Vilnius invites for last-minute gateway: Kaziukas Fair will take over the city centre with 1,500 traders
As the first heralds of spring knock on the door, our neighbour, the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, is preparing for its oldest and most colorful tradition. This weekend, from March 6 to 8, the city’s old town streets will be filled with the legendary Kaziukas Fair. This year’s theme, “And Hearts Blossom,” invites everyone to participate in a celebration of togetherness and the magic of craftsmanship.
Dated since 1827, the true Kaziukas Fair (Kaziuko mugė) is not just a market; it is a cultural phenomenon that will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year. This weekend, the fair promises to be even more ambitious, featuring more than 1,500 traders and daily concerts. The Old Town of Vilnius will transform into a massive open-air gallery and a paradise of flavors for three days, with a special area dedicated to young craftsmen, with over 80 participants showcasing their handicrafts, gingerbread cookie decorating workshops, a theatrical creative education program, and various musical and poetic performances.
This year's program features several exciting new elements to engage even the most experienced travelers. In Cathedral Square, a historical reconstruction will recreate the atmosphere of Vilnius in 1827, allowing visitors to experience the daily life of a traditional, full-scale ancient Kaziukas fair known as “jomarkas” and to observe historical costumes. This year also marks the anniversary of one of the Fair's main attributes: the sweet gingerbread cookie called “The Heart of Kaziukas”.
Meanwhile, in the special area of the fair, “Alley of Wonders” (Dzyvų alėja), all five ethnographic regions of Lithuania – Aukštaitija, Žemaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, and Lithuania Minor – will be represented in one place for the first time. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the craftsmanship nuances, dialects, and culinary differences of our neighbor in a single stroll.
Traditionally stretching along Gediminas Avenue, the Kaziukas Fair will also feature the “Gourmet Courtyard” (Smagurių kiemas) at Lukiškės Square as one of its most delicious and aromatic destinations. This space will stand out with its enticing aroma of freshly smoked fish and grilled dishes, while over 200 producers from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Estonia will offer the full culinary spectrum – from farm produce to desserts and other treats.
“The Kaziukas Fair is more than just a market; it is the heartbeat of our spring and a testament to the Baltic spirit of craftsmanship. This weekend, we invite our neighbours to cross the border and step into our transformed city centre. Whether you are coming for the iconic Easter palms (verba), the aroma of fresh gingerbread, or to see the 1,500 artisans lining our historic streets, you are partaking in a tradition that unites us,” says Olga Gončarova, CEO of Lithuania Travel.
The Kaziukas Fair traces its origins back to 1604, when the first solemn procession was held in Vilnius to celebrate the canonization of Saint Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania. While the event began as a religious observance, it evolved over centuries into a massive commercial and cultural festival, officially becoming a traditional annual fair in 1827, granted the right to take place in Cathedral Square. Over the years, the fair has survived various historical shifts and relocations, but it remains a steadfast symbol of spring’s arrival, officially held each year on the weekend closest to Saint Casimir's Day, March 4th. The fair brings together artisans from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and beyond to showcase centuries-old crafts and culinary heritage.
Practical guide for travelers
If you are planning a last-minute trip, convenience is key. When it comes to staying in Vilnius, those wishing to be in the heart of the action should look for accommodations in the Old Town or the Naujamiestis, Užupis district; however, for a quieter experience with easy access, the Žvėrynas or Šnipiškės district offers affordable alternatives.
If you are traveling by car from Riga, it is highly recommended to leave your vehicle in one of the "Park and Ride" (Statyk ir važiuok) lots located at Ukmergės g. or Laisvės pr. to avoid the heavy traffic and restricted zones in the city center.
Public transport in Vilnius is efficient and can be easily managed via the “m.Ticket” app or by using a contactless bank card on buses and trolleybuses. During the fair, special festive routes often connect the main parking hubs with the Old Town. For those who prefer a more scenic approach, the train from Riga to Vilnius remains a comfortable and popular choice, arriving just a short walk or a quick ride from the fair’s starting point.
The official opening of the fair will take place on Friday, March 6, at 2:00 PM with a theatrical procession from Independence Square to Cathedral Square, and the festivities will continue until Sunday evening. The full program can be found here.