More than 1,200 artisans gather as Lithuania’s capital hosts one of Europe’s largest celebrations of traditional craftsmanship
The Lithuanian capital Vilnius has been transformed into a vast open-air crafts market this weekend as the historic Kaziukas Fair takes over the city centre.
Running this weekend (6–8 March 2026), the fair is one of Europe’s oldest artisan events and the largest celebration of traditional crafts in the Baltic region. This year’s event has brought together more than 1,200 certified artisans and food producers, stretching across five kilometres of central streets.
Visitors exploring the sprawling market are greeted with stalls selling glassware, ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, paintings and sculptures, alongside live demonstrations from craftspeople working at forges and potters’ wheels.
Traditional musicians dressed in national costume provide a soundtrack throughout the streets, performing Lithuanian folk music as crowds browse the stalls.
Vilnius Kaziukas Fair 2026
A feast of Baltic traditions
Alongside handmade crafts, the festival also celebrates Lithuania’s culinary heritage.
Food stalls offer a wide range of local delicacies, including baked goods, smoked fish, traditional sausages and freshly prepared dishes. Among the highlights are Cepelinai — the country’s iconic potato dumplings — served at open-air eateries across the festival.
Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops, with opportunities to try traditional techniques such as weaving, ceramics and baking the famous Lithuanian tree cake.
New spaces celebrating regional heritage
Two new areas have been introduced to the festival this year.
The first, Dzyvų Alėja (Alley of Life), located in Cathedral Square, brings together leading artisans and food producers from Lithuania’s five ethnographic regions: Aukštaitija, Samogitia, Sudovia, Suvalkija and Lithuania Minor.
Nearby, Šventaragis Valley has been transformed into an interactive craft zone organised by the Avilys.
Here visitors can watch woodcarvers, blacksmiths and jewellers at work and even try traditional techniques themselves.
Vilnius Kaziukas Fair 2026
Craft tourism on the rise
The celebration comes as interest in hands-on craft experiences continues to grow among travellers. Data from Tripadvisor shows bookings for craft workshops have risen sharply, with demand increasing by around 75%.
Tourism organisers say events like the Kaziukas Fair are helping attract international visitors eager to experience authentic local culture — turning Vilnius into one of Europe’s most vibrant craft destinations this weekend.