Flights to Kaunas offer swift access to a city that is increasingly attracting global music icons such as Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and OneRepublic to their tour itineraries.
With its impressive arena in the city center, a newly inaugurated stadium, warm hospitality, delectable cuisine, and a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, Kaunas appeals to a wide range of interests, from architecture enthusiasts to art lovers.
“Kaunas has a long-standing tradition of welcoming sports fans. In 2023, the city proudly hosted the EuroLeague Final Four, and in 2024, it was the stage for the European Figure Skating Championships,” notes Agnė Kriaučiūnienė, Head of Tourism and Marketing at Kaunas IN. Adding to the cultural highlights, 2024 also marked the 100th anniversary of the Lithuanian Song Festival (Dainų šventė), a cherished celebration of traditional choral music and national heritage. Furthermore, the city’s capacity to deliver exceptional experiences for music fans was highlighted by Ed Sheeran’s highly successful concerts at the Darius and Girėnas stadium last year. “Dedicated fans journeyed from the UK and Ireland to attend his performance. There’s a definite appeal in experiencing a different venue in another country,” claims Kriaučiūnienė.
Nestled in a verdant setting, the Darius and Girėnas Stadium anticipates a summer of electrifying performances. The summer concert series at the Stadium kicks off with Justin Timberlake’s performance on June 6th. Guns N’ Roses will take the stage on July 10th, keeping the energy high. Robbie Williams will deliver a spectacular show on August 1st. Finally, Kaunas will be thrilled to welcome global rap star Post Malone this summer, as his “Big Ass World Tour” touches down at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium on August 21st.
This diverse calendar of international events encourages travelers to plan their visits around music performances, sports competitions, and cultural festivals, all of which contribute to Lithuania’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The most successful tourist destination
Kaunas Airport’s recent inclusion among Europe’s top 10 fastest-growing airports, coupled with ongoing significant upgrades, positions the city as an increasingly attractive destination for travelers. “The increased passenger flow highlights Kaunas’s emergence as an exciting travel discovery, offering a diverse range of experiences from major sporting and music events to art exhibitions, scientific conferences, fascinating museums, galleries, and a vibrant gastronomy and bar culture,” states Tomas Zitikis, Head of Route Development at Lithuanian Airports. Kaunas’s recent accolade as Lithuania’s most successful tourist destination further underscores its growing appeal.
Direct flights conveniently connect Kaunas to major European cities including London, Dublin, Shannon, Bristol, Liverpool, Belfast, Edinburgh, Brussels, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Cologne/Bonn in Germany. Upon arrival, the city center is easily accessible by public transport, with a bus journey taking approximately 30-40 minutes.
Music enthusiasts will find plenty to entice them to Kaunas. Žalgiris Arena will host a series of international stars, including Rod Stewart (April 23), Kylie Minogue (June 20), OneRepublic (November 5), Martin Garrix (May 31), and The Offspring (October 4) performing its famous “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”.
Beyond these individual concerts, Kaunas boasts a thriving festival scene. The Kaunas Jazz Festival, a long-standing tradition spanning over three decades, returns from April 24 to May 4, showcasing performances in prominent venues and open-air spaces.
Celebrating its 30th season, the Pažaislis Music Festival offers a summer-long program of cultural events from May 31st onwards, held in stunning locations such as the Pažaislis Monastery.
This year, Kaunas also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the celebrated Lithuanian composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis. The anniversary features special events and performances dedicated to his artistic legacy, providing a unique opportunity to explore the works of this visionary. Adding to the city’s vibrant cultural calendar, Festival Audra will electrify Kaunas with its cutting-edge performances, contemporary music, and multidisciplinary art showcases, cementing the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.
Music lovers will also be enchanted by Katie Melua’s soulful tunes on August 8 in the picturesque Song Valley, surrounded by century-old oaks.
Join the green and white crowd
For those who appreciate the vibrant energy of sports chants and songs, a basketball game at Žalgiris Arena is an absolute must. Mark your calendars for March 13, 2025, when Kauno Žalgiris faces Paris Basketball in a EuroLeague match, followed by an intense showdown against Partizan Belgrade on April 3, 2025.
The pinnacle of local basketball rivalry arrives on May 18, 2025, as Žalgiris and Vilnius Rytas, the green and white versus the red and black, clash in what is considered Lithuania’s basketball derby. In Kaunas, basketball transcends mere sport. It’s an unforgettable experience and a spectacle everyone should witness at least once.
Football fans can also anticipate thrilling matches in Kaunas. As part of the FIFA World Cup qualification, the city eagerly awaits the arrival of either Spain or the Netherlands on September 7th. Additionally, Lithuania’s national team will host Finland in March and Poland in October.
Sharing a birthday month with Kaunas?
While some people treat themselves to a trip for their birthday, Kaunas celebrates its birthday in May. The Kaunas City Birthday celebration features grand concerts and captivating performances. The “Celebrate the River” initiative enhances the visitor experience through an engaging program designed to encourage exploration of the scenic Nemunas and Neris rivers. Furthermore, Kaunas’s Museum Night in May offers an enriching cultural experience, drawing increasingly large crowds with its diverse and creative attractions.
Kaunas’s cultural landscape has flourished since being named the European Capital of Culture in 2022. This distinction was further cemented in late 2023 when UNESCO recognized the city’s architectural significance by adding Modernist Kaunas to the World Heritage list.
“Kaunas offers a compelling blend of experiences,” states Agnė Kriaučiūnienė. “From hosting major European sporting events and large-scale concerts to preserving its distinctive modernist heritage and developing ambitious new public spaces such as Science Island, the city caters to a wide range of interests. This innovative science promotion center, featuring a planetarium, has become one of Kaunas’s most photographed and talked-about landmarks on Instagram.”
The city’s rich history is embodied by the imposing 14th-century castle tower. This medieval landmark, which houses a museum, provides an excellent starting point for those visiting Kaunas for the first time. Just a short stroll away, the newly renovated historical Kaunas Town Hall, often called the “White Swan”, now stands as a vibrant centerpiece of the Old Town, hosting cultural events, exhibitions, and weddings in its elegant halls.
An exploration of Kaunas’s architectural heritage reveals a fascinating mix of medieval and modernist influences. The city’s architectural gems are further highlighted by two new private museums: the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum. Both offer immersive tours that provide unique insights into these influential architectural movements.
The museums are conveniently located in the city center, a green and easily accessible area that enhances the visitor experience. The central boulevard, Laisvės alėja, serves as a vibrant hub, boasting some of the city’s most significant theaters, acclaimed restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, trendy cafes, stylish boutiques, and a glimpse into the daily lives of Kaunas’s fashionable residents and their beloved pets.
Lithuanian Airports media release.
