Where to go for Ukraine’s Independence Day in Kyiv: 2026 events
Concerts, festivals, exhibitions, markets, and sporting events happening in Kyiv around Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Ukraine celebrates 35 years of independence on August 24. In Kyiv, the program starts a few days earlier, with concerts, festivals, markets, exhibitions, and sporting events taking place across the city.
The Visit Kyiv team has put together a selection of events happening from August 22 to 24, along with several exhibitions you can visit after the Independence Day weekend.
Contents
August 22–23
BRAVE! FACTORY music festival
BRAVE! FACTORY is an independent music and arts festival taking place this year at the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio.
More than 50 Ukrainian and international artists will perform across six stages. Electronic music remains at the heart of the festival, but this year’s program also includes more live performances and a dedicated art program. International artists include Mezerg, DJ Masda, Sweely, Heavenphetamine, and others.
- When: August 22–23
- Where: Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio
- Price: UAH 4,500 for a two-day pass; UAH 3,500 for visitors under 25, subject to the organizers’ conditions; UAH 5,500 at the door.
Vsi. Svoi Independence Market
More than 180 Ukrainian brands will come together for the Vsi. Svoi Independence Market at 12 Desiatynna Street.
You’ll find clothing, footwear, ceramics, textiles, accessories, homeware, and other products by Ukrainian designers and makers.
- When: August 22–23, 10:00–20:00
- Where: 12 Desiatynna Street
- Price: Free admission.
Folk Art Fair at the Ivan Honchar Museum
On August 22 and 23, the Ivan Honchar Museum will host a folk art fair.
The fair is a chance to see work by Ukrainian artisans and get a closer look at traditional Ukrainian culture. You can also combine your visit with the museum’s new exhibition, “Ivan’s Ark,” which opened on August 20.
- When: August 22–23
- Where: Ivan Honchar Museum, 19 Lavrska St.
August 23
“To You, Independent Homeland” gala at the National Opera
The National Opera of Ukraine will mark Independence Day with a gala featuring the theatre’s soloists, orchestra, and choir.
The program brings together Ukrainian and international classical music, including Valentyn Sylvestrov’s Elegy of Wartime, works by Ukrainian and European composers, and Mykola Lysenko’s Prayer for Ukraine.
The concert has two parts and is expected to end at around 20:30.
- When: August 23, 18:00
- Where: National Opera of Ukraine
- Price: Varies by seat.
Vyshyvanka Run at VDNG
On August 23, Urban Park at VDNG will host the 13th annual Vyshyvanka Run, held ahead of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day.
The program includes 5 km, 10 km, and 21.1 km races, a 5 km Nordic walking route, and 100 m and 500 m races for children. The event area opens at 07:00, children’s races begin at 08:15, and the main races start at around 09:00.
The event also supports a charitable cause. Part of the registration fees and donations will go towards medical insurance for children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the war.
- When: August 23, from 07:00
- Where: Urban Park, VDNG
- Price: UAH 2,000 for adults; check the current participation fee for children when registering.
Veriovka National Choir Concert at Respublika Park
On August 23, the Hryhorii Veriovka National Honored Academic Ukrainian Folk Choir will perform at Respublika Park.
The concert will also raise funds to support veterans undergoing rehabilitation at the TYTANOVI centre.
- When: August 23, 4:00 p.m.
- Where: Respublika Park, 1 Kiltseva Road
- Admission: free.
Art Breakfast at NĂM and a Guided Walk Through Kyiv
On August 23, contemporary Vietnamese restaurant NĂM will host an art breakfast and guided walk dedicated to Independence Day.
During the walk, participants will visit places connected to Kyiv’s history and the development of Ukrainian identity, while learning more about the city, its culture, and notable figures.
After the walk, the group will return to NĂM for breakfast, served with either a glass of sparkling wine or filter coffee.
- When: August 23, 10:00 a.m.
- Where: NĂM, 48/18 Velyka Vasylkivska St.
- Price: UAH 2,300.
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August 24
Ukrainian Retro with MOVA at the Ivan Honchar Museum
On August 24, Ukrainian retro band MOVA will perform outdoors in the courtyard of the Ivan Honchar Museum.
The programme focuses on Ukrainian music from the 1960s to the 1980s, including “Chervona Ruta,” “Kyive Mii,” “Vodohrai,” “Pisnia Bude Pomizh Nas,” “Zaprosy Mene u Sny,” and other songs.
The concert is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
- When: August 24, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
- Where: Ivan Honchar Museum, 19 Lavrska St.
- Price: UAH 900–1,500.
Ukrainian Hits with GosOrchestra on the Gulliver Terrace
On August 24, Gulliver will host a concert of Ukrainian music performed by GosOrchestra on its outdoor terrace.
The programme features orchestral versions of Ukrainian songs from different generations, from “Kyive Mii” to music by Okean Elzy, Vopli Vidopliassova, Skryabin, and other Ukrainian artists.
The concert will take place on Gulliver’s fifth-floor terrace.
- When: August 24, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
- Where: Gulliver, 1A Sportyvna Square, 5th floor
- Price: from UAH 450.
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Exhibitions to visit in August and September
“Purrfect Ukraine” flower exhibition at Spivoche Pole
The Purrfect Ukraine flower exhibition opens at Spivoche Pole on August 21 as part of the city’s Independence Day program.
Cats are at the centre of the exhibition, with large-scale installations made from tens of thousands of live flowers. The grounds will also feature themed photo spots among the floral displays.
The exhibition runs for almost a month, so you can visit during the Independence Day weekend or come back later.
- When: August 21–September 20, from 10:00
- Where: Spivoche Pole
- Price: UAH 250–350.
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“Ivan’s Ark” at the Ivan Honchar Museum
The Ivan’s Ark exhibition opens at the Ivan Honchar Museum on August 20.
The project explores the legacy of Ivan Honchar, a Ukrainian sculptor, artist, ethnographer, and collector whose private collection later became the foundation of the museum.
The exhibition runs through the autumn, so there’s no need to fit it into the Independence Day weekend itself.
- When: August 20–November 29
- Where: Ivan Honchar Museum National Centre of Folk Culture
“Symbols of Independence” by Ukraїner
On August 23, independent Ukrainian media project Ukraїner will open its “Symbols of Independence” exhibition at Peremoga.
The exhibition features materials gathered during Ukraїner’s expeditions across Ukraine, including photographs, videos, interactive maps, and objects collected while documenting different regions of the country.
It will remain open for a month, so you can visit during the Independence Day weekend or later.
- When: August 23–September 23
- Where: Peremoga
- Admission: free.
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What to know before you go
During martial law, event schedules, timings, or formats may change for safety reasons. Before heading out, check the organizer’s official page for the latest updates and find out what the venue’s procedure is during an air raid alert.
