The capital is hosting the annual Vilnius Days festival from Friday, 5 September. The event, which will take place across various locations around the city, will run for three days with a packed programme of activities. LRT.lt takes a look at what’s worth visiting.
Gediminas Avenue becomes the Avenue of Discoveries
The festival will traditionally open on Gediminas Avenue on Friday. From the Cathedral to Vincas Kudirka Square, an Avenue of Arts (Menų alėja) will stretch along the avenue from early morning, offering a space for leisurely walks enhanced by live music and a variety of artworks. Visitors can explore glass, ceramic, sculpture, painting, and folk art while meeting creators ranging from established professionals to talented young artists.
Along the Avenue of Flavours (Skonių alėja) (from A. Jakšto Street to Vasario 16-osios Street, and from there to J. Tumo-Vaižganto Street), over a hundred food producers from across Lithuania will offer traditional treats and innovative culinary delights.
For tourism enthusiasts, the space near Lukiškės Square provides a chance to discover interesting sites and attractions from Lithuanian towns and cities.
Book Square next to the Cathedral
The Cathedral Square will be known as the Book Square, attracting literature lovers for the sixth consecutive year. Publishers will present new releases, and around 40 authors – including Viktorija Daujotytė, Kristina Petrauskė, Tomas Dirgėla, Selemonas Paltanavičius, Juozas Gaižauskas, Eimantas Gudas, Kotryna Zylė, Marius Burokas, Valdas Papiev, Jūratė Čerškutė, Gerda Jord, Algirdas Kaušpėdas and Lavija Šurnaitė – will take part in author talks and autograph sessions.
Green Capital Meadow on the banks of the Neris: sustainability activities for the whole family
One of the festival’s main attractions will be the Green Capital Meadow, located between Mindaugas and Žirmūnai Bridges. Visitors can learn about sustainable living, take part in creative workshops, and embark on an immersive sound journey.
Artist Jolita Vaitkutė will create portraits of Vilnius residents on leaves. Participants can bring their own leaf or use provided ones, and their portraits will be transferred onto it. All pieces will merge into a collective artwork reflecting the ever-changing face of Vilnius.
From 15:00 on Friday, artist Milda Paukštė will lead workshops making flowers from denim and fabric scraps without needles or thread, creating keychains, bracelets, and small decorations. An interactive VR journey through Čiurlionis’ world will offer a break from the workshops, while a special 'DĖK`ui' clothes rack will allow visitors to take clothes.
On Saturday, LRT journalist and TV presenter Audra Avižiūtė will speak with sustainability enthusiasts from 12:00.
At 17:00, a special musical programme 'Water Blue' by Migloko will take visitors on a meditative sound journey.
On Sunday from 12:00, Avižiūtė will interview singer Ieva Zasimauskė, EU Climate Pact ambassador Augustė Barbora Budrienė, and climatologist Silvestras Dikčius about sustainable living.
Near the White Bridge meadow, there will be a range of activities for children and families, including obstacle courses, trampolines, creative workshops, and performances by entertainers. Lukiškės Square and the White Bridge sports ground will host the Vilnius Sports Festival.
Multiple stages and concerts
Friday’s stage at White Bridge will feature Imbieras, Arbata, Kabloonak, Lukas Pilkauskas, Sakai, Girių Dvasios. Saturday will showcase Vaiva Dunaitytė, Artiom Zalizko & Nikita Kiriuchinas, Joseph June, Jausmė, Liucė, Adas, RŪTA MUR, and El Chico Fuendre. Sunday will feature DJs Mamania, Kamuza, Micro One, Vilniaus Energija, and Pijus Opera.
At Kudirka Square stage, Friday’s lineup includes the Lithuanian Police Wind Orchestra, Rakija Klezmer Band, Aistė, Monika Pundziūtė, and 8 Kambarys. Saturday features Vilnius Talent League, Chai Collective, disco.kognityvas, shishi, Gamka, and Black Biceps and Antikvariniai Kašpirovskio Dantys at 19:00 and 20:00. Sunday will showcase folk dance groups performing 'Dance for Vilnius', and choirs including The Garfunkels, SUBTÌLUS, Petunija, and Rokas Kašėta.
On the main stage at Cathedral Square, Friday’s opening performance is by ba. and Evgenya Redko. Saturday at 20:00 will feature Latvian group Tautumeitas, who placed 13th in this year’s Eurovision. At 21:00, Viktor Prapras and his band Hiperbolė will perform classic Lithuanian rock hits.
The festival will conclude at 23:00 with a laser show 'Nature and Technology: Synthesis' at White Bridge, with displays every half hour.
The full Vilnius Days programme can be found here.
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