Hunters’ Festival in Vilnius
Hunters’ Festival in Vilnius: Free Wild Game Feast for Locals and Visitors
On September 6, the Šventaragis Valley next to the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania will host the Hunters’ Festival and Wild Game Feast. Throughout the day, visitors will be invited to discover hunting culture and traditions, enjoy a hunters’ parade, live music, family activities, and free wild game soup.
From 10:00 to 17:00, the Lithuanian Hunters’ Association will invite Vilnius residents and visitors to learn more about hunting traditions, nature, and the modern hunting community. One of the main highlights of the event will be the Wild Game Feast. Visitors will be treated to free wild game soup and will also have the opportunity to watch a whole deer being roasted and learn more about traditional wild game preparation.
Event programme:
10:30–10:50 Hunters’ parade with flags, dogs, and a brass band marching from Vilnius Town Hall through Didžioji and Pilies streets to the event venue.
10:50–10:55 Opening ceremony and welcoming remarks.
10:55–11:15 Greetings from Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas, Member of the European Parliament and hunter Paulius Saudargas, President of the Lithuanian Hunters’ Association Gediminas Vaitiekūnas, and LHA Council Member Mindaugas Jablonskis.
11:15–12:00 Discussion hosted by the Ministry of National Defence, featuring Minister Robertas Kaunas, Col. Danas Mockūnas, Gediminas Vaitiekūnas, hunter and commandant soldier Laurynas Suodaitis, and hunter and Riflewoman Gerda Sadauskė. The discussion will be moderated by Rolandas Barysas, editor of Verslo žinios.
12:15–12:35 Concert by the Vilnius Hunters’ Orchestra Tauro ragai, led by Vidmantas Lunius.
12:35–12:45 Presentation of the new Lithuanian Hunters’ Association emblem and the story behind its origins.
13:00–13:20 Hunting dogs’ talent competition and awards ceremony.
14:00–14:25 Hunters’ talent competition and awards ceremony.
14:30–15:20 Concert by the band Buzzing Lips, led by Jurgis Dapšauskas.
15:30–15:45 Hunters’ awards ceremony.
16:00–16:10 Lottery draw and announcement of the winner of the Hunter’s Ticket lottery. The prize will be presented by event sponsor Hikmicro.
16:10–16:15 Closing ceremony.
During the festival, visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in a lottery and win a thermal imaging device for a smartphone, provided by event sponsor Hikmicro.
The Hunters’ Festival and Wild Game Feast will take place on September 6, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 in the Šventaragis Valley next to the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius.
The event is organised by the Lithuanian Hunters’ Association.
Event partners include the Lithuanian Province of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, St. Casimir Province of the Franciscan Order, the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and Vilnius Days (Vilnius Cultural Centre).
Admission is free.
