Record-Breaking Vilnius Pink Soup Fest Returns as a Three-Day Celebration in 2026 

The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, which has attracted 93,000 visitors in 2025, is expanding into a three-day celebration of Lithuania’s cold pink soup, šaltibarščiai.  

After a record-breaking year, the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, inspired by the country’s iconic cold beetroot soup šaltibarščiai, returns on May 29–31, 2026, as a three-day celebration of gastronomy, community, and colour.

Costumes are a central part of the festival, with streets overflowing with visitors dressed in pink from head to toe. From tulle skirts and gowns to furry mascots, wigs, and playful šaltibarščiai-themed accessories, the most eye-catching looks are even awarded at the Pink Soup Costume Competition.

From soup carrying sprint to kefir ice cream

For the 2025 edition, thousands attended the Pink Soup Parade, joined by dancers, stilt walkers, marching bands, and even pets donning pink ribbons. Highlights included the Pink Soup Walking Challenge, a 10.5 km route through Vilnius, and the Pink Waiters’ Run, where sports and hospitality enthusiasts raced through the city balancing bowls of pink soup without spilling a drop.

Across Vilnius, restaurants served šaltibarščiai in both its classic form, which is traditionally made from beets, kefir, cucumber, dill, and boiled eggs, and with creative twists. For example, menus featured plant-based versions, soup-inspired cocktails, beetroot tacos, and kefir ice cream.

Vilnius Pink Soup Festival draws record crowd of 93,000

“The festival has grown so rapidly since its debut three years ago that it can no longer be contained in a single day. We’re seeing visitors coming to Vilnius for the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest not only from neighbouring states but also from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries. They want to stay longer, experience more, and immerse themselves more deeply”, says Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at “Go Vilnius”, the city’s tourism and business agency.

In 2025, the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest exceeded all expectations. It attracted 93,000 visitors, nearly 17,000 of whom came from abroad.