Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition

Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition takes place in Birštonas, Lithuania. It is held every year, usually in June.

Repertoire requirements

Group A (5–10 years) – two pieces, different in style and character (up to 3 min); Group B (11–14 years) – two pieces, different in style and character (up to 5 min); Group C (15–18 years) – free program (up to 8 min); Group D (no age limit): First round (video) – free program (up to 15 min); Second round (live performance) – free program, containing the compulsory piece – “Labyrhythm” by Matas Jaroševičius (Lithuania). Pieces from the first round can be repeated (up to 20 min in total); Ensemble groups: Group E1 (5–12 years) – free program (up to 7 min); Group E2 (13–18 years) – free program (up to 10 min); Group E3 (no age limit) – free program (up to 12 min). In Groups E1, E2 and E3, the ensemble must contain at least one guitar.

• Competition Round · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://bgq.lt/festival

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Birštonas

Nestled in a loop of the River Nemunas, Birštonas is a tranquil spa town in southern Lithuania, known for its mineral waters and pine forests. Each year, it plays host to the Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition, drawing guitarists and enthusiasts to its peaceful setting. This event offers a unique blend of high-level musical performance and the restorative atmosphere of a long-established European resort.

Getting there

The most convenient airport for Birštonas is Kaunas International Airport (KUN), Lithuania's second largest. From Kaunas, Birštonas is easily reached by bus in about 70 minutes, with hourly services via Prienai. Alternatively, buses run every couple of hours from Vilnius, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, often passing through Trakai. Kautra is the main bus line on these routes, and tickets can be found on Autobusbilietai. Once in Birštonas, the town is small enough to navigate entirely on foot.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Birštonas on Omio →

Lithuania runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

Birštonas, as a spa resort, offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to sanatoria that leverage the town's mineral waters. Options include Audenis, a comfortable central hotel, and Ese Hotel, a pleasant smaller establishment located near the forest. For those seeking a spa experience, Tulpė, Versmė, Eglė, and Vytautas Mineral Spa provide various curative procedures and accommodations. Self-catering apartments are also available in the village centre, offering flexibility for longer stays.

What you'll hear

The Baltic Guitar Festival & Competition features several categories, from young players (Groups A, B, C) with age limits, to an open-age Group D. Competitors in the open category submit a video for the first round, with finalists performing live at the festival. Group D finalists must include "Labyrhythm" by Matas Jaroševičius, a compulsory piece, in their program. Prizes range from guitars for the younger groups to a concert engagement at the following year's festival for the top group.

Beyond the annual guitar competition, Birštonas has a notable musical tradition as the host of Lithuania's oldest international jazz festival. Held every two years in March or April, this festival has established the resort as a significant center for jazz in Lithuania since 1980.

The local table

Birštonas offers a selection of dining experiences to suit various preferences. For casual fare, Bir Bur Bar near the bus station serves burgers and beer. Kurhauzas provides a smart dining experience, typically open from Friday to Sunday. Old Town Grill, situated by St Antony's Church on the riverside, is a cosy eatery. Several hotels, such as Audenis, also have restaurants open to non-residents. The town's mineral water, high in various beneficial minerals, is available free at public fountains or in bottled form from local shops.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Birštonas →

While you're there

Birštonas offers numerous ways to fill your days. Explore the town's history at the Birštonas Museum and discover artistic treasures at the Museum of Sacred Art, located behind St Anthony of Padua Church. Walk or cycle along the paved riverside promenade, or take a leisurely boat trip on the Nemunas River during summer. For scenic views, climb Vytautas Hill, a 40-meter hillock offering panoramas of the town and river bend, or ascend the 55-meter Observation Tower for a breathtaking perspective of the Nemunas Loops Regional Park. The Central Park, with its sculptures and the Druskupis mineral water installation, provides a pleasant setting for a stroll. For a unique wellness experience, visit the Kneipp Garden. For a day trip, the city of Kaunas is just over an hour away by bus, offering a rich heritage. Trakai, known for its island castle, can also be visited en route to or from Vilnius.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Birštonas →

Also in June: Balaton Guitar Festival · Bale-Valle Armonica Guitar Competition · Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Internacional Levino Albano da Conceição · Gandia International Guitar Festival and Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

← All competitions & festivals