Craft tourism is expected to be a significant travel trend in 2026, with 84% of travelers looking for experiences focused on personal interests. Vilnius, Lithuania, is welcoming this trend by hosting the Kaziukas Fair from March 6 to 8, 2026. This historic annual event, one of Europe’s longest-running artisan fairs, will turn the Old Town into a five-kilometre open-air marketplace featuring over 1,200 artisans.

The fair aims to offer more than just commerce; it provides visitors with the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as pottery making and baking the traditional Lithuanian tree cake. A study in the Environmental and Sustainability Indicators journal highlights that creative tourism aids in community development by involving visitors in cultural experiences.

Attendees can explore a diverse range of handmade goods like glassware, ceramics, jewelry, and leather products, all while enjoying traditional music and the aroma of local dishes like cepelinai, a famous Lithuanian potato dumpling. The event will also showcase new attractions like Dzyvų Alėja, featuring artisans from Lithuania’s ethnographic regions, alongside the Avilys creative collective that provides insights into traditional crafts.

Notable Lithuanian crafts at the fair include sodai, verbos, and šakotis. Sodai are intricate straw decorations tied to Lithuanian folklore, while verbos are elaborately crafted Easter palms made from local plants. Šakotis, a unique tree-shaped cake, is a beloved part of Lithuanian festivities.

Visitors can easily access the fair via Vilnius International Airport, which offers direct flights from numerous major European cities. As the trend of craft tourism expands, the Kaziukas Fair presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Lithuania’s vibrant cultural heritage.