Vilnius im Herbst: Kunstmesse, Theaterfestival und Čiurlionis-Jubiläum

Vilnius offers all the ingredients for a perfect autumn city break – cobblestone streets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and multiple art events happening this autumn.

Intimate yet vibrant, the Lithuanian capital combines old-world elegance with a fresh creative energy that’s turning it into one of Europe’s most intriguing cultural destinations.

ArtVilnius’25 features Venice Biennale artists

Returning for its 16th edition, ArtVilnius’25 remains the largest contemporary art fair in the Baltics. From October 3 to 5, the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre Litexpo in Vilnius will host 80 galleries and institutions, presenting works by more than 320 artists from 16 countries.

Among the highlights is Tallinn–based Temnikova & Kasela Gallery, recipient of the prestigious FEAGA Award in 2016, which will showcase established Venice Biennale artists and Estonia’s forthcoming Biennale representative.

Edith Karlson is one of Estonia’s most acclaimed contemporary voices and in her sculptural practice, animals and people are the main protagonists; Jaan Toomik, a senior figure in Baltic art, is presenting a few paintings never before exhibited, like Old Woman with a Wolf’s Scull, Calling the Fisherman, Self-portrait as a Bonfire with Sons.

“While new fairs have appeared in Latvia and Poland, ArtVilnius is still the only event of this size and quality. Our program goes far beyond gallery presentations. Visitors will discover the internationally curated Projects Zone, the annual „The Path“ exhibition, and much more.

The art on view will range from new talents fresh out of the academies to world-famous artists such as Marlene Dumas and Anselm Kiefer,“ says Sonata Baliuckaitė Arlauskienė, Artistic Director of ArtVilnius.

Vilnius theatre festival turns the stage into a weapon

Until October 13, Vilnius hosts Sirenos, one of Northern Europe’s boldest international theatre festivals. Known for pushing creative and political boundaries, this year’s edition revolves around the theme „Theatre is a Weapon,“ exploring how performance can confront modern-day realities.

Headliners include Portuguese director Tiago Rodrigues with two acclaimed works: By Heart and Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists. Also on the programme is the powerful film-performance hybrid Orlando, My Political Biography, which reimagines Virginia Woolf’s novel through the voices of 26 trans and non-binary performers.

Čiurlionis – the Baltic Da Vinci – celebrated with 150 events across Vilnius

This autumn, Vilnius celebrates the 150th anniversary of M.K. Čiurlionis, Lithuania’s most revered composer-painter, often called the Baltic Da Vinci for blending music and visual art into an entirely unique language.

From October to December, the city will host nearly 150 events in his honour, including immersive exhibitions, orchestral tributes, and even virtual reality experiences that bring his dreamlike worlds to life.

Program highlights include the premiere of the opera „Jūratė,“ inspired by Baltic mythology, and the international concert „World Piano Stars Greeting Čiurlionis,“ showcasing virtuoso performers interpreting his compositions.

European cinema spotlight

From 6 to 16 November, the Scanorama Film Festival brings over 100 thought-provoking European films to Vilnius, alongside talks with filmmakers and rising talent. It’s a key date for cinephiles seeking bold, artistic storytelling off the mainstream circuit.

Getting there

With direct, daily flights from major European cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Warsaw, getting to the Lithuanian capital is quick and easy. The city’s well-connected airport is just 15 minutes from the Old Town, making it a seamless destination for a weekend getaway or a longer cultural escape.

 

Quelle: cision / Austina Vz
Bildquellen: Andrej Vasilenko