Top Events in Lithuania in Autumn 2026
Autumn in Lithuania is about much more than golden parks and cosy cafés. From September to November, cities across the country fill with festivals, concerts, fairs and exhibitions. Vilnius opens the season with a major city celebration, Kaunas invites visitors to discover contemporary art and culture, while Scanorama brings film lovers together across Lithuania. What are the Top events in Lithuania in autumn 2026? Here is our guide. Save the dates and plan your trip in advance.
September: Festivals, Fairs and City Celebrations
Without a doubt, many of the biggest events of autumn 2026 in Lithuania take place in September. After the summer holidays, the cities return to life with a packed calendar of events.
Audra Contemporary City Culture Festival in Kaunas
Autumn in Kaunas begins with the Audra Festival. It brings together contemporary music, art, performances and urban culture. Events take place in clubs, galleries and unusual spaces around the city. The programme is especially suitable for fans of electronic music and the contemporary creative scene. Audra is also a great reason to discover modern Kaunas: you can combine the festival with a walk through the city’s modernist districts and Old Town.
When? 3–6 September 2026.
Where? Various venues in Kaunas.
Vilnius Relax tip! The Audra Festival can be perfectly combined with a trip along the castles of Lithuania. One of our recommended castle routes passes through Kaunas.
Vilnius Capital Days
Vilnius Capital Days is one of the largest city celebrations of the year. Central Vilnius turns into a space for concerts, street performances and gastronomic discoveries. Fair pavilions and themed zones appear along Gediminas Avenue, while city squares host free performances by Lithuanian and international artists. The city centre becomes especially busy during these days, so it is best to book hotels and restaurants in advance.
When? 4–6 September 2026.
Where? Vilnius city centre and Old Town.
Price: Most events are free.
Vilnius Relax tip! You can find our complete guide to autumn events in Vilnius on the Vilnius Relax website.
Kaunas Book Fair
The Kaunas Book Fair returns after a successful debut. It will bring together publishers, writers, readers and cultural organisations. The programme is expected to include book presentations, meetings with authors and literary discussions.
When? 18–20 September 2026.
Where? Kaunas.
Vilnius Relax tip! If you need a private transfer from Vilnius to Kaunas, Vilnius Relax can organise transport for individual travellers, families, small groups and larger parties.
EuroLeague Basketball Games 2026/2027
At Žalgirio Arena, the largest indoor arena in Lithuania, Kaunas Žalgiris will play several major home games in the European competition. The autumn home season opens with a high-profile match against Greece’s Olympiacos on 29 September. Other major fixtures include Anadolu Efes on 16 October and a double home week against Bayern Munich on 17 November and Panathinaikos on 19 November.
Vilnius Marathon
On 13 September, Lithuania’s biggest running event — the Swedbank Vilnius Marathon — takes over the city centre. The programme includes a full marathon, a half marathon, 10 km and 5 km races, as well as children’s runs. Even if you are not planning to participate, the event is worth seeing. The historic centre fills with runners, supporters and music.
When? 13 September 2026.
Where? Vilnius city centre.
Keep in mind that some streets will be closed to traffic that day, so it is best to plan to move around the centre on foot.
Vilnius Relax tip! Vilnius will be especially busy on marathon day. If you would still like to spend an active day, we recommend kayaking or heading outside the city for dog trekking.
A$AP Rocky Concert in Kaunas
One of the biggest music events of September will be the A$AP Rocky concert. The American artist will perform at Žalgirio Arena. Tickets and accommodation are best booked well in advance, as the concert is expected to attract visitors from Lithuania and neighbouring countries.
When? 25 September 2026.
Where? Žalgirio Arena, Kaunas.
October: Contemporary Art, Theatre, Dance and Jazz
ArtVilnius’26
One of the major cultural events of autumn is the international contemporary art fair ArtVilnius’26. In 2026, it will take place for the seventeenth time. ArtVilnius is considered the largest contemporary art fair in the Baltic States. Galleries, artists, curators and collectors come together under one roof. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, installations and performances, while special programmes focus on major art projects and emerging artists.
The 2026 focus will be on Vilnius, Vienna and Warsaw. If you appreciate contemporary art, we also recommend a special Vilnius art tour organised by the Vilnius Relax team.
When? 1–4 October 2026
Where? LITEXPO, Laisvės pr. 5, Vilnius
ArtVilnius is worth visiting even if you rarely attend art fairs. It is a convenient way to see a broad selection of contemporary art from the region in one place.
AURA 36 International Dance Festival
AURA 36 is one of the oldest and most prestigious contemporary dance festivals in the Baltic region. At the National Kaunas Drama Theatre and other venues, leading choreographers from Germany — including the renowned cie. toula limnaios — Portugal, Poland and Lithuania will present their latest works.
When? 24 September – 22 October 2026.
Where? Kaunas.
Vilnius Jazz
From 14 to 18 October, Vilnius hosts the international Vilnius Jazz festival, one of Lithuania’s best-known jazz events. Its programme goes far beyond traditional jazz, featuring improvisational, experimental and contemporary music performed by Lithuanian and international artists.
When? 14–18 October 2026.
Where? Various venues in Vilnius.
Vilnius Relax tip! Vilnius Jazz is an excellent addition to a relaxed autumn city break. Spend the daytime exploring the city and head to a concert in the evening.
November: Cinema, Music and the Beginning of the Christmas Season
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
The first days of November have special significance for people in Lithuania. On 1 and 2 November, families visit cemeteries and light candles, transforming them into seas of light after dark. This is not an entertainment event but an important cultural and family tradition. Visitors should treat it respectfully, and keep in mind that some shops and institutions may operate on reduced hours.
When? 1–2 November 2026
Where? Across Lithuania
Vilnius Relax tip! You can also visit historic cemeteries for atmospheric photography or as part of a themed guided tour. In Vilnius, for example, the historic Rasos Cemetery is well worth visiting.
European Film Forum Scanorama
The main film event of the autumn is Scanorama. In 2026, the festival takes place from 5 to 22 November. The programme includes European cinema, new works by emerging and established directors, and special film programmes. Scanorama takes place in several Lithuanian cities, with Vilnius remaining one of its key locations. It is an especially good option for a rainy November day. Combine a screening with dinner or an evening walk through Vilnius Old Town.
When? 5–22 November 2026.
Where? Cinemas in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities.
Iš arti Contemporary Music Festival
In November, Kaunas traditionally hosts the Iš arti festival. It focuses on contemporary classical music and new musical forms. Concerts take place both in traditional halls and in unusual spaces.
When? 10–21 November 2026.
Where? Kaunas.
Cirkuliacija International Contemporary Circus Festival
The Cirkuliacija Festival was born in Kaunas but has gradually expanded across Lithuania. In 2026, it celebrates its tenth anniversary. Audiences can expect contemporary circus productions combining acrobatics, theatre and visual art.
When? 5–22 November 2026.
Where? Kaunas and other cities in Lithuania.
Lithuanian Gastronomy Week
From 9 to 15 November, Lithuanian Gastronomy Week takes place in Vilnius. Restaurants prepare special menus and tasting offers, with dozens of local chefs participating. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover contemporary Lithuanian cuisine, where traditional ingredients are often reinterpreted in completely new ways.
When? 9–15 November 2026.
Where? Restaurants in Vilnius.
Vilnius Relax tip! Popular restaurants are best booked in advance during Gastronomy Week. You can also add private tastings or cooking classes to your programme.
The Beginning of the Christmas Season
At the end of November, Lithuanian cities begin preparing for Christmas. Christmas trees appear in the main squares, markets open and festive lights are switched on. In Vilnius, Cathedral Square traditionally becomes the main focal point, while in Kaunas the festive programme centres around the Old Town and central squares. The main opening ceremonies usually take place during the final weekend of November.
The exact opening date of the 2026 Christmas season has not yet been announced, so it is worth checking the latest city programme closer to your trip.
What else can you add to an autumn trip to Lithuania?
The Top Events in Lithuania in Autumn 2026 can always be complemented with activities to suit any travel style. September and the first half of October are perfect for walking. You can take a guided tour of Vilnius or explore Užupis. Trakai, Kernavė and other Lithuanian castles are particularly beautiful in autumn, when golden forests and lakes create a completely different atmosphere from summer. We also highly recommend dog trekking in Neris Regional Park.
In good weather, you can add a hot-air balloon flight, quad biking or buggy driving. On rainy days, explore the underground spaces of Vilnius, book a tasting or join a cooking class.
For a slower trip, spend a few days in a forest cabin. Another option is to combine Vilnius with a countryside retreat or an equestrian holiday.
Plan your autumn in Lithuania with Vilnius Relax
The Top Events in Lithuania in Autumn 2026 can always be complemented with experiences organised by Vilnius Relax. We can turn a visit to a festival or another event into a complete trip. Our team can arrange guided tours, transfers, activities and day trips outside the city. We can also create a tailor-made programme for a couple, family or corporate group. If the weather turns bad, we will suggest suitable indoor alternatives.