Events & Festivals in Kiev

Celebrating the Old New Year according to the Julian calendar. Expect lively street processions, people in traditional and fantastical costumes (like the 'Malanka' goat), caroling, folk music performances, and theatrical reenactments driving away the old year.

A prestigious international competition for short films from around the world. Features screenings, Q&A sessions with directors, workshops, and industry networking events, showcasing emerging talent and innovative storytelling.

Celebrated according to the Julian calendar. Marked by solemn and beautiful church services, including the all-night Christmas Vigil. Families gather for the Holy Supper (Sviata Vecheria) with 12 meatless dishes. Carolers (kolyadnyky) visit homes singing traditional songs.

An annual festival of light art and video mapping. International artists transform the city's iconic buildings, including the National Opera, into giant canvases for spectacular light projections, accompanied by music. Interactive light installations are placed in public spaces.

A widely celebrated public holiday. Men give flowers and small gifts to the women in their lives. The city is filled with flower sellers. Concerts and cultural events are held, and restaurants are busy with celebratory meals. It's a day of appreciation.

A major spring running event attracting thousands of local and international participants. The route often passes key city landmarks. Includes a half marathon, 10km, and fun runs for all fitness levels.

The most important Orthodox Christian holiday. Includes all-night Easter services, the blessing of Easter baskets (paskas, krashanky, sausages) in church courtyards, and festive family gatherings. The city's cathedrals are beautifully decorated.

A city-wide birthday celebration. Features open-air concerts on multiple stages, street fairs, historical reenactments, food festivals, fireworks over the Dnipro River, and special exhibitions in museums. A joyful, massive public party.

Ukraine's largest and most important literary festival. Combines a massive book fair with a rich cultural program: author readings, discussions, lectures, performances, and workshops for children and adults. A hub for intellectuals.

A worldwide flashmob celebrating Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvanky) as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage. People of all ages wear vyshyvankas to work, school, and on the streets. Group photos and parades are organized in central squares.

Ukraine's largest open-air music festival, attracting top international and Ukrainian artists across rock, pop, indie, and electronic genres. Multiple stages, food courts, art installations, and camping options create a multi-day immersive experience.

An ancient Slavic folk festival celebrating the summer solstice. Traditions include weaving flower wreaths, lighting bonfires, jumping over flames for purification, and young women floating their wreaths on water to predict their romantic future.

A celebration of national and regional Ukrainian cuisine. Dozens of vendors offer traditional dishes like borscht, varenyky, salo, banosh, and various grilled meats. Includes cooking masterclasses, folk music, and competitions for the best cook.

A national holiday marking Ukraine's declaration of independence. Features a military parade (some years), a solemn ceremony on Maidan, a massive concert, patriotic displays, and evening fireworks. A day of strong national pride and unity.

The prestigious opening concert of one of Ukraine's leading symphony orchestras. Often features world-renowned soloists and conductors performing classical masterpieces in a grand, formal setting, marking the start of the city's cultural season.

A colorful spectacle where hot air balloons take flight over the city. Includes morning and evening balloon launches (weather dependent), night glows where balloons are lit up like giant lanterns, and family-friendly activities on the ground.

The city's flagship marathon event, attracting elite runners and amateurs from across the globe. The full marathon, half marathon, and shorter races offer a unique tour of Kyiv's historic streets and scenic riverbanks.

One of Eastern Europe's oldest film festivals, focused on debut works and films by young directors. The competition includes student films, first short films, and first feature films, with a infectious energy for cinephiles.

A paradise for coffee lovers. Features dozens of local roasters and baristas, latte art competitions, brewing workshops, cuppings, and endless samples of specialty coffee from across Ukraine. Also includes lectures and a market for coffee gear.

While not a traditional holiday, Halloween has become popular, especially among younger crowds. Numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants host costume parties, themed nights, and spooky decor contests. A night for creative and often elaborate costumes.

The traditional start of the winter holiday season. A festive market with wooden chalets selling crafts, souvenirs, mulled wine (horilka z pertsem), and holiday treats. Features a giant Christmas tree, ice rink, and performances for children, with St. Nicholas making appearances.

A massive public celebration to ring in the New Year. Features a large concert stage with popular Ukrainian musicians, a countdown to midnight, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Independence Monument. A crowded, festive, and hopeful gathering.