Press releases
Belarus Events Calendar: APRIL 2026
Armor exhibition at Nesvizh Palace
Throughout the year, visitors to Nesvizh Palace can immerse themselves in the world of ceremonial and hunting weapons. Outstanding examples of officers' dress weapons (daggers, rapiers, shashkas, sabers), coat swords and departmental swords, Masonic ritual swords, and exotic weapons from various countries… These valuable artifacts have been collected and provided by private collector Anatoly Grishuk.
As the owner noted, his interest in the history of weapons first emerged when he found a 1932-model uhlan saber that had belonged to his father. His grandfather served in the Imperial Army and was on the security detail of Nicholas II when the monarch visited our region for military maneuvers in 1892. The exhibition also explores the culture of hunting, where weapons are not only objects of art but also symbols of power and instruments for demonstrating mastery over nature.
A real draw of the exhibition is an installation of a rider on a horse clad in the shining armor of a Winged Hussar of the Grand Duchy of Litva (Lithuania). Guests will also have the opportunity to try on medieval armor, experience its weight, and take photos alongside a figure of Nicholas Radziwill nicknamed the Orphan.
When: 31 October 2025 – 31 October 2026
Where: National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh, 2 Zamkovaya Street, Nesvizh, Minsk Oblast
Forgotten Art of Correspondence exhibition in Grodno
For the first time, visitors to the Grodno Historical and Archaeological Museum will have the opportunity to glimpse into the letters of historical figures from Belarus from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The exhibition features the official correspondence of King Stephen Báthory, the private correspondence of Kossovo Palace owner Wandalin Puslovsky (also spelled as Puslowski) and his daughter Marta Krasinska, historian and local lore expert Alexander Yelsky and Eliza Orzeszkowa, a writer from Grodno. A special section is dedicated to letters from the Great Patriotic War period and correspondence of Belarusian writers Yakub Kolas, Vasil Bykov, Mikhas Vasilek, and Aleksei Karpyuk. The exhibition is complemented by various writing instruments, including inkwells, ink bottles, fountain pens, pen boxes, pencils, a paper tray, and paperweights…
When: From November 20
Where: Grodno Historical and Archaeological Museum, 20 Zamkovaya Street, Grodno
‘Journey Through Time’ tour at Mir Castle
Mir Castle, the tourist gem of Belarus, an outstanding 16th-century defensive structure, can now be explored in small and family groups on the “Journey Through Time” tour. Guests will immerse themselves in the past of the famous Radziwiłł and Sviatopolk-Mirsky residence (now a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site) through dialogues with the builders who preserved its 500-year-old walls, as well as with the kitchen master and cook, who reveal the secrets of preparing sweets for the castle's former owners. Sounds and voices from the past will help guests delve into the world of music through forgotten melodies, learn to distinguish instruments such as duda, lute, viola da gamba, and spinet by their sounds, and master the medieval dance Marazulya.
When: Starting 23 January (every Monday and Friday)
Where: Mir Castle, Mir town, Karelichi District, Grodno Obalst
Exhibition ‘In Search of What Time Has Lost’ at Oshmyany Local History Museum
Unique historical artifacts discovered by archaeologists during nearly 20 years of excavations at the Golshany Archaeological Complex (including a settlement from the 11th-16th centuries, three other settlements, and a number of burial mounds) are presented to the general public for the first time. Mongolian arrows from the mid-13th century, Byzantine amphorae, glass bracelets and belt overlays from the 10th-11th centuries… Nearly 600 exhibits in total! will tell visitors to the Oshmyany Local History Museum about the history of Golshany and the entire region from the 5th to the 19th centuries. A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to the Patriotic War of 1812: here you can see evidence of battles in the vicinity of Golshany including bullets, shako covers, buttons from the French and Russian armies, shrapnel...
When: 3 February – 15 May
Where: Oshmyany Local History Museum, 108 Sovietskaya Street, Oshmyany, Grodno Oblast
New show at the Belarusian State Circus
The Belarusian State Circus presents a new show, “The Magic of Extreme”, dedicated to meticulous craftsmanship and conquering speed, the beauty of maneuver, and the adrenaline of a successful acrobatic stunt. Audiences can expect the breathtaking “Moto Ball”, an adaptation of the Globe of Death invented by legendary motorbike racer Piotr Mayatskyand the Wheel of Death act where performers execute stunts inside a giant wheel rotating in the arena. The program will also feature acrobats on perch poles, a strength athlete, aerial gymnasts and acrobats, a clown and trained dogs.
When: 6 February – 10 May
Where: Belarusian State Circus, 32 Nezalezhnosti Avenue, Minsk
Exhibition ‘To Feel’ at Mikhail Savitsky Gallery in Minsk
Paintings and graphic works by Belarusian artists from the second half of the 20th to the early 21st centuries, part of one of the largest corporate collections in the country, built up over 30 years, have been presented to the public for the first time. The exhibition brings together acclaimed masters of the Soviet period alongside artists who radically transformed Belarus' art space in the 1980s and 1990s. While the masters explore questions of life choices and what shapes a person from within, contemporary artists reflect on personal transformation, the search for identity, and memory. Among the artists featured in the exhibition are Mikhail Savitsky, Anatoly Baranovsky, Mai Dantsig, Alexander Kishchenko, Vladimir Tovstik, Vitaly Tsvirko, Leonid Shchemelev, as well as Zoya Litvinova, Nikolai Seleshchuk, Georgy Skripnichenko, Vasily Sumarev, Valery Shkarubo…
When: 6 March – 5 April
Where: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, 15 Svobody Square, Minsk
Orthodox Easter Festival ‘Radost’ [Joy] in Minsk
In anticipation of the great feast of the Holy Resurrection of Christ (12 April), the Belarusian capital will host the Easter festival “Radost” [Joy] bringing together around 40 monasteries and churches from Belarus, Russia, Serbia, Greece, Syria, Moldova, and Palestine. Among the newcomers is the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. At the exhibition-fair, visitors will be able to purchase icons, books, herbal teas, oils, church utensils, and artisan goods. The traditional charitable crafts fair “Dobrodel” (30 March – 5 April) will be co-located with the festival. Attendees can look forward to a rich program featuring concerts, puppet shows, theatrical performances, film screenings, quests, and other family-friendly activities. Among the invited guests is writer, publicist, and public figure Andrei Afanasyev (Kostroma, Russia). There will also be meetings with clergy, including Archpriest Andrei Lemeshonok, Nun Maria (Litvinova), and Abbess Hegumenia (Matyash).
When: 25 March – 5 April
Where: Ark (Kovcheg) Cultural and Spiritual Education Center, 164 Dolginovsky Trakt, Minsk
Concert ‘Maestro’ marking the 90th anniversary of Raimonds Pauls in Minsk
As part of the 19th artistic project “Hits for All Time”, the Mikhail Finberg National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus will present the concert program “Maestro” in honor of the 90th anniversary of the outstanding composer, conductor, and pianist, People's Artist of the USSR Raimonds Pauls. The evening will be a musical tribute to the author of legendary pop pieces that have remained beloved by audiences for decades. The orchestra's soloists Honored Artists of Belarus Natalya Tamelo and Dmitry Kocherovsky will perform famous compositions such as “Yellow Leaves”, “Vernissage”, “Old Clock”, “Charlie”, “Without Me, My Beloved”, “Cabaret” and other pieces that have become true classics of Soviet music.
When: 1 April
Where: Central Officers’ House, 3 Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, Minsk
Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia
The main holiday of the Union State of Belarus and Russia is celebrated on 2 April. On this day exactly 30 years ago, in 1996, the countries signed the Treaty on the Community of Belarus and Russia, and in 1997, the Treaty on the Union Ste of Belarus and Russia, which laid the foundation for the integration of the two states and the preservation and strengthening of their spiritual unity. The program of festive events includes gala concerts, veteran gatherings, art and literary exhibitions, themed evenings and photo exhibitions, school lessons dedicated to shared history, cultural traditions, and the cooperation between the countries, and also teleconferences involving youth and civil society representatives.
Starting 1 April, the Belarusian State Academic Musical Theater will host the Week of Russian Classics project. Theater companies from Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Kursk, Buinsk (Republic of Tatarstan), and Dzerzhinsk will bring to Minsk performances based on the works of Pushkin, Ostrovsky, Bulgakov, and Chekhov. The lineup includes “The Captain's Daughter”, “The Queen of Spades”, “A Profitable Position”, “Zoyka's Apartment”, “The Cherry Orchard” and “An Evening of Chekhov: The Bear. Thoughts in My Head”.
The festive marathon will continue with the Days of the Russian Museum at the National Art Museum of Belarus, the highlight of which will be an exhibition of a single painting from the renowned collection – The Walk by the outstanding 20th-century avant-garde artist Marc Chagall. In 2027, the world will mark the 140th anniversary of the birth of the artist, a native of Vitebsk.
When: 2 April
Where: Galleries, concert halls, and cinemas across Belarus
5th National Choreographic Arts Competition ‘Time to Dance’
The final of the fifth National Choreographic Arts Competition “Time to Dance” will bring together talents from different regions of the country and abroad in five categories: classical, pop, ballroom, contemporary, and folk dance. This year, the festival will also embrace the main theme of 2026: a special prize will be awarded to participants “For Embodying the Image of the Belarusian Woman in Dance”. In addition to the Grand Prix, the anniversary season will feature prizes in each category. The competition will also present its well-established awards: “For Preserving and Developing Folk Dance” and “For Best Choreographic Work”.
When: 4 April
Where: Minsk Concert Hall, 5 Oktyabrskaya Street, Minsk
‘Day of Resurrection’: Concert by Sonorus Music Chapel in Minsk
The Honored Ensemble of Belarus Sonorus under the baton of conductor Vyacheslav Larin will present a new program “Day of Resurrection” featuring soloists of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus Maria Galkina, Ruslan Maspanov, and Irina Poleshchuk. Around fifty performers. musicians and choir, together with the invited stars of the country's main theater will perform three pieces: Theme and Variations by Alexander Glazunov, excerpts from the oratorio St. Matthew Passion by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), and a masterpiece of the Baroque era - Johann Sebastian Bach's Easter Oratorio.
When: 5 April, 18.00
Where: Ark (Kovcheg) Cultural and Spiritual Education Center, 164 Dolginovsky Trakt, Minsk
International Festival of Ancient and Contemporary Chamber Music in Polotsk
The 38th International Festival of Ancient and Contemporary Chamber Music will bring together the finest soloists and ensembles from different generations and countries. The festival’s program features five concerts. The forum will open on 5 April with a memorial evening dedicated to the 270th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: the Europe Center Chamber Orchestra will perform works by the great Austrian composer and virtuoso musician.
The G. Shirma State Academic Choral Chapel of the Republic of Belarus will present a program titled “At the Crossroads of Centuries” on 14 April, commemorating the anniversaries of masters of choral classics. On 19 April the Dialogue Through the Centuries will bring together compositions by great composers, performed by Kseniya Pogorelaya, organist of the St. Sophia Cathedral concert hall, and violinists Viktoria Babenko and Tatyana Marinenok.
The festival marathon continues with Fantasy for a Gentleman, performed by guitarist Pavel Kukhta and organist Viktor Kisten. The musical celebration under the arches of Polotsk’s St. Sophia Cathedral will conclude with a concert by young soloists - laureates and scholarship recipients of foundations, students of secondary specialized and higher educational institutions of Belarus and Russia - who will perform on 28 April, accompanied by the Sonorus music chapel.
When: 5–28 April
Where: St. Sophia Cathedral, Polotsk, Vitebsk Oblast
Big Tourism Week 2026 in Minsk
For the first time, the Big Tourism Week will bring together experts, investors, business representatives, and media in Minsk, turning the Belarusian capital into a center for international discussion on the future of tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy. The large-scale project will feature international forums, exhibitions, a gastronomic awards ceremony, and a business networking session. The program includes:
6 April – The second International Restaurant Awards WHERETOEAT BELARUS ceremony, where the 50 best restaurants in the country will be announced.
7-8 April – The IV Belarusian-Russian Tourism Congress, an annual platform for dialogue between representatives of the tourism industry, ministries, and regional administrations of the two countries to address pressing issues in the tourism sector.
7-9 April – The International Exhibition-Conference Expo Horeca Minsk 2026.
7-9 April – The International Tourism Forum TRAVEL HUB Commonwealth, which will bring together representatives of government bodies, tour operators, and associations from CIS countries.
9-11 April – The 28th International Exhibition-Fair of Tourism Services Leisure 2026.
When: 6–11 April
Where: Minsk Marriott Hotel, Falcon Club Arena, Minsk International Exhibition Center, Minsk
International exhibition of tourism services Leisure in Minsk
The international exhibition is Belarus’ largest in the Tourism and Leisure category, as well as a business platform for industry representatives, specialized organizations, regions, and foreign partners showcasing products and services on the Belarusian market. Participants and visitors have the opportunity to meet with representatives of global tourism associations, industry regulators, find new clients and partners, and learn about industry trends through the business program events. For travel enthusiasts, it is an excellent opportunity to explore current offerings from travel agencies, obtain information about routes and vacation destinations, and choose travel options for the upcoming season.
When: 9–11 April
Where: Minsk International Exhibition Center, 24 Pavlina Medyolka Street, Minsk
Spring ritual round dance Strylka
The spring ritual Strylka, preserved in the Polesian village of Bezdezh and inscribed on the list of Belarus’ historical and cultural heritage sites, takes its name from its resemblance to a bowstring. It is a round dance symbolizing the end of Great Lent and the arrival of the long-awaited spring, which is why it is held to coincide with one of the main holidays of the Orthodox calendar, Easter. Only women and girls take part in the ritual, dressed, of course, in beautiful traditional costumes and the famous Bezdezh aprons. The elders “lead” the song and guide the round dance, while in the center are the “little grains” – girls aged 4 to 14, who form groups of three and symbolize the future harvest. The circular movement of the round dance also evokes the swift passage of time and the invisible connection to departed ancestors.
When: 12 April (Easter Sunday)
Where: Bezdezh village, Drogichin District, Brest Oblast
Easter rite Walking the Sula
Walking the Sula folk rite is held on the second day after Christ’s Resurrection in two villages of Gomel District – Gadichevo and Markovichi. Sula is a festive procession of local residents dedicated to welcoming spring and looking ahead to the summer season. According to traditional beliefs, the rite ensures a bountiful harvest and provides protection from illnesses and natural elements, particularly lightning strikes. Its participants, women and young girls set out for the fields after the service at St Catherine’s Church in the village of Gadichevo, where they perform round dances that “summon” fertility to the land. Afterwards, singing ritual songs, they move to Markovichi, where the rite concludes with village festivities and Easter treats.
When: 13 April (Easter Monday)
Where: Gadichevo village and Markovichi village, Gomel District
Pisanka Festival in Sopotskin
The urban settlement of Sopotskin, located near the Augustow Canal, is renowned for its Easter traditions and, above all, for its unique egg-painting technique, characteristic of this region alone. Pisanki, symbolizing new life and resurrection, are traditionally created using special natural dyes and a distinctive wax technique for applying ornamentation. They serve as protective talismans and festive gifts. It is worth noting that visitors to this distinctive festival can learn about the history and variety of Easter eggs at the Pisanka Museum, which features over 2,000 exhibits – both authentic works by local artisans and those created using other original techniques and from various materials such as crystal, porcelain, and ceramics.
When: 18 April
Where: Pisanka Museum, Sopotskin Cultural and Tourism Center, 17 Grodnenskaya Street, Sopotskin, Grodno District
“White Elephant” historical quest at Mir Castle
For over a century, Mir Castle has guarded the legend of the White Elephant – a story waiting to be discovered by visitors to one of Belarus’ most beautiful landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To successfully complete the challenges set by the castle’s guardian, participants must demonstrate logic, ingenuity, and knowledge of Belarusian history. The quest takes place once every few months and is designed for groups of 15 to 50 people, as well as individual teams of 2 to 5 players.
When: 18 April, 15:30
Where: Mir Castle, 2 Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, Mir urban settlement, Korelichi District, Grodno Oblast
“SACRUM AVE MARIA” Easter concert in Nesvizh
This festive Easter concert will bring together three musical “elements” – organ, viola, and soprano. Lovers of timeless classics will enjoy the majestic sounds of works by Dieterich Buxtehude, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Gottfried Walther, Georg Friedrich Händel, and Astor Piazzolla, performed by organist Yekaterina Ivanova of the Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic, instrumentalist Veronika Krent of the Brest Regional Philharmonic, and soprano Lyudmila Karpuk. Guests will experience multiple interpretations of the “Ave Maria” text, which has inspired extraordinary melodies from such renowned composers as Ferenc Liszt, Camille Saint-Saëns, Franz Schubert, César Franck, Charles Gounod, Pietro Mascagni, and many others.
When: 19 April, 14:00
Where: Farny Church, 2 Mitskevicha Street, Nesvizh
Art-Minsk 2026 festival
The largest exhibition project, Art-Minsk, is opening a new season, showcasing works by contemporary Belarusian artists. The main goals of this large-scale event are to enhance the city’s cultural landscape and showcase the latest trends shaping the art world today. Year after year, the festival draws growing interest from both artists and audiences. Last season saw a record number of applications – over 1,300! – from which an expert jury selected 550 works by artists from various cities. Visitors can not only purchase exhibits (90% of which are available on the Artcenter.by online platform) but also support artists through voting.
When: 24 April – 7 June
Where: Palace of Arts, 3 Kozlova Street, Minsk
Belarus Open Bodybuilding and Fitness Cup in Grodno
The Belarus Open Bodybuilding and Fitness Cup is one of the country’s premier events in the world of sports and physical aesthetics. The 39th edition of the tournament will bring together about 200 athletes from Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Iran, Syria, and Sri Lanka. Among the participants are winners and medalists of European and World championships, as well as competitors from international events. Spectators can look forward to a full day of competition, from morning qualifiers to the final show: with a single ticket, everyone can enjoy the program’s events and immerse themselves in the championship atmosphere.
When: 25 April
Where: Grodno Regional Philharmonic, 17 Gornovykh Street, Grodno
“Women Through the Ages” exhibition at Minsk City Hall
Curators of the exhibition at the Minsk City Hall have recreated the image of Belarusian women through everyday objects spanning from ancient times to the mid-20th century. Visitors will discover how women adorned themselves in prehistoric times, what urban and rural women of Belarusian lands looked like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, what fashion trends shaped their appearance, and what household items they used. For the first time, the exhibition features an album from the Mariinsky Girls’ Gymnasium dated 1914, containing photographs of teachers and students taken by I. Metor. The theme is further enriched by exquisite stationery – a French writing set from the late 19th century, a Nevers faience inkwell – as well as object installations featuring products from Minsk enterprises, household appliances, manicure sets, perfumes, fashion magazines, and more.
When: Until 26 April
Where: Minsk City Hall, 2a Svobody Square
RICCARDO FORESI in Belarus
Italian singer, trumpeter, composer, and music producer Riccardo Foresi has been in love with music since the age of six. Belarus captured his heart in July 2023, when he performed at the stage near the Minsk City Hall as part of the “Friendship Without Borders: Belarus – Italy” project. It was then that the maestro expressed his surprise at “how much the Belarusian people love Italian music and culture” and promised to “return to Belarus and perform in every city.” In Minsk and Vitebsk, Riccardo will present his program “Amore Mio,” featuring world-famous hits from various eras, including “'O Sole Mio,” “Susanna,” “Felicità,” “Ci sarà,” “L’Italiano,” “Il Tempo Se Ne Va,” and many more.
When and where:
29 April, 20:00 – Central House of Officers, 3 Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, Minsk
30 April, 19:00 – Vitebsk Concert Hall, 1 Frunze Avenue, Vitebsk
“Music of the Big City: JAZZ” in Minsk
Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to an evening of live swing and powerful sound: legendary standards, virtuoso solos, and original arrangements performed by the Big Band of the National Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus. Organizers promise an incredible atmosphere: Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” will be complemented by the melodic “Cute” by Neal Hefti, the poignant “Lament” by J.J. Johnson, the vibrant “Lisette” by Sammy Nestico, the powerful “Brass Machine” by Mark Taylor, and the timeless “Summertime” by George Gershwin.
When: 29 April
Where: Palace of the Republic, 1 Oktyabrskaya Square, Minsk
Nabucco opera at Bolshoi Theater of Belarus
The most anticipated premiere of the 93rd season at the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus is Nabucco, staged by the renowned Italian director Giancarlo del Monaco, who over his career (he is 82 years old!) has directed more than a hundred operas in the world’s leading theaters and continues to work. The debut of Giuseppe Verdi's opera on Belarus’ main stage took place in 1999, and later, in 2010, Mikhail Pandzhavidze presented his own version. The last time it was heard on the Minsk stage was in 2016. In 2021, a concert stage version opened the Bolshoi Theater Nights in Radziwiłł Castle. One of the most monumental operas by the young Verdi, based on a biblical story, transports the viewer to Jerusalem in 587 BC and tells the tale of a conquering Babylonian king who, through sins and suffering, arrives at true faith. Audiences will have the opportunity to appreciate the relevance of this work, which the Italian composer himself considered the beginning of his creative ascent: after Nabucco, he achieved tremendous success.
When: 30 April, 2 May
Where: National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, 1 Parizhskaya Kommuna Square, Minsk
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