Vilnius Jazz returns to Lithuania’s capital for its 39th edition with a rich and diverse programme, this year focusing on Portugal’s new jazz scene and complemented by music from the Portuguese-speaking countries of Brazil and Mozambique. Highlights include Rob Mazurek, a leading figure of the Chicago avant-garde, who will present his São Paulo Underground trio and Exploding Star Orchestra. South African pianist, improviser and scholar Nduduzo Makhathini, the first South African artist to record for the prestigious Blue Note label, will close the festival.

October 14
Hugo Carvalhais Oblong Emission (Portugal-Lithuania)
Dainius Pulauskas Group (Lithuania)

October 15
Claude Tchamitchian: In Spirit (France)
Garfo (Portugal)
T.Kutavičius-K.Jušinskas-K.Gikas-A.Gotesman (Lithuania)

October 16
Matchume Zango (Mozambique)
São Paulo Underground (USA-Brazil)

October 17
Ward no.4 (Lithuania)
Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra (USA)

October 18
Vilnius Jazz Young Power contest
Andreas Røysum Ensemble & Marvin Tate (Norway-USA)

October 19
Nduduzo Makhathini (South Africa)

Plus, two opening evenings with Vilnius Jazz Screen Beats, the festival’s ongoing jazz film programme, featuring “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” by Johan Grimonprez and “Ronnie’s: Ronnie Scott and His World Famous Jazz Club” by Oliver Murray. Plus, Vilnius Jazz Night Stage, showcasing some of the strongest and most interesting young Lithuanian jazz musicians!

Plus, the festival’s discussion series Vilnius Jazz Music Talks, complementing the festival’s focus with lectures by Pedro Costa, “Clean Feed: Wrong but Strong 2001-2026” (Portugal), and Matchume Zango, “Community Sounds and Social Interaction” (Mozambique).

Vilnius Jazz, the oldest contemporary jazz and improvised music festival in the Baltic States, invites everyone to join in! Just knock on the door!

Full programme -> https://www.vilniusjazz.lt/2026/program.php