Kaunas Jazz Festival – Lithuania 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Established in 1991 by Jonas Jučas following Lithuania’s restoration of independence, Kaunas Jazz emerged as a cultural beacon amid post-Soviet transition, celebrating freedom through jazz. It marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, reflecting its enduring legacy.
• Cultural Significance: As Lithuania’s largest jazz festival, it honors M. K. Čiurlionis (150th birth anniversary in 2025) and blends Baltic traditions with global influences. It positions Kaunas as a jazz hub, connecting local virtuosos with international stars across Europe and beyond.
• Growth Over the Years: From a three-day event with local acts, it now spans April–December, featuring 50+ performances across Kaunas, Vilnius, Palanga, Joniškis, and Jurbarkas, drawing 15,000+ attendees annually. The 2025 edition included Hernan Romero & Kęstutis Vaiginis; 2026 will expand with new collaborations.
• Unique Contribution: Combines concerts (50% free), educational events, and community projects like Jazz Street and Kaunas Jazz on the Pavement. It fosters intercultural dialogue via partnerships with Europe Jazz Network members (e.g., Jazzkaar, Nishville).
• Educational Impact: Free masterclasses, children’s workshops, and school programs engage 1,000+ youth annually. The festival trains artists and staff in accessibility and sustainability, enhancing its community role.
• Global Recognition: A key Baltic event, it has hosted legends like Al Di Meola and Gregory Porter, earning acclaim for promoting Lithuanian jazz globally while celebrating M. K. Čiurlionis’ legacy through themed performances.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • 50+ concerts featuring international stars (e.g., Hernan Romero, Jamison Ross) and Lithuanian talents (e.g., Kęstutis Vaiginis, Kaunas Big Band) across genres like bebop, fusion, and world jazz.
  • Key 2026 events: Opening ceremony at National Kaunas Drama Theatre, Jazz Street (Laisvės Alėja), and free outdoor gigs in Vienybės Square.
  • Educational offerings: Masterclasses by global artists, children’s drawing contests, and photography exhibitions tied to M. K. Čiurlionis’ art.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Jazz Street: Free multi-stage event with young artists, held annually in Kaunas’ pedestrian zones.
  • Kaunas Jazz on the Pavement: Children’s art initiative, free and open to all ages, held in public gardens.
  • Minute of Silence: Honors national mourning (e.g., 2025 Pope tribute), starting main concerts.
  • Sustainability: Solar-powered stages, bike transport, and eco-friendly catering.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Citywide immersion: Performances in historic venues (e.g., Raudondvaris Manor) and modern spaces (e.g., Žalgirio Arena).
  • Cultural tie-ins: Exhibitions and talks on M. K. Čiurlionis’ influence on jazz, hosted with local museums.
  • International flair: Collaborations with Europe Jazz Network partners, showcasing Baltic-Mediterranean fusion.

Date & Duration

• Dates: April 24–May 3, 2026 (based on 2025 pattern, April 24–May 4; exact TBD, confirm on kaunasjazz.lt).
• Duration: 10 days, with spring concerts (April 24–May 3) and autumn/winter extensions (e.g., September 18, 2025).
• Schedule Notes: Opening April 24, 7 PM; daily events 6 PM–11 PM. Tickets on sale March 2026 via bilietai.lt; program released February 2026.

Venue / Location

• City: Kaunas, Lithuania, with extensions to Vilnius, Palanga, Joniškis, and Jurbarkas.
• Main Venue: National Kaunas Drama Theatre (Laisvės al. 71, 44291 Kaunas) for opening ceremonies.
• Notable Areas:
  • BLC Verslo centro fojė: Modern venue, 300 capacity, for intimate sets (Kęstučio g. 62).
  • Žalgirio Arena: Large-scale concerts, 15,000 capacity (Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50).
  • Volfas Engelman Galerija: Industrial chic, 500 capacity (Kaunakiemio g. 2).
  • Raudondvaris Manor Arts Incubator: Historic site, 200 capacity (Raudondvaris).
  • Kaunas War Museum Garden: Outdoor stage, 1,000+ capacity (K. Donelaičio g. 64).
  • Vienybės Square: Free open-air performances, 2,000+ capacity.
  • Jurbarkas Exhibition Hall: Cultural space, 150 capacity (former church).
• Google Maps Address: National Kaunas Drama Theatre, Laisvės al. 71, 44291 Kaunas, Lithuania (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Y6bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access at major venues (e.g., Žalgirio Arena); contact office@kaunasjazz.lt for PMR arrangements.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via www.bilietai.lt and kaunasjazz.lt; on-site at venue box offices during events.
  • Free entry for Jazz Street, Kaunas Jazz on the Pavement, and select outdoor gigs.
  • Group discounts for schools via office@kaunasjazz.lt; solidarity tickets TBD.
• Admission Type: Paid for main concerts; free for educational and street events. All ages welcome.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $16 USD (standard, ~€15, adjusted for 2026).
  • Maximum Pricing: $45 USD (VIP/premium, ~€40, adjusted for headliners like Gregory Porter).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP packages for front-row seats and meet-and-greets (e.g., €30–€40).
  • Accessible seating for PMR; contact office@kaunasjazz.lt for arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • office@kaunasjazz.lt (general, ticketing, accessibility).
  • festival@kaunasjazz.lt (programming, partnerships).
• Phone: +370 37 750145 (Mon-Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Lithuanian/English support).
• Physical Address: Viešoji Įstaiga JJJAZZ, Kaunas Jazz Club, Kęstučio st. 62, LT-44304 Kaunas, Lithuania.
• Website: https://www.kaunasjazz.lt/en (English version for program, tickets).
• Social Media: @kaunasjazz (Facebook, Instagram) for updates, live streams.
• Key Staff:
  • Jonas Jučas: Founder, oversees festival direction.
  • Programming Team: Curates international and local acts.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Accreditation via festival@kaunasjazz.lt; apply by March 2026.
  • Volunteers: Roles (ushers, setup) via office@kaunasjazz.lt; apply by February 2026.
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; multilingual support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Jazz Street: Annual free event in Laisvės Alėja, showcasing young talent since 1991.
  • M. K. Čiurlionis Tribute: Themed performances and exhibitions, honoring Lithuania’s cultural icon.
  • Community focus: Neighborhood concerts and children’s events reflect Kaunas’ inclusivity.
• Music and Arts:
  • Diverse styles: Bebop, fusion, world jazz; 2026 expects acts from Argentina, USA, and Baltic states.
  • Visual arts: Photography and drawing contests tied to jazz themes.
• Costumes:
  • Performers in elegant jazz attire (suits, dresses); audiences casual with festival scarves or hats.
  • Merch includes posters and CDs, celebrating Lithuanian jazz heritage.
• Local Customs:
  • Kaunas hospitality: Warm welcomes with local šakotis (tree cake) and beer at venues.
  • Historical resonance: Venues like Raudondvaris Manor tie jazz to Lithuania’s past.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Lithuanian: Cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), dark rye bread.
  • Jazz Fusion: International food trucks (e.g., Argentine empanadas, American BBQ) at Volfas Engelman.
  • Drinks: Local beer (e.g., Volfas Engelman), mead, herbal teas.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Vegetable cepelinai, lentil stew, vegan pastries.
• Festival Dining:
  • Stalls at Vienybės Square and Volfas Engelman; prices €5–€12 USD.
  • Eco-friendly catering with reusable plates; water stations provided.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All ages welcome; free children’s events (e.g., Kaunas Jazz on the Pavement).
• Accessibility: PMR platforms at major venues; sign language and audio descriptions available. Contact office@kaunasjazz.lt for support.

Sustainability

• Eco-Initiatives: Solar-powered stages, bike transport, green suppliers, and waste reduction programs.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Kaunas Airport (KUN), 15 km (20 min taxi).
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO), 100 km (1.5 hr train).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Kaunas Station to venues (5–15 min walk, €1–€2 USD); Lithuanian Railways via litrail.lt.
  • Bus: Kautra 6/7 to Kęstučio g. (€1 USD); day pass €3 USD.
• Parking:
  • Paid lots near Žalgirio Arena (€2–€4 USD/hour); limited free street parking.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis/Bolt: €10–€15 USD from KUN; €50–€70 USD from VNO.
  • Bike: Rentals via Cyclocity (€2 USD/hour).

Accommodation Options

• Hotel Kaunas**: Central, near venues, €60–€120 USD/night.
• Park Inn by Radisson**: Modern, €50–€100 USD/night.
• Ibis Kaunas Centre*: Budget, €40–€80 USD/night.
• Hostel 7: Youth option, €20–€50 USD/night.
• Airbnb: Apartments in Old Town, €50–€130 USD/night.
• Booking Tips: Book by March 2026; check kaunasjazz.lt for partner deals.