Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: August 2019

International Sand Sculpture Festival in Minsk

Ten famous aritsts from Belarus and Russia reflect on the mysteries of the world of gods, spirits and fantastic characters as they display their works during the 4th sand sculpture festival. The open-air exhibition features many unusual characters. Among them, for example, is the legendary dragon Tsmok and thundering God Pyarun, Wolverine and Iron Man. In the Belarusian mythology they were known long before the popular blockbusters and comics…

When: 1 May - 15 September
Where: Dreamland amusement park, 80 Orlovskaya Street, Minsk

Music and Tourism Season in the Upper Town

The new season kicked off in Minsk’s Upper Town in early May and will be packed with cool events every Saturday until October. The program 2019 includes theatrical performances, themed events, dance performances, workshops, film screenings, orchestral siestas and classical and jazz music concerts…

When: from May 4
Where: Svobody Square, Upper town, Minsk

National culture festivals in Minsk Upper Town

During the summer season, the Upper Town in Minsk will turn into the most ethnically diverse area of the capital city. Belarusians were the first to showcase their culture and traditions during the Spring Bouquet event on 25 May. The festivals of national diasporas will kick off in Minsk downtown on 1 June. On this day Swedes will arrange a big festival near the City Hall. The headliners of the event will be Eurovision 2012 winner Loreen and Swedish Indie icon Jens Lekman.

1 June, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Swedish Culture
8 June, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Russian Culture
15 June, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Polish Culture
23 June (Sun), 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00  – Day of British Culture
13 July, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Italian Culture
3 August, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Korean Culture
10 August, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Estonian Culture
17 August, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Ukrainian Culture
24 August, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Georgian Culture (Tbilisoba)
31 August, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Armenian Culture
7 September, 13:00-17:00, 20:30-23:00 – Day of Azerbaijani Culture
8 September (Sun), 12:00-17:00 – Day of Moldovan Culture
21 September, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Greek Culture
22 September (Sun), 12:00-17:00 – Day of Israeli Culture
28 September, 13:00-17:00 – Day of Chinese Culture

Where: Minsk Upper Town

New show at Belarusian State Circus

The Belarusian State Circus is kicking off the summer season with the new show Ole-Ole-Ole Parade. The show will feature artists of the Yuri Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard and will boast an amazing array of acts, well-trained animals and the best clowns. The audience will be treated to a breathtaking performance from equilibrists, contortionists, a trapeze artist with a ball, dogs riding skateboards and bicycles. The spectacular will also include the act Wedding featuring contortionists and a wonderful performance by a young artist walking down the rope in pointes. The star of the show will be prominent tamer Sergei Nesterov and his white tigers.

When: 14 June –11 August
Where: Belarusian State Circus, Minsk

Exhibition “Kazimir Malevich and the 21st Century”

The exhibition “Kazimir Malevich and the 21st Century” in the National Center for Contemporary Arts is dedicated to the interplay between folk and modern Belarusian art. The main item of the exhibition will be the painting “Man with a Shovel” that is attributed to Kazimir Malevich. The exhibition will also feature paintings and graphics of 57 Belarusian artists who are following in the footsteps of the famous avant-garde artist: Aleksandr Solovyov, Aleksandr Dosuzhev, Sergei Kiryushchenko, Aleksandr Maley, Anatoly Kuznetsov, Victor Shilko, Zoya Litvinova, Vitaly Chernobrisov, Sergei Krishtapovich and Evelina Krishtapovich, Boris Semiletov and Ivan Semiletov, Leonid Khobotov, and others.

The exhibition will also feature folk arts illustrated with exhibits from the holdings of the Museum of Old Belarusian Culture of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus: national costumes, clay pots, items from wood, and other artifacts.

When: 14 June – 1 September
Where: the National Center for Contemporary Arts, 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk

Exhibition “Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait”

The exhibition “Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait” of the Jewish Museum London celebrates the iconic singer whose name was announced six times at the Grammy Awards. The exhibition displays not only her Grammy Awards, guitars, and discs but also personal belongings and a collection of family photos. The exhibition in Minsk is a unique event because Belarus is the only CIS country to host this exhibition. After the exhibition, the items will be sent back to Amy Winehouse’s family and other owners. Minsk has been chosen to host the exhibition also because a great great grandfather of the British singer moved to London from Minsk in 1890.

When: 15 June – 31 August
Where: Savicki Art Gallery, 15 Svobody Square, Minsk

Classic Music at the Town Hall with velcom | A1

This year the festival Classic Music at the Town Hall with velcom | A1 celebrates the 5th anniversary. The event has expanded its reach. In July concerts were held not only in Minsk but also in three regional cities: Grodno, Gomel, and Brest. The August playbill is no less intriguing. On four Saturday evenings Minsk will hear the world masterpieces performed by big-name bands as part of the festival near the Minsk Town Hall in Svobody Square in Minsk.

When:
3 August -  Sonorus Music Capella
10 August – Saxon wind orchestra (Estonia)
17 August - State Chamber Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus
31 August - President’s Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus

Where: Upper Town, Minsk

Art Zhyzhal Ceramic Plein Air

Art Zhyzhal Ceramic Plein Air will be held for the 16th time under the motto “Art is the World of Self-Expression”. The open-air event on the picturesque bank of the Berezina will draw ceramics artists from eight countries: Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Egypt, Turkey and Brazil. The program includes both individual work and collective effort to create a large sculpture, and a real ceramic baking show. The program will include workshops, evenings of national cultures and presentations. The event will wrap up with the exhibition “The Art of Living Fire” in the Bobruisk Art Museum on 6 August.

When: 17 July – 6 August
Where: Verbki recreation center, Bobruisk District

СINEMASCOPE #SHHH

This summer Сinemascope #Shhh invites everyone to enjoy evening outdoor film screenings in the courtyard of the Zair Azgur Memorial Studio Museum, with sound beamed to wireless headphones so as not to disturb the neighbors. The playbill for August includes world blockbusters such as Beyond the Law, Bonnie and Clyde, The City of Lost Children, Blow-Up, Back to the Future, Some Like It Hot, Blue Velvet, Vertigo, and The Shining. All films are screened in the original language with Russian subtitles.

When: 24 July – 6 September, every Tuesday and Friday
Where: courtyard of the Zair Azgur Memorial Studio Museum, Minsk

Vulica Brasil 2019 in Minsk

Vulica Brasil festival is all about giant murals, sculptures, graffiti, micro street art, interaction and fun! After a two-year hiatus Oktyabrskaya Street, a hub of youth creativity, will get new colors during the fifth edition of the festival. This year’s fest will focus on environment and sustainable development themes. The Brazil-Belarus project will welcome artists from other countries for the first time. Their names are still kept in secret, but it is already known that the OSGEMEOS brothers have included Minsk in their world art tour. Brazilian architect Lourenco Jimenez will also continue his cooperation with Vulica Brasil.

When: 29 July – 11 August
Where: Oktyabrskaya Street, Minsk

Knights Fest. Mstislavl 2019

The beauty and unique atmosphere of the ancient city of Mstislavl earned it the name of Belarusian Suzdal. It is also called “a diamond city” thanks to Belarusian writer Vladimir Korotkevich. This year, Mstislavl will once again host a big reenactment festival. Guests of the medieval celebration will witness mass battles, tactical buhurts, archers’ tournaments, military maneuvers, horse tournaments, and knights’ exhibition performances. The festival will culminate in a reenactment of an attack on a castle. The program will also include master classes on folk crafts, dancers’ performances, an evening concert, and a fire show.

When: 2-3 August
Where: Mstislavl, Mogilev Oblast

Bison Race 2019

Extreme obstacle course race Bison Race in Logoisk keeps on going even in the hottest season. In May, only three out of 900 participants managed to complete the race. This time, athletes from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany will attempt to go the five-kilometer distance. The program of the three-day marathon includes night, team, junior, and children’s races, races of elite and senior age groups as well as an open race for everyone willing (aged 16 or over). According to the estimates, this season is going to break the record with over 2,000 people eager to participate!

When: 2-4 August
Where: Logoisk Ski Resort, Minsk District

Linen Merry-Go-Round 2019 Festival

Flax is a symbol and a visiting card of Belarus. Fabrics, shirts, towels, dolls – these are just few examples of items and souvenirs made in Belarus from the so-called “northern silk”. It is no wonder that this national treasure has its own festival. This year’s program includes a wide range of events: music performances, arts and crafts exhibitions and workshops, an open-air exhibition dedicated to linen, themed zones, a linen parade and a fashion show, tastings of flax treats. The main character of the festival is Klyusymka, a mythological field spirit.

When: 3 August
Where: Korma, Gomel Oblast

Rock za Bobrov Festival

Rock za Bobrov is one of the biggest music events of Belarus. Founded over ten years ago, it continues to gain steam. The festival is among the best music festivals in Eastern Europe, and the number of its fans speaks for itself. Last year the so-called “Belarusian Woodstock” drew over 45,000 people and the organizers claim they can do even better! This year, the festival will bring together Basta, Mumiy Troll, Dai Darohu!, Lisa Monetochka, Petlya Pristrasiya, Lyapis-98, Dlina Volny, Panska Moc, Bakei, and others. The host of the festival will be famous journalist and video blogger Yury Dud.

When: 3 August
Where: Borovaya airfield, Minsk

Motol Treats Cuisine Festival

The famous festival Motol Treats (Motalskiya Prysmaki) celebrating cooking traditions of the Polesye region will gather friends again. The first festival day will include shopping and exhibition areas of folk crafts, tastings of national Belarusian dishes, local treats and unusual recipes from Motol cooks: potato ‘hearts’, bunches of vegetables, and homemade cheeses. The festival will kick off with a costume procession featuring people dressed as historical personalities and artists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Macedonia, Czechia, Georgia, Turkey, and African countries. The festival will also feature various regional rites, a fashion show and a beauty pageant, a ball at Bona Sforza’s, Princess of Milan, Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania, herself, and a music battle.

When: 10-11 August
Where: Motol, Ivanovo District, Brest Oblast

A-FEST 2019 in Loshitsa Park

The large-scale summer picnic A-Fest in Loshitsa Park has already become a tradition. Last year it drew around 150,000 people, including music lovers of all ages, couples, and families. The fourth open-air festival will certainly surprise its visitors with new events and good music. The line-up includes the Ukrainian band Boombox, French-speaking rapper K-Maro, the Belarusian band Nizkiz, the funk band Groove Dealers from Minsk, singer PALINA, the Eurovision-2017 participants from Ukraine – the band O.Torbald, and the band Plumbum.

When: 10 August
Where: Loshitsa Park, Minsk

World opera and operetta masterpieces in the Upper Town

Singers from the leading Belarusian theaters will perform wonderful songs in the Upper Town Concert Hall. The talented duo of Belarus’ Bolshoi Theater artist Vasily Mingalyov and Belarus’ State Music Theater soloist Margarita Aleksandrovich  will perform a collection of opera and operetta peieces accompanied by Yulia Shcherbakova. The concert will feature arias and duets from Giuseppe Verdi’s Traviata, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Imre Kalman’s Mariza, Die Bajadere, and Silva, Franz Lehar’s the Land of Smiles, and others.

When: 15 August
Where: Upper Town Concert Hall, Minsk

Visiting Tsmok in Lepel

One of the most mysterious characters in Belarusian mythology – dragon, or tsmok, described in the works of famous Belarusian writer Vladimir Korotkevich – has become the main symbol of Lepel. Several years ago, the city erected a monument to the dragon by Lepel Lake where, according to the legend, the creature lives up till now. Every year “Visiting Tsmok in Lepel” draws hundreds of buffs of Belarusian history and culture. The program of the festival will include original artists’ performances from various regions of the country, exhibitions of folk art, fairs, and master classes on traditional crafts.

When: 17 August
Where: Lepel, Vitebsk Oblast

Way of the Vikings festival

“Way of the Vikings” will bring together  fans of the Middle Ages in the Sula interactive history park and museum for the fourth time. Visitors will witness a reenactment of events related to the history of the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. Centuries ago, the trade route crossed Belarusian lands to connect Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire. The program will include mass fights, tournaments, and single combats between vikings. Artisans will put on display household items, weapons, and armor of warriors. Guests will also enjoy live music, dance master classes, fencing and archery lessons as well as medieval games and entertainment.

When: 18 August
Where: interactive history park and museum Sula, village of Sula, Minsk Oblast

2019 IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships in Raubichi

One of the biggest sport facilities in the country – National Winter Olympic Training Center Raubichi – successfully hosted the 2015 IBU Youth/Junior World Championships and the 2019 IBU Open European Championships. Raubichi will once again capture attention of biathlon fans in August when it will host the 2019 IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships. Taking part in the event will be leading athletes from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, China, and Mongolia. The championships will bring together adult as well as junior athletes. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 23 August (9h00). Qualifying events and the finals in the super sprint (men, women, junior men, junior women) will also take place on 23 August. The program of the 2nd day (24 August) will include sprint events. The championships will wrap up with the most spectacular races – pursuits – and a closing ceremony (18h30).

When: 23-25 August
Where: National Winter Olympic Training Center Raubichi

St. Anna’s Fair 2019 in Zelva

One of the biggest fairs of the 18th-century Europe – St. Anna’s Fair - has been revived as a colorful festival and brings together hundreds of spectators in the Belarusian town of Zelva. Centuries ago, the fair drew merchants from the whole world who wanted to buy purebred horses. Duke Aleksander Sapieha who put around 1,000 horses from his stables on sale every year started the tradition to hold a fair in Zelva. Nowadays, the horses are also part of the fair: guests of the festival can enjoy horse riding, rides in carts or wagons.

When: 23-24 August
Where: Zelva, Grodno Oblast

Augustow Canal in the Culture of Three Nations

Augustow Canal is a unique engineering structure and a tourist attraction of Grodno Oblast. It will once again bring together artists from three neighboring countries – Belarus, Poland, and Lithuania. This year’s folk art festival will celebrate the 180th anniversary of the canal. Its program will include various events: a battle of bayan players and ‘whatsoever” players, “hay games”, “a non-virtual farm”, and other events. Guests will be able to participate in an extreme race, the 18th and 180th participants of which will get presents.

When: 24 August
Where: Dombrovka Sluice, Augustow Canal, Grodno Oblast

‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Minsk Classic Orchestra

The famous orchestra Minsk Classic under the baton of Maksim Rossokha will stage a true ‘animal carnival’. The musicians have chosen a topic popular among composers from all over the world. Suffice it to mention Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Little Swans, Haydn’s Minuet of the Bull, Chopin’s Waltz of a Little Dog, Strauss’ Cuckoo Polka, Rossini's Cat Duet, and others. Apart from these pieces the orchestra will perform The Carnival of the Animals by French composer Camille Saint-Saens.

When: 26 August
Where: Upper Town Concert Hall, Minsk

Concert Tribute to Ennio Morricone & Nino Rota in Minsk

Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota are two music geniuses whose music touches people’s hearts and make film fans watch their favorite films again and again. “The Godfather”, “Romeo and Juliette”, “Once Upon a Time in America”, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” are only few of the films with the soundtracks by these two composers. Honored Collective of the Republic of Belarus Musical Cappella Sonorus will take to stage with its famous program again and give Belarusian spectators a chance to get closer to the legacy of these Italian composers. The orchestra will perform under the baton of laureate of international contests Murad Assuil.

When: 27 August
Where: Upper Town Concert Hall, Minsk