Published: 20250715
In the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, spectacular music and film festivals take place throughout the summer. This space, located in the heart of the city, enchants visitors, while the music playing or films shown on a large screen create a unique atmosphere.
“Longing for cultural happenings, looking forward to the harmonious and joy-filled evenings created by music and film festivals, the community of the Palace of the Grand Dukes truly feels at home – a place where Lithuanian culture returns to its centuries-old roots. To all concertgoers and viewers, we wish unforgettable moments of musical and dance enchantment, lasting aesthetic experiences, joy of life, and a deeper appreciation of the value of freedom,” says Dr. Vydas Dolinskas, Director General of the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
A festival for the heart of the city
The unique city festival Midsummer Vilnius, which each year in mid-summer awakens the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes, has become a well-established part of the capital’s cultural life and an inseparable element of summer in the city. Since its start in 2016, the festival has attracted an increasing number of visitors every year and continues to surprise with new creative ideas.
In 2025, concerts and musical performances will await Lithuanian music lovers in the Grand Courtyard between July 14 and 25. Three extraordinary concerts will mark the culmination of the festival’s jubilee program. The stage will host the unique and innovative artist Free Finga and world-renowned singer Dee Dee Bridgewater. The festival will conclude with a majestic performance by Andrius Mamontovas and an orchestra – likely the last of such scale.
“The tenth Midsummer Vilnius program is, in a way, a summation of everything we have done and learned over the years of the festival. A reflection on what has been beautiful and meaningful, and a look into the future,” says the festival’s founder Valdas Petreikis.
You can find the festival program here.
Classic cinema under the open sky
The unforgettable summer film tradition continues with the Cinema Under the Stars festival. Taking place in the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes from July 29 to August 7, 2025, this year’s screenings will invite audiences to meet their own shadow through films inspired by film noir.
“In creating this festival, we look for new ways each year to speak about the art of cinema, encouraging new perspectives on already acclaimed works. This year, our focus is on actors – we admire them, often choose films because of them, identify with the characters they portray, and sometimes even wish to be like them,” shares Andrė Balžekienė, head of the Cinema Under the Stars festival.
You can find the festival program here.
Photo credits: Gabrielius Jauniškis, Jurgita Satkūnaitė, Deimantė Šuliauskaitė.
