Kyiv Day 2026: when it’s celebrated and where to go in the capital
Kyiv Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday in May.
In 2026, the holiday falls on 31 May.
Festive events usually last throughout the weekend, so the main events for Kyiv Day 2026 are scheduled for 30 and 31 May.
How old will Kyiv be in 2026?
In 2026, Kyiv will officially be 1,544 years old.
This is the age of the capital used at an official level following the celebration of the city’s 1,500th anniversary in 1982.
Therefore, in 2026, Kyiv will celebrate its 1,544th anniversary.
Where to go on Kyiv Day
Due to martial law, large-scale celebrations may take place on a more subdued scale.
At the same time, the capital is traditionally planning cultural events, tours, fairs, concerts, charity and family events.
“Vsi Svoi” Market
On 30 and 31 May, Kyiv will host the popular “Vsi Svoi” market featuring Ukrainian brands.
Visitors will be welcomed by local producers of clothing, accessories, home décor, cosmetics and household goods.
The organisers are promoting the market as an opportunity to support Ukrainian brands and find items for the summer.
Charity “Run Under the Chestnut Trees”
Another traditional event to mark Kyiv Day will be the charity “Run Under the Chestnut Trees”.
In 2026, the event will once again be held online for safety reasons.
Participants from Ukraine and abroad will be able to take part.
To take part, you need to register, pay a charitable contribution of 400 UAH and download or collect your race number.
On 31 May, participants will be able to run or walk the traditional 5 km route and share photos or videos on social media using the hashtags #probig2026 and #runningforlittlehearts.
According to the organisers, last year the event raised around 2 million UAH for equipment for the Centre for Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.
Guided tour of St. Sophia Cathedral
On 30 May at 12:00, a themed tour will take place at St. Sophia Cathedral, dedicated to the history and secrets of one of Kyiv’s most famous landmarks.
During the tour, visitors will learn how Byzantine mosaics and frescoes were created, why the 19th-century restoration of the frescoes is described as barbaric, what mysteries ancient graffiti conceal, and how the church’s murals encode Kyiv’s connection with Constantinople.
The tour will also touch upon the secrets of the princely burials.
The organisers note that this will be a tour not only about historical facts, but also about the symbols and meanings hidden within the ancient church.
Festival at the Ivan Honchar Museum
On 30 and 31 May, the Ivan Honchar Museum will host a folk art fair and a special programme for the “Kobzar Trinity 2026” festival.
Visitors can look forward to workshops, communal singing, a fair featuring ceramics, woodwork, wicker and straw crafts, traditional clothing, jewellery, ethnic accessories, folk music, dancing and a children’s programme.
The events will take place from 11:00 to 19:00 at 19 Lavrska Street.
Ticket price: 100 UAH.
Admission will be free for children under 16, veterans and military personnel.
Will there be concerts for Kyiv Day?
In previous years, large concerts, sporting events and festivals were held in the capital to mark City Day.
In 2026, due to martial law, the format of the celebrations may be more subdued.
Therefore, it is worth keeping an eye on updates to the programme closer to the holiday weekend and checking information on the official websites of the organisers and the city.
Kyiv Day remains one of the main symbols of love for the capital, its history and the people who bring the city to life every day.
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