Vilnius International Jazz Festival – Lithuania 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 1987, the Vilnius International Jazz Festival is Lithuania’s oldest annual jazz festival, initially launched to promote local jazz talent during the Soviet era’s cultural restrictions. It has since grown into a globally recognized event for contemporary jazz and improvisational music.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in October, the festival is renowned for its radical avant-garde focus, pushing the boundaries of jazz with experimental, free improvisation, and cross-genre performances. It attracts around 5,000 attendees yearly, fostering a vibrant jazz culture in Vilnius.
• Growth Over Time: From a small local event, it has expanded to feature international artists from over 20 countries, joining the Europe Jazz Network in 2005. It now includes concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and competitions like Vilnius Jazz Young Power.
• Cultural Impact: The festival has shaped a distinctive Vilnius jazz school, nurturing generations of musicians who perform across Europe. It promotes innovation by blending jazz with academic, ethnic, rock, and industrial music, contributing to Lithuania’s cultural identity and boosting tourism.
• Modern Developments: Recent editions emphasize young talent through competitions and workshops, with 2025 showcasing artists from seven countries. The festival supports sustainability with digital ticketing and promotes inclusivity via free events and accessible venues.
• Recognition: Noted by Jazzwise as a “showcase unafraid to keep pushing into the future,” it has hosted luminaries like The Zawinul Syndicate, Steve Lacy, and Marc Ducret, cementing its avant-garde reputation.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Main Program: Over 15 concerts featuring international and Lithuanian artists, focusing on contemporary jazz and free improvisation. Expected 2026 highlights include performances at Vilnius Old Theatre (J. Basanavičiaus str. 13) with acts like France’s Valentin Ceccaldi Bonbon Flamme, USA’s William Parker Heart Trio, and Lithuania’s Improdimesija Orchestra, based on 2025 trends.
  • Vilnius Jazz Young Power: The 21st edition of this competition for young jazz artists (ages 16–35), showcasing emerging talent on October 18, with winners performing in the main program.
  • Night Stage: Late-night jam sessions at venues like MELLO Live Music Venue (Geležinkelio str. 6), featuring local groups like Norkūnas/Stepanavičius and international collaborations.
  • Workshops and Talks: Educational sessions at MO Museum (Pylimo str. 17) on jazz history, improvisation techniques, and artist-led masterclasses.
  • Film Screenings: Jazz documentaries at Skalvija Cinema Center (A. Goštauto str. 2), such as tributes to icons like Art Blakey or Ornette Coleman.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Award for Contribution to Lithuanian Jazz: Annual award at Vilnius Old Theatre, honoring figures like Arnas Mikalkėnas (2024 recipient) for advancing local jazz.
  • Cross-Cultural Projects: Unique performances like the 2025 Louis Andriessen musical portrait by LENsemble, blending contemporary jazz with classical music.
  • Street and Free Events: Informal performances in Vilnius Old Town, encouraging public participation and discovery of new talent.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Historic Venues: Performances at the 17th-century Vilnius Old Theatre, blending historical ambiance with cutting-edge music.
  • International Diversity: Artists from four continents, offering a global jazz perspective with English/Spanish subtitles for select shows.
  • Jam Sessions: Open-to-all late-night sessions, fostering spontaneous creativity among musicians and audiences.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 14 – October 18, 2026 (projected based on 2025 dates: October 15–19)
• Duration: 5 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Main concerts: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at Vilnius Old Theatre (October 14–18).
  • Night Stage: 11:00 PM–2:00 AM at MELLO Live Music Venue (October 16–18).
  • Workshops/Films: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at MO Museum/Skalvija Cinema (October 15–17).
  • Young Power Competition: October 18, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• City: Vilnius, Lithuania
• Main Venues:
  • Vilnius Old Theatre: J. Basanavičiaus str. 13, Vilnius, hosting main concerts and award ceremonies.
  • Skalvija Cinema Center: A. Goštauto str. 2, for jazz film screenings.
  • MO Museum: Pylimo str. 17, for workshops and talks.
  • MELLO Live Music Venue: Geležinkelio str. 6, for late-night jam sessions.
• Notable Areas:
  • Old Town: Street performances and pop-up events around J. Basanavičiaus and nearby streets.
  • Plaza near Vilnius Old Theatre: Pre-concert gatherings and ticket pick-up.
• Google Maps Address: J. Basanavičiaus str. 13, Vilnius, Lithuania (Vilnius Old Theatre).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online: vilniusjazz.lt or bilietai.lt, starting June 2026.
  • Box Office: Vilnius Old Theatre (J. Basanavičiaus str. 13), open during festival week (October 14–18, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM).
  • Festival Pass: Available for all Vilnius Old Theatre concerts; Student Pass with ID.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for main concerts and select workshops; free for street performances and some Night Stage events.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Single Concert: $11.90–$27.00 (€11–€25).
  • Festival Pass: $162.00 (€150, all concerts at Vilnius Old Theatre).
  • Student Pass: $108.00 (€100, with valid ID).
  • Workshops/Films: $5.40–$10.80 (€5–€10).
  • Free Events: Street performances and select Night Stage sessions ($0).
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free events).
  • Maximum: $162.00 (Festival Pass).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating at Vilnius Old Theatre; contact office@vilniusjazz.lt.
  • Festival Pass offers priority entry to all main concerts.
  • No formal VIP options, but front-row seats available for early purchases.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: office@vilniusjazz.lt
  • Press: press@vilniusjazz.lt
  • Accessibility: office@vilniusjazz.lt
• Phone: Not listed; email preferred for inquiries.
• Website: vilniusjazz.lt
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: @vilniusjazzfestival
  • Instagram: @vilniusjazz
• Key Staff:
  • Artistic Director: Antanas Gustys
  • Organizer: Vilnius Jazz Festival
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email press@vilniusjazz.lt by October 1, 2026, for accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Contact office@vilniusjazz.lt (applications open summer 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, Lithuanian support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Emphasis on avant-garde jazz and free improvisation, reflecting Vilnius’s experimental music scene.
  • Vilnius Jazz Young Power competition fosters emerging talent, a nod to Lithuania’s vibrant youth culture.
  • Annual award ceremony celebrates contributions to Lithuanian jazz, honoring local pioneers.
• Music:
  • Contemporary jazz, free improvisation, and cross-genre performances (e.g., jazz with classical or electronic elements).
  • Guggenmusik-inspired brass and percussion at Night Stage, encouraging audience participation.
• Costumes:
  • Performers often wear eclectic, modern attire reflecting avant-garde themes; no formal costumes, but some acts incorporate theatrical elements.
  • Audience encouraged to dress casually or creatively for Night Stage jam sessions.
• Local Customs:
  • Engage in post-concert discussions at venues, a tradition of intellectual exchange in Vilnius’s jazz community.
  • Respectful listening during main concerts; lively interaction at Night Stage.
  • Socializing over local beers or gira (non-alcoholic kvass) in Old Town bars post-shows.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Cepelinai: Potato dumplings with meat or cheese, available at nearby Old Town eateries.
  • Šaltibarščiai: Cold beet soup, a refreshing summer dish at festival-adjacent restaurants.
  • Kepta Duona: Fried bread with garlic, a popular bar snack during Night Stage.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Švyturys Beer: Local Lithuanian lager, served at MELLO and nearby bars.
  • Gira: Traditional non-alcoholic kvass, widely available.
  • Midus: Lithuanian mead, a historic drink at select venues.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Vilnius International Airport (VNO): 6 km from Old Town, 15 minutes by taxi ($10–$15) or bus ($1.10, Route 88).
  • Kaunas Airport (KUN): 100 km, 1.5 hours by bus ($10–$15, FlixBus) or taxi ($80–$100).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Routes 1, 2, or 88 from Vilnius Airport to Old Town ($1.10, 15–20 minutes).
  • Train: From Vilnius Station to Old Town (5-minute walk, $1–$2).
  • Trolleybus: Routes 2 or 7 to J. Basanavičiaus str. ($0.80–$1.10).
• Parking:
  • Limited near Vilnius Old Theatre; use public lots at Gedimino Ave ($5–$10/day) or walk from Old Town parking.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair-accessible venues with ramps at Vilnius Old Theatre; contact office@vilniusjazz.lt for arrangements.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Hotel Pacai: Historic, central Old Town, $150–$300/night.
  • Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius: Luxury near Cathedral Square, $200–$400/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Artagonist Art Hotel: Stylish, near Old Town, $80–$150/night.
  • Comfort Hotel LT: Modern, walkable, $60–$120/night.
• Budget Options:
  • Jimmy Jumps House: Hostel in Old Town, $20–$50/night.
  • Downtown Forest Hostel: Budget, near festival venues, $15–$40/night.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • Old Town apartments ($40–$100/night); book 3–6 months ahead for October.
• Booking Tips:
  • Stay in Old Town for walkable access; use vilnius-tourism.lt for deals.

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