The 67th Klaipėda Sea Festival opens Friday with a cinema-inspired theme, transforming Lithuania’s port city into a giant film set for three days of concerts, performances and cultural events.
The festival will officially begin at noon with the raising of the festival flag near Klaipėda Castle.
This year’s edition, held under the slogan Like in the Movies, will feature film-themed decorations and installations across the city. Organisers have prepared oversized film reels, 2-meter-tall director’s chairs and a movie-themed photo backdrop on Biržos Bridge, while festival venues will incorporate cinematic visual elements.
The opening concert at the Cruise Ship Terminal on Friday evening will feature Lithuanian performers Liepa Mondeikaitė, Atlanta, Lemon Joy and DJ Jovani.
Saturday’s lineup includes Lithuanian singer Evgenya Redko, British singer-songwriter and BRIT Award winner Emeli Sande, Adrina and DJ Mamania.
Teatro Square will host a range of musical performances throughout the weekend, including the Klaipeda Piano Masters program featuring pianists from 15 countries, the Shinkarenko Jazz 6 project with the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra and the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra.
On Saturday, the square will also host the seventh Sea Festival Piano Cup, an interactive music event, followed by performances by Lithuanian artists Sasha Song and Beatrich and Dutch band Roseye. Sunday’s program will feature choirs, vocal ensembles and folk musicians representing senior citizens' organizations.
Visitors will also be able to explore an exhibition of vintage cars and historic machinery at the foot of Klaipėda Castle’s tower, alongside an antiques market and family entertainment.
Near the Klaipėda Culture Factory, a children’s concert will take place on Saturday afternoon. The building’s facade will host two days of vertical dance performances titled Swan Lake on the Wall.
One of the festival’s signature attractions, Touch the Cinema, will give visitors the chance to experience filmmaking firsthand. A mobile film set staffed by a professional production crew will travel around the city over two days, allowing participants to try roles including actor, camera operator and assistant director.
The Klaipėda Sea Festival has been held since 1934. The inaugural event attracted more than 60,000 visitors from across Lithuania as part of efforts to strengthen ties between the country and its then-newly integrated Baltic port.
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