Ivan Kupala 2026 in Kyiv: where to go for the festival
In 2026, Ivan Kupala will be celebrated on the night of 23–24 June. Following the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s switch to the New Julian calendar, the feast day of St John the Baptist falls on 24 June, which is why Kupala traditions are increasingly being linked to this date.
The festival combines ancient folk rituals, Ukrainian folklore and the symbolism of the summer solstice. Among the best-known traditions are wreath-making, singing, dancing, bonfires and the legend of the fern flower.
Celebrations in Kyiv and the Kyiv region
On 20–21 June, the village of Vytachiv in the Kyiv region will host a two-day Kupala celebration featuring folk songs, dancing, wreath-weaving and traditional rituals. Admission is free.
On 20 June, the ‘TantsKultura’ event, dedicated to traditional Ukrainian music and dance, will take place at the VDNG in the KIT pavilion. The programme includes live music, folk dances and an introduction to cultural heritage. Tickets cost between 200 and 800 hryvnias.
On 20 June, the ‘Kultmotiv’ venue will host the ‘Zagrava’ cultural and music festival. The organisers have announced concerts, dance workshops and performances by bands. Tickets cost 1,300 hryvnias.
On 20–21 June, the Esoteric Fest will also take place at the VDNG. The programme will combine live music, a fair, workshops, lectures and charitable activities. Tickets cost between 300 and 500 hryvnias.
Events on 21 June
On 21 June, the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine in Pirogovo will host ‘Kupala at the Open-Air Museum’. The programme includes workshops, a fair, folk performances and re-enactments of traditional rituals. Admission costs 200 hryvnias.
On the same day, there will be a lecture entitled ‘Erotic Folklore: Nymphs, Vampires and Ivan Kupala’. It will focus on Ukrainian demonology, folk beliefs and the traditions of Kupala Night. Participation is by voluntary donation.
Events on 23 June
On 23 June, Mama Manana will host a workshop on weaving Kupala wreaths. Participants will be taught how to make traditional wreaths for the festival. The cost of participation is 1,500 hryvnias.
On the same day, ‘Kupaila’ will take place in Mamayeva Sloboda. The programme includes a fair, performances by folk groups and evening festivities. Tickets cost 500 hryvnias for adults and 100 hryvnias for children.
Also on 23 June, the “Find Yourself” event is scheduled, where Kupala traditions will be combined with yoga, ethnic music, brunch and self-discovery activities. The ticket price is 900 hryvnias.
On 23 June, Pepper’s Club will host a themed concert by the band FOLKULAKA, entitled “Kupala with Folkulaka”. According to Concert.ua, the concert will begin at 19:00. Tickets start from 390 hryvnias.
Events at the end of June
On 27 June, Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv will host celebrations for Ivan Kupala, featuring wreath-making, folk traditions and an evening by the bonfire. Admission is a donation of 200 hryvnias.
On 28 June, the “Ukrainian Village” ethno-complex in Buzova will host a folklore programme featuring the band “YasnoKrasno”. Admission is free.
Also on 28 June, students from the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute are organising an Ivan Kupala celebration featuring a treasure hunt, workshops, wreath-making and traditional gatherings around the bonfire. Participation is by donation.
What to bear in mind before visiting
Organisers of individual events may change the time, programme or conditions of participation, so it’s worth checking the information on the specific event’s page before you go.
For open-air events, you should also take into account the weather, transport to the venue and any possible safety restrictions.
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