Press releases
Belarus Events Calendar: AUGUST 2025
Premiere of Black Castle movie based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s novel
The Black Castle is a modern adaptation of Vladimir Korotkevich's historical detective novel ‘The Black Castle of Olshany’. Forty years have passed since its first screen adaptation: a film of the same name by director Mikhail Ptashuk was premiered in 1984. This time, screenwriter Gleb Shprigov and director Kirill Kuzin took on the task of reinterpreting the novel. Even before the official premiere in Minsk, The Black Castle won the Special Jury Prize of the Feature Film Competition and the Special Prize “Cinema without Borders” of the CIS Executive Committee at the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad 2024. According to the plot of the historical drama, young professor Anton Kosmich (Evgeny Shvarts) finds himself in trouble after an ancient gospel belonging to the Olshany family finds its way into his antique store. To save himself and unravel the secrets of the past, he goes to Olshany... The screen adaptation of one of the most famous works of Belarusian literature was attended by Anastasia Krasovskaya, Evgeny Stychkin, Evgeny Shvarts and Vitaly Kishchenko.
When: 12 December 2024 - 2 December 2025
Where: cinemas in Belarusian cities
Exhibition project to celebrate Victory Day in the National Library of Belarus
The exhibition project dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War displays exhibits from 14 museums of the country. It presents the history in reverse chronological order: from the Victory Parade to the beginning of the war. The exhibition presents items of trench art, personal belongings, homemade weapons of partisans, effects of prisoners of concentration camps, homemade books and diaries, medals, archive documents, articles and essays about the exploits on the battlefields. The most striking exhibits include the original entrance ticket to the 1945 Victory Parade, photographs of soldiers near the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate...
When: 27 February - 21 September
Where: National Library of Belarus, 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk.
Exhibition about space at National Center for Contemporary Art
The exhibition dedicated to the International Cosmonautics Day and the space flight of Marina Vasilevskaya (the first one in the history of the sovereign Belarus) is a continuation of the international project “100 Smiles of Gagarin. A Smile for the World” created for the 90th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin. The exposition presents several hundred photographs from 30 countries and works by Belarusian artists themed around space. Among the authors are Galina Vasilieva, Aleksandr Zabavchik, Sergei Krishtapovich, Anatoly Kuznetsov, Leonid Khobotov...
When: 12 April - 21 September
Where: National Center for Contemporary Art, 3 Nekrasova Street, Minsk.
Exhibition celebrating People's Artist of Belarus and USSR Stefaniya Stanyuta
The exhibition dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the People's Artist of Belarus and the USSR Stefaniya Stanyuta explores her life and artistic career. The exhibition features photos, texts of roles, manuscripts, drawings, correspondence with the family and friends, critics' and admirers' reviews, documents. Visitors to the museum can see photos of the outstanding artist with her son Aleksandr, a writer, who dedicated a book to her, the documents related to the Second Belarusian Drama Theater in Vitebsk where many Belarusian artists started their careers after training with the great masters in Moscow in the 1920s. Hsving completed the training in the studio of the Moscow Art Theater in 1931, Stefaniya Stanyuta joined the First Drama Theater (now – Kupalovsky theater) where she served for 70 years, starring in about 200 roles and becoming a true legend!
When: from 13 May 2025
Where: Belarusian State Archives Museum of Literature and Art, 4 Cyril and Methodius Street, Minsk
Summer music and tourism season in Minsk
The summer music and tourism season kicked off on 24 May spanning the Upper Town, Trinity Suburb and Rakov Suburb, the historical center of Minsk, and will last until September. The events of the coming months will be build around the theme “We are united by the blessed memory” to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The much-loved Classics at the Town Hall project will feature the pieces by the great composers who have earned a place in the musical culture Hall of Fame. Classical music enthusiasts can look forward to two special events this August: Familiar Melodies, a nostalgic concert by the Iosif Zhinovich Belarusian National Academic Folk Orchestra on 2 August and Musicians Joke concert by the Tatyana Starchenko Music Lounge on 9 August.
The Belarusians of the World music project will feature two August performances: Concerts by the Belarusian State Chamber Orchestra and the Mikhail Finberg National Academic Concert Orchestra on 16 and 23 August. A special crossover series "Classic Meets Rock" will present the joint performances by the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Belarusian Armed Forces and the Belarusian TV and Radio Symphony Orchestra on 30 August and 6 September. The summer music season in the Upper Town will culminate with the Music of Our Beloved City program performed by the Presidential Orchestra of Belarus on 13 September.
When: 24 May - 13 September
Where: historical downtown of Minsk, Town Hall
ARS MAGNA ORGANI 2025 festival
The ARS MAGNA ORGANI 2025 festival [The Great Art of Organ] is held for the fifth time. The new season will feature 68 concerts to be performed on five historical organs of Belarus, one modern and one electric organ. The first concert and the grand opening took place in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pinsk, the place of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Pinsk Diocese. Here you can hear the second most historically significant organ in Belarus that has been recently renovated. Every week for the next three months the best musicians from Belarus, Russia, and Hungary will perform concerts in Catholic churches of Brest Oblast and Grodno Oblast.
When: 25 May - 28 September
Where: Pinsk, Medvedichi, Ruzhany, Logishin, Ivanovo, Novogrudok, Ivye
Belarusian circus on regional tour
The Belarusian Circus kicked-started the summer season with the new program "BRAVO, Circus!" in Grodno. It will travel around the cities of the western regions of the country. The show will feature equilibrists, acrobats on a trampoline, a strongman who can lift weights with his teeth and bend nails, a gymnast with hula hoops and, of course, clowns!
Where, when:
Brest: 21 June – 20 July
Pinsk: 26 July –10 August
Baranovichi: 16 – 24 August
Lida: 30 August –7 September
Cultural and tourist project in Lida
Every weekend Lida hosts the Castle Road cultural and tourist project. The venue is the pedestrian street Zamkovaya and the courtyard of Lida Castle in Lida. Every weekend of the summer season 2025 the town will hold festivals, concerts, exhibitions, craft fairs, children's programs. The cultural and tourist project kicked off with a large-scale festival of fire and light in early June. A lot of interesting things are ahead!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00
Where: Lida Castle, 1 Zamkovaya Street, Lida
More
Vulitsa Ezha: Summer Season 2025 in Minsk
Vulitsa Ezha 2025 is the 28th summer festival held over the past ten years. This year it will present three festivals. The program of the festival 2025 offers a diverse array of entertainment: a photo exhibition with a historical retrospective, the Ezha Awards ceremony, an open-air cinema, a lecture hall, a culinary school featuring delicious and useful master classes from top chefs and celebrity guests, craft markets, a merch shop festival featuring branded clothes. The center of attraction will be a food court with an alley of food trucks offering menus of more than 40 restaurants, as well as bar locations ARARAT, Lillet, HavanaClub and ReadytoDrink with themed photo zones, workshops and summer drinks.
When: 19-20 June, 30-31 August
Where: Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 2в Surganova Street, Minsk
Excursions in Minsk's Upper Town
Residents and visitors of Minsk are invited to free walking tours of the Upper Town as part of the Cultural Traditions of the Capital City project. The themes change weekly and cover different periods from ancient times to the events of the Great Patriotic War and modern days. Some tours, such as History of the Upper Town Through the Prism of Time, include visits to the cellars of the former Holy Spirit Church. The tours are led by professional guides from the Minsk City History Museum. The tour group is 30 people; advance registration is not required.
2 August, 13 September – Path of Victory Through the Streets of Minsk
9 August – Heritage of the Old Town: Cyril and Methodius Street and Herzen Street
16 and 30 August – History of the Upper Town Through the Prism of Time
23 August, 6 September – Heritage of the Old Town: Svobody Square and Rakovskaya Street
When: Every Saturday in August and September at 13.00
Where: Meeting point at the main entrance of the Minsk Town Hall, 2a Svobody Square, Minsk
Exhibition celebrating Dudarev's legacy in Minsk
This exhibition, marking the 75th anniversary of the birth of renowned Belarusian playwright and prose writer Alexey Dudarev, highlights the master's contributions to national culture. His works were distinguished by the deep character development, rich social context, and sharp wit, making them highly sought after for both theater productions and film adaptations. Dudarev's creative legacy includes around 20 plays. The Evening and The Privates stage productions became landmark events in the nation's cultural life. His screenwriting credits include such celebrated films as White Dews, Neighbors, Autumn Dreams and Brest Fortress (co-written).
When: Until 31 August
Where: Belarusian Cinema History Museum, 4 Sverdlova Street, Minsk
Minsk Triathlon 2025
Over eight years, the Minsk Triathlon has grown into a prestigious tournament, both in terms of competitive level and participant numbers – expanding from 300 to over 2,000 athletes! This year will see some major innovations. Races will kick off in the new scenic venue near Astoria Riverside. The relay format has been upgrade to the Olympic distance and women’s race increased to 5km.
The competition features five core disciplines: Half (1.9km swim + 90km cycling +21km run), Olympic (1,000m swim + 45km cycling + 10.5km run), Sprint (500m swim + 22km cycling + 5.25km run), Minsk Lady Run and relays. For the first time, the event will feature a junior triathlon competition (one day before the main races). The event is expected to draw 500 young triathlon athletes, the maximum capacity for this category.
When: 1–2 August
Where: Astoria Riverside - Palace of Sports, Minsk
Minsk’s Urban Music Festival FESTIWOW!
FESTIWOW!, one of the most electrifying events of the Minsk summer, is set to draw 22,000 music lovers to the capital’s Dinamo Stadium. Organizers promise a vibrant musical kaleidoscope, featuring top artists across genres: Rock, Rap & Hip-Hop, pop, electronic music. Headliners include The Hatters, Zoloto, CreamSoda, Toxi$, AY YOLA, MARKUL and Three Days of Rain. Audiences can expect electrifying beats, live guitar mastery, enchanting folk instrumentals and, of course, the powerful vocals of artists who have won fans' hearts and topped major music charts.
When: 2 August
Where: National Olympic Stadium Dinamo, 8 Kirova Street, Minsk
Flowers of Nesvizh 2025
A beautiful tradition continues: on the first Saturday of August, the central courtyard of Nesvizh Palace will once again be adorned with stunning floral displays and artistic arrangements. Visitors to this event at the former residence of the Radziwill princes can look forward to floral workshops, Belarusian designer fashion shows, artisan marketplace and others. The program on 2 August will feature a children’s ballet school performance. Medieval dance workshops will be held on 3 August. Nesvizh Floristry Cup winners will be announced on the same day. Throughout the festival, visitors can capture unforgettable moments at stunning live-flower installations.
When: 2-3 August; 11:30 - 17:00
Where: Nesvizh Palace and Park Complex, 2 Zamkovaya Street, Nesvizh
Golshany Castle festival 2025
The 13th edition of the Golshany Castle regional festival will be held at the walls of the mystical Golshany Castle, immortalized by Belarusian literary classic Vladimir Korotkevich in his novel “The Black Castle of Olshany”. Visitors will immerse themselves in the medieval history of one of the most enigmatic sites in the Grodno region. The program includes excursions to the North Tower, an artisans' exhibition, workshops, interactive sites and playgrounds, photo zones and concerts featuring Belarusian performers and musical groups, including the national string ensemble Contrasts, Brand.By band. Headliner of the festival is the superfinalist of the X Factor Belarus TV project, Belarus’s entry at Intervision 2025 Nastya Kravchenko.
When: 2 August, 18:00
Where: Golshany Castle, Golshany, Oshmyany District, Grodno Oblast
Knight Fest. Mstislavl 2025
This year the famous knight festival in the ancient town of Mstislavl will extend beyond its traditional Castle Hill venue to encompass the town's main streets. Visitors can look forward to an array of immersive experiences including street performances of traditional batleika puppet theater, interactive quests and medieval games, exhibitions of local artisans, musical improvisations, and breathtaking views from the Fire Watchtower observation deck. The festival will feature several dedicated thematic areas. The Ancient Anvil zone will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques, while Medieval Kitchen Formula explores historical cuisine. Arms enthusiasts can visit the Weapons Through Five Centuries exhibition of military arsenals, and those interested in fashion can explore Elegant History, tracing the evolution of women’s style and beauty standards. Spectacular events will include tactical buhurts (mass medieval battles), intense foot knight tournaments, impressive equestrian performances by historical clubs, and thrilling archery competitions. The festival will reach its climax with a theatrical castle siege followed by a mesmerizing fire show performed by the Atomaori Theater of Fire.
When: 2-3 August, 11:00
Where: Mstislavl, Mogilev Oblast
KINEMO Silent Film and Contemporary Music Festival in Minsk
Marking its twelfth anniversary, the KINEMO project remains Belarus’ only annual festival dedicated to reinterpreting silent film classics through contemporary musical scores. This unique cultural initiative challenges composers to create original live accompaniments for silent films, blending cinematic screening with concert performance. The upcoming open-air edition will showcase masterpieces from the 1920s golden age of cinema. The program features:
- Buster Keaton’s “The General” (7 August)
- The haunting mystery “The Cat and the Canary” (14 August)
- The avant-garde work “Shadows: A Nocturnal Hallucination” (21 August)
When: 7, 14, 21 August, at 21:00
Where: Sculpture courtyard of the Azgur Museum-Workshop, 8 Azgura Street, Minsk
Slavic Mythology Festival in Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve
Belarus’ Shlyakh Tsmoka (Dragon’s Path) festival prepares for its sixth edition, offering deep immersion into indigenous Slavic mythology while showcasing the rich folk heritage of Lepel District. Scheduled within the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the 2025 festival presents multiple immersive experiences, including thematic zones dedicated to mythical creatures from Slavic lore, daytime and nighttime guided tours along eco-trails, #NeuroMyths exhibition curated by FARBA Gallery, utilizing artificial intelligence to reimagine mythological concepts through digital art, as well as theatrical performances, hands-on workshops, and adventure quests. Musical performances will feature popular Belarusian groups Stoks, KaS and NEVIKA, culminating in a nighttime DJ dance event.
When: 9-10 August
Where: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, Domzheritsy village, Lepel District, Vitebsk Oblast
Haymaking Festival in Bereza District
The traditional eco-festival in Belarus’ Sporovsky Biological Reserve will convene the nation’s best scythe-wielders for the 18th national hand-mowing championship. Participants may compete in men’s, women’s, or mixed teams. The competition maintains its classic format: each two-person team must mow a 100-meter strip (1.5 meters per participant), after which top-performing individuals — both men and women — will advance to a personal skills tournament. The event’s authenticity and challenge lie in its strict use of traditional hand scythes, requiring competitors to master both blade-peening and sharpening techniques. Beyond preserving Belarus’ centuries-old rural tradition, the festival highlights critical wetland conservation issues by combating marsh overgrowth. The program additionally features a “swamp football” tournament, where twelve youth teams will compete on the waterlogged pitch.
When: 9 August
Where: Sporovsky Biological Reserve, Vysokoye village, Bereza District, Brest Oblast
Krevo Ceramics Festival in Smorgon District
The Krevo endowment of red clay deposits has long complemented its historical significance. Recent archaeological evidence emerged when a local discovery revealed 17th-century ceramic artifacts including pottery fragments, tools of the trade, contemporary currency, and the culturally distinctive kukuty clay whistles - providing material confirmation of enduring ceramic traditions. Krevo’s upcoming Regional Ceramics and Folk Art Festival will convene artisans from across Belarus. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of clay-working techniques, friendly craftsmanship competitions among artisans, interactive workshops revealing secrets of the potter’s art and exhibitions featuring new works.
When: 9 August, 12:00 – 18:00
Where: Krevo agro-town, Smorgon District, Grodno Oblast
Ivye Tomato Festival in Grodno Oblast
The most delicious and colorful August festival will begin with a theatrical procession through the streets of the “tomato capital”, leading to the pond embankment for the opening ceremony. The event will continue with themed activities including the Cherry 2025 best carnival costume contest, the Tomato Party children’s entertainment show, the Swim-Tomato swimming competition, a tomato battle, and the Ivye-de-Tomateiro tomato wrestling ring. The 2025 festival program features a lottery draw, variety shows, concerts by local artists and musical groups, comedy performances, a fire show, and – for the first time! – a nighttime flyboard show over the water.
When: 9 August, 15:00
Where: Ivye, Grodno Oblast
Motol Treats Festival in Ivanovo District
One of Belarus’ most popular gastronomic festivals has transformed over its 18-year history from a modest local gathering into a major international event. The festival takes place in Motol, notable not only for its culinary traditions but also as the birthplace of Chaim Weizmann, Israel’s first president. This year's edition focuses on celebrating regional culture through the lens of traditional wedding customs, inviting visitors to experience an authentic Motol-style wedding. The program features exhibitions of historic wedding attire, live preparations of ceremonial dishes, and a special cooking competition where representatives from various diasporas - who would traditionally be invited to local weddings - compete for the title of best wedding dish.
When: 9-10 August
Where: Motol village, Ivanovo District, Brest Oblast
Minsk Open Fest 2025 in Minsk
Minsk will host the large-scale three-day Minsk Open Fest 2025 at Dinamo Stadium and other city venues, combining top-tier international sports competitions with spectacular concerts. The festival's main highlights include the Fonbet Minsk Hockey Cup under the auspices of the Belarus’ NOC (11-17 August) and the International Grands Cup table tennis tournament (12-15 August). Each evening will culminate in open-air performances by popular singers and tribute bands celebrating major music genres - Rap Day, Tribute Day, and Rock Day. Dinamo Stadium attendees will enjoy live sports action alongside food courts, lounge areas for relaxed concert viewing, and interactive zones.
When: 11-17 August
Where: Dinamo Stadium, Falcon Club Arena, Chizhovka-Arena, Olympic Arena, Minsk
Batka’s Bread Festival in Svisloch
The Batka’s Bread Festival in Svisloch traces its origins to a freshly baked braided loaf that reminded Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko of childhood memories during his 2021 working visit to city. Now in its fourth year, the baking arts celebration will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The opening ceremony, titled The Soldier Returns Home as a Diligent Host, will recreate a soldier's postwar homecoming. A special highlight will be the making of a “bread map of Belarus” using miniature Batka’s Bread loaves as symbols of the nation's hospitality. The Tractor-Bread Show will pay tribute to war veterans who transitioned from tanks to tractors to cultivate grain. The 2025 program features exhibitions by baking enterprises, professional and amateur baking displays, and other attractions.
When: 16 August, 14:00
Where: Svisloch, Grodno Oblast
Ecology Expo 2025 in Minsk
The large-scale international Ecology Expo, dedicated to ecological issues and sustainable development, will be held for the third time in the Belarusian capital. The event will bring together representatives from various companies, organizations and government institutions interested in promoting clean technologies and eco-friendly practices. As a major platform for discussing green economy development, the exhibition facilitates knowledge exchange and showcases achievements in environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Key focus areas include eco-technologies in development, waste and recycling, eco-transport, organic food, tourism, and sustainable water management.
When: 19-21 August
Where: Minsk International Exhibition Center, 24 P. Medyolka Street, Minsk
Music Therapy. Zen: Open-Air Concert in Minsk
A groundbreaking multisensory concert combining classical music, therapeutic sounds and starlit skies will debut in Minsk this summer. The innovative Music Therapy. Zen project will transform an open-air venue in the city center into a space for deep relaxation and musical immersion. The program features ten specially selected compositions by Bach, Franck, Mozart, Strauss, Pachelbel, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Handel and Schubert - all carefully curated to create inner balance and tranquility.
When: 21 August 21, 20:00
Where: National Olympic Dinamo Stadium, 8 Kirov Street, Minsk
Annensky Fair 2025 in Zelva
The historic Annensky Fair in Zelva remains one of Belarus' most distinctive cultural events, tracing its origins to 16th-century Europe's largest horse trading fairs. First established in 1501 by Anna Ulinich, widow of the local magnate, the market gained royal privileges from the Sapieha family in 1720. At its 19th century peak, only Leipzig's fair surpassed Zelva's in scale, attracting merchants from Grodno, Minsk, Vilno, Vitebsk, Moscow, Kamenets-Podolsk, and Kazan provinces, as well as neighboring Poland, Galicia, and Bessarabia. Traditionally, the trading fair would begin on 25 July, the feast day of Saint Anne, and last for an entire month... In modern times, the fair has been revived as a vibrant festival. This season, it will open with a theatrical performance featuring a costumed procession, where actors will recreate scenes from an 18th-century marketplace. The spotlight will be on horses of various breeds. Visitors can enjoy equestrian club performances, take rides in horse-drawn wagons, carriages, and coaches, and even try horseback riding lessons. The program also includes Hollybattle competitions, sand art contests, Fish Festival, kettlebell sport competition titled Andrei Gathers Friends!, and an open-air straw-weaving workshop Salamiany Tsud [Straw Miracle].
When: 22-23 August
Where: Zelva, Grodno Oblast
Vintage Day 2025 in Minsk
Minsk will host Belarus' major retro car exhibition Vintage Day featuring automotive masterpieces - from roaring 1920s engines to modern sleek designs. The open-air display near Minsk Football Manege will showcase over 400 cars spanning history. Visitors will discover inspiring collections featuring both classic vintage vehicles and iconic late-20th century automobiles. Beyond the car displays, attendees can meet owners of exclusive vehicles and fellow enthusiasts, pose for photos with vintage domestic and foreign models, participate in workshops, and enjoy food trucks along with prize giveaways and special gifts.
When: 30-31 August
Where: Football Manege, 20/2 Pobeditelei Avenue, Minsk
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
