FAQ
Where is the festival held?
The festival takes place in Kretinga, a historic town in western Lithuania. The main venue is the Kretinga Franciscan Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which houses the famed 1680 organ. Most concerts occur inside this church, creating an intimate atmosphere amid Baroque altars and stone walls. Kretinga is about 12 km inland from the Baltic coast – roughly a 15-minute drive from the resort city of Palanga and about 25 km north of the port city Klaipėda. The town is easily reachable by car or bus (and even by train on certain routes). Once in Kretinga, the church and monastery complex is a central landmark. Concerts have also occasionally been hosted at the Kretinga Culture Center or Kretinga Museum, but the church is the primary and iconic location for the festival.
When does the festival take place (dates)?
The festival is an annual summer event, traditionally held in the second half of August. Each year’s exact dates can vary, but typically the main program runs over a week or two in late August. For example, recent editions have spanned mid-August to the end of August (such as August 12–28 in one year, or August 21–30 in another). In earlier years, some festivals extended into early September or, in the inaugural 2017 edition, took place in late September. It’s best to check the official announcements each year for precise dates; the organizers often release the schedule by early summer. Additionally, in 2024 a series of preview concerts in June was introduced, but the core festival concerts are in August. Generally, you can expect the festival every summer as a way to musically “farewell” the season – one press piece even described it as inviting listeners to “together see off the summer” with beautiful music.
Do I need tickets, and how can I get them?
No tickets are required – all concerts are free of charge. One of the festival’s founding principles is to offer high-quality music to the public for free. The only exception to the free-entry rule might be if a special event is held outside the church at a venue that normally charges entry (for instance, a concert at the Kretinga Museum’s Winter Garden has in the past required a museum entry ticket).