features a creative impact conference, city stage showcases, and public art installations.
Tickets: Festival pass from €45; single tickets available.
Location: Tartu
Dates: June 12–15, 2025
Description: This avant-garde fashion event features collections from emerging designers and students in a series of artistic runway shows. It promotes sustainable and experimental fashion with live performances, installations, and workshops in Estonia’s university city.
Tickets: €10–€25 per event.
Location: Tallinn
Dates: May 18, 2025
Description: Europe’s largest women-only running event gathers thousands for a festive day of \itness in Tallinn. Participants can choose from distances ranging between 7 km and 10 km. The route winds through the scenic Pirita district, and the day concludes with concerts and wellness activities in the festival area.
Tickets: Registration €25–€35; spectators free.
🔗 https://www.jooks.ee/en/events/maijooks
Location: Tartu
Dates: August 5–10, 2025
Description: An open-air \ilm festival dedicated to love and human relationships, hosted in the heart of Tartu. Films are screened nightly on Town Hall Square, with an additional program of workshops, panels, and filmmaker Q&As.
Tickets: Free admission to all screenings.
Location: Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
Dates: July 4–6, 2025
Description: A powerful tradition in Estonia, this edition features thousands of youth performers from choirs and dance troupes across the country. The event is filled with heartfelt performances and national pride, showcasing the endurance of Estonia’s cultural heritage.
Tickets: €10–€25 depending on seating.
Location: Tartu
Dates: July 12–14, 2025
Description: This medieval-themed festival transforms Estonia’s second city into a Hanseatic marketplace filled with crafts, historical reenactments, street performances, and concerts. With events for families, history lovers, and food enthusiasts, it’s a cultural highlight of the summer.
Tickets: Free public event.
Location: Pärnu
Dates: July 15–21, 2025
Description: Known for its focus on human rights and anthropology, the Pärnu Film Festival features international documentaries and short films. Screenings take place in the coastal resort town’s cinemas and open-air locations near the beach.
Tickets: €3–€7 per screening.
Location: Viljandi
Dates: July 24–27, 2025
Description: One of the largest folk music events in Northern Europe, this beloved festival brings together performers from dozens of countries. Concerts are held in castle ruins, open fields, and wooden halls, creating a magical blend of tradition and modernity in music.
Tickets: Festival pass ~€85; day tickets also available.
Location: Tallinn Old Town
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Description: A celebration of Tallinn’s medieval heritage with craft fairs, historical reenactments, parades, and street theater. Children’s areas and knight tournaments make it ideal for families exploring Estonia’s capital in summer.
Tickets: Most events free; craft workshops may charge fees.
Location: Kuressaare Castle, Saaremaa Island
Dates: July 21–27, 2025
Description: Held in the romantic courtyard of Kuressaare Castle, this boutique opera festival features performances by European opera houses and soloists. A re\ined cultural experience set in a truly unforgettable location.
Tickets: €20–€60 depending on performance.
Location: Pärnu Concert Hall
Dates: July 11–18, 2025
Description: Founded by conductor Paavo Järvi, this high-level classical festival brings together a hand-picked orchestra and renowned soloists. Performances feature symphonies, chamber music, and premieres of new Estonian compositions.
Tickets: €15–€40 depending on seat.
🔗 https://parnumusicfestival.ee
Location: Värska
Dates: August 2, 2025
Description: A one-day celebration of the Seto minority culture in southern Estonia. Participants elect a symbolic ‘king’, enjoy Seto leelo singing, crafts, local foods, and traditional costumes. A deeply local and enriching event for culture lovers.
Tickets: €5–€10.
Location: Tallinn
Dates: August 16, 2025
Description: A full-distance Ironman triathlon held in the Estonian capital, drawing athletes from across the world. Participants swim, bike, and run along urban and coastal routes. The city transforms into an international sports arena for the day.
Tickets: Free for spectators; entry fees vary for athletes.
🔗 https://www.ironman.com/im-tallinn
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