Kaunas Jazz is the largest international jazz festival in Lithuania, born alongside the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. Over three and a half decades, it has become one of the most important jazz events in the Baltic region, securing a significant place in Lithuania’s and Europe’s musical landscape and earning worldwide recognition.

Founded in 1991 on the initiative of Jonas Jučas, Kaunas Jazz quickly became a unique cultural event that continues to uphold jazz traditions, commemorate key historical milestones of the country, gain recognition on the international stage, and attract thousands of listeners each year.

Kaunas Jazz remains not only a leader in bringing jazz stars to Lithuania but also actively promotes Lithuanian jazz virtuosos and talented young artists. Its program includes concerts (half of which are free), educational events, masterclasses, and collaborations with visual artists, such as photography exhibitions, jazz projects in art galleries, the children’s drawing initiative Kaunas Jazz on the Pavement, and Jazz Fashion. All educational events are free, allowing people of all ages and financial backgrounds to participate.

“Jazz Street” is a special Kaunas Jazz project inviting young artists from Lithuania and abroad to showcase their work in the most vibrant pedestrian areas of Kaunas – Laisvės Alėja and the streets of the Old Town. This project stands out as a platform for alternative art forms, fostering collaboration, idea exchange, and intercultural dialogue.

The festival maintains strong partnerships with international jazz events such as Estonia’s Jazzkaar, Finland’s April Jazz, Latvia’s Rigas Ritmi, Serbia’s Nishville Jazz Festival, and Poland’s Zadymka Jazzowa. As a member of the Europe Jazz Network, these collaborations help present unique projects and ensure the festival’s high artistic standards.

In 2026, the Kaunas Jazz Festival will invite listeners to exclusive jazz concerts in Kaunas, Vilnius, Palanga, Joniškis and Jurbarkas for the 36th time. The festival will provide residents and guests of various cities and regions with the opportunity to enjoy top-level jazz performances.