Lithuania’s traditional Midsummer festival has many names – Joninės, Rasos, Kupolės – and just as many ways to celebrate it.
Whether you’re looking for an ancient Baltic solstice ritual, a traditional St John’s Day bonfire or a lively concert under the stars, Lithuania offers no shortage of things to do on the shortest night of the year. From lakeside gatherings and folklore festivals to fire shows and live music, here are 22 places to mark Midsummer across the country.
Vilnius: ancient solstice traditions in Verkiai Park
Vilnius will celebrate the summer solstice in Verkiai Regional Park beginning at 7 p.m. on June 23. Visitors can gather herbs, weave flower wreaths, browse a medicinal herb market and stay through sunrise as traditional rituals continue into the early morning hours.
Kaunas: a modern take on St John’s Day
Kaunas is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate “non-traditional” St John’s Day festivities at the Parakas event space starting at 7 p.m. The evening will feature entertainment, activities and a diverse musical lineup.
Klaipėda: bonfires and folk customs at Jono Hill
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on June 23, Klaipėda's Jono Hill will host wreath-making, traditional games, songs and dances around the bonfire. Visitors can also enjoy a holiday market and seasonal treats.
Šiauliai: solstice celebrations mark town’s 790th anniversary
As part of the Šiauliai 790th anniversary program, the town will host one of its most tradition-filled events on June 23. Organisers promise a celebration blending ancient customs, creativity, storytelling and community spirit.
Panevėžys: family fun and a summer concert
Festivities begin at noon in Skaistakalnis Park with a market and family activities. Traditional Midsummer celebrations will follow later in the day, culminating in an evening concert.
Kernavė: experience ancient Baltic rituals
One of Lithuania’s most authentic solstice celebrations returns to Kernavė on June 23. Based on historical, ethnographic and folklore sources, the event recreates ancient Baltic customs across the archaeological hill forts and Pajauta Valley.
Mažeikiai: music, foam parties and family entertainment
Celebration in Mažeikiai starts at 1 p.m. with attractions, crafts, games, wreath-making and a market. The evening concert will feature Queens of Roses, Aistė and Marijonas Mikutavičius.
Rumšiškės: celebrate at Lithuania’s open-air museum
The Lithuanian Ethnographic Museum will welcome visitors at 7 p.m. for an evening of herb gathering, wreath floating, traditional songs and the lighting of the main St. John’s Day bonfire.
Birštonas: a full day of activities
Birštonas promises an all-day celebration on June 23, with family activities during the day and concerts, dancing and traditional customs continuing into the evening.
Gargždai: where fire meets water
The celebration begins at 8 p.m. in the Minija River Valley. Visitors can participate in rituals, enjoy live music and learn wreath-weaving techniques from traditional craft expert Nijolė Ambrazaitienė.
Ignalina: fire show and folk metal
Starting at 5 p.m., Ignalina's Cultural Centre courtyard will host workshops, a market, live performances and a spectacular midnight fire show. Musical guests include Džentelmenai and folk metal band Ūkanose.
Jonava: Lithuania’s capital of Jonai and Janinos
Jonava once again embraces its reputation as the capital of St John’s Day celebrations. The June 23 lineup includes performances by Vos Vos, Auli, Skylė and Donatas Montvydas, followed by fireworks and late-night festivities.
Kretinga: family-friendly festivities at Atostogų Parkas
Celebrations continue on June 24 at Atostogų Parkas, where organisers promise activities for visitors of all ages, from sports enthusiasts to lovers of traditional customs.
Leipalingis: an interactive solstice experience
The grounds of Leipalingis Manor will transform into an “Ethno Laboratory” beginning at 8 p.m. Visitors can make beeswax candles, weave wreaths from nine herbs, explore ancient fortune-telling traditions and sample herbal-inspired flavours.
Marijampolė: music and community spirit
Pašešupio Park will host a traditional St John’s Day celebration featuring local folklore ensembles, amateur arts groups and performances by popular Lithuanian musicians.
Molėtai: lakeside celebrations and live music
Beginning at 8 p.m. at the Molėtai Summer Stage, visitors can enjoy wreath-making, a traditional bonfire and performances by local artists and the violin-electronic duo Filtered Tools.
Neringa: four days of folklore by the Curonian Lagoon
Neringa’s celebrations began June 20 and continue through June 24 as part of the 27th folklore festival Tek saulužė ant maračių. Songs and traditions will fill the Curonian Lagoon shoreline, dunes and bonfire gatherings.
Pakruojis: market, foam show and concert
Starting at 6 p.m. in Pakruojis Park, visitors can enjoy a holiday market, wreath-making workshops and a foam party before an evening concert and DJ performance.
Rokiškis: lakeside games and dancing
Rokiškis will celebrate beside the town lake beginning at 6 p.m., with games for children and adults, live music and a festive disco.
Simnas: folk music by Lake Giluitis
The beach at Lake Giluitis will host a traditional celebration featuring folk dancers, local music groups and performances by several well-known Lithuanian artists.
Šventoji: three days of Midsummer by the sea
From June 23 to 25, the seaside town of Šventoji will celebrate with folklore, music, herbal traditions and bonfires. The festivities culminate June 24 with a major concert featuring the band Jonis.
Utena and Zarasai: solstice celebrations in eastern Lithuania
Utena will welcome visitors to Narkūnai Hill Fort for an evening of traditional songs, rituals and theatrical performances beginning at 7 p.m. In Zarasai, celebration starts at the same time on Zarasas Lake’s Great Island, offering workshops, herbal tea tastings and concerts by 8 Kambarys and Justinas Lapatinskas.
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