Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: AUGUST 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 16^th to the 20^th 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

Marc Chagall’s The Walk on display in Minsk

The Walk, one of the world's most recognizable paintings by Marc Chagall from the Russian Museum, was brought to Minsk for the first time. This work, which forms part of a triptych alongside the famous masterpieces Double Portrait and Over the Town, reflects one of the happiest periods in the life of the remarkable artist. Art connoisseurs are in for a romantic and metaphorical stroll together with the young lovers Marc Chagall and Bella Rosenfeld, already married by 1917, through the streets and above their beloved city of Vitebsk. The exhibition offers an immersive VR project: using special glasses, visitors can approach an easel and draw, see how the artist lived and worked, examine objects in the interior, and hear the voices of Marc Chagall and his wife and muse, Bella.

When: 8 April – October 2026
Where: National Art Museum of Belarus, 20 Lenina Street, Minsk

Summer Music and Tourism Season 2026 in Minsk

The summer music and tourism season, which traditionally took place in the Upper Town, as well as on the territory of Trinity Suburb and Rakov Suburb, has over the course of more than 10 years become beloved by residents and visitors of the Belarusian capital. In the current season, the project’s program has been expanded and will extend beyond the historical center of Minsk as well. The main cultural venues will be:

• Historical and cultural park complex Loshitsa on Chizhevskikh Street: theatrical evenings on Fridays, performances by professional musicians on Saturdays;
• Area near the Loshitsa Estate Museum: concerts featuring the Nemiga Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater will take place every Saturday;
• Area near the Minsk City Hall in the Upper Town: music lovers can expect traditional events, including the series Classics at the City Hall, as well as the return after five years of the project Jazz Evenings at the City Hall;
• Upper Town Concert Hall: the Organ in the Upper Town project (every Saturday);
• Muzykalny Lane in the Upper Town: Your Solo karaoke on Saturdays (18:00–21:00);
• Upper Town: children’s activity zones Workshop of Wonders and Reading Symphony, informational and educational programs, and interactive activities;
• Area near the Sports Palace: evening film screenings, music and intellectual quizss, family activities (Friday through Sunday).

On the opening day of the season, 23 May, the Minsk Folk Crafts Festival will take place in the Upper Town. The summer weekend of 27-28 June will host Flax Festival. Rodnaye Modnaye, where designers will showcase their collections and surprise visitors with new looks made from Belarusian flax.

When: 23 May – 12 September
Where: Minsk cultural venues

ARS MAGNA ORGANI 2026 festival

The ARS MAGNA ORGANI 2026 festival in Pinsk will be held for the sixth time. The playbill in the new season offers 29 concerts in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pinsk, featuring renowned performers and young organists and organ students from various parts of the country. The festival will open on 30 May with a grand concert featuring the Minsk Chamber Soloists under the baton of Dmitry Zubov (organ).

When: 30 May – 4 October, 16.00
Where: Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 18 Lenin Street, Pinsk

Vulitsa Ezha city picnic: Summer season 2026 in Minsk

Vulitsa Ezha kicks off the summer season of 2026 with not one but three festivals, and promises to delight visitors with new features. For the first time, the project has launched a program to support gastronomic initiatives, which will bring more new names and bold concepts to the festival. For those who appreciate a variety of flavors, a tasting map will be introduced, allowing guests to sample as many dishes and drinks as possible. Now it's possible to experience the festival and get into the vibe ahead of the official opening, with the launch of a pre-party format. The lineup includes live music and an open-air cinema, a cooking school led by chefs, a market featuring homemade delicacies and handmade designer goods, workshops, a flower market, lectures on Hatha yoga, as well as interactive activities for children.

When: 29–30 August (12:00 – 22:00)
Where: Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 2v Surganova Street, Minsk

FIESTA: new show at the Belarusian Circus

True to its name, meaning a folk festival in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, the colorful summer show Fiesta at the Belarusian Circus will turn the arena into a carnival square with acrobats, aerial gymnasts, camel-riding trick riders, and trained tigers. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking acrobatic stunts in the Aerial Flight act, tightrope walkers balancing high beneath the circus dome, the stunning Crossbows act, which amazes with its jeweler’s precision, a virtuoso juggler, an aerial gymnast performing on the corde lisse, an acrobat on a Rhine wheel, and, of course, the clown - the lord of laughter and sweet surprises, beloved by children.

When: 20 June – 23 August
Where: Belarusian Circus, 32 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk

Exhibition Malyavanaya Dusha [Painted Soul] at National Library of Belarus

The distinctive Belarusian primitivist artist Alena Kish is known for her hand-painted rugs (Belarusian: malyavanyya dyvany), which reflect not only the authenticity of the culture of her native region – the village of Romanovo near Slutsk but also the entire artistic movement popular in the 20th century. The exhibition project, dedicated to the 130th of the birth of the artist, whose name stands alongside Henri Rousseau and Niko Pirosmani, will feature about 30 painted rugs. Among them are works by Alena Kish's contemporaries, village masters, collected during ethnographic expeditions and pieces created in the 2000s during the first creative plein-airs celebrating the artist.

When: 11 June - 31 August
Where: Labyrint Gallery, National Library of Belarus, 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk

Tours behind the scenes of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus

How does the Bolshoi Theater live? What happens on stage while the audience is resting? And what secrets are kept on the other side of the curtain? You can find out about all this on tours offered to guests at the country’s main theater. The guides will tell you about the theatre’s vibrant life, the intricacies of creating props, costumes and sets, the capabilities of the stage, and the most interesting chapters of its history. On weekdays, visitors can see the safety curtain, observe the preparations for the evening performance and see how large-scale sets are created and chat with the masters of theatrical costume.

When: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 August
Where: National Academic Opera and Ballet Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, 1 Parizhskoi Kommuny Square, Minsk

Golshany Castle festival

The 14^th installment of the Golshany Castle Regional Festival, which will be held at the walls of Golshany Castle, once a residence of the influential Sapieha family in Oshmyany District, will combine a taste for history with local culinary traditions. The event will begin with a theatrical prologue A Day in the Life of Golshany Castle, followed by the City of Impressions featuring a craft fair, a children’s zone, interactive areas with medieval games and dances, photo spots, and living statues. Guests will enjoy the equestrian show Swords and Magic Horses, knightly amusements, a Cinema Music concert by the Grodno Capella Orchestra and a rock concert. Guided tours of the castle's Northern Tower and the agro-town of Golshany will be organized for those interested. The flavor of the festival is provided by Oshmyany Meat Processing Plant, which will offer tastings of new products and signature dishes that have become gastronomic symbols of this historic site. The menu includes Golshany spit-roast, Golshany-style stew, and Golshany cracklings. The festival will conclude with a White Ladies fashion show, a fire show and a late-night disco.

When: 1 August
Where: Golshany Castle, agro-town Golshany, Oshmyany District, Grodno Oblast

Flax Carousel festival in Korma

The 9^th edition of the Flax Carousel festival in Korma invites you to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of flax in the region where flax is grown and processed, as centuries ago. This unique celebration will feature numerous interactive locations. The Rodnae, Modnae show celebrating domestic brands will showcase flax patterns, while those interested can learn about the traditional cycle of flax cultivation and processing at the From Grain to Towel zone. Guests will also be invited to experience the atmosphere of Flax Wedding and SportLen-Style. The Flax Village will feature traditional Belarusian pavilions: Bread, Cereal, Potato, Cabbage, and Herbal. Energy and drive are promised at the youth modern dance location Flax Dance. The arts and crafts fair The Town of Masters will amaze with its souvenirs. The program also includes a flax parade, a flax fashion show, flax-based treats, musical performances, workshops, an open-air flax exhibition, trade stalls, and much more. The central figure of the festival is Klyusymka, a mythological character representing the mistress of the fields. Also, following tradition, the festival will make a symbolic stylized flax carousel which will be preserved and passed on to the next year’s festival.

When: 1 August
Where: Korma town, Gomel Oblast

Polesie Loach gastro-eco festival in Pinsk District

The festival, organized by Middle Pripyat and Prostyr landscape reserves, takes its name from the native Polesie fish – the loach. This signature event of the region will be held for the fifth time. Polesie Loach is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the amazing nature of these areas and the unique traditions of the Poleshuks (local residents of Polesie). Guests can expect a rich program: Spectacle of Water and Foam show by the Emergencies Ministry, an ecological exhibition, workshops and a crafts fair, a performance by canine handlers, a children’s town with plenty of entertainment, and, of course, the traditional Battle of the Ladles competition. This year’s edition will feature nine teams that will compete in the preparation of vereshchaka, a traditional Polesie dish. The festive atmosphere will be created by arts companies from Pinsk and Pinsk District, and the day will conclude with a laser show and a colorful fireworks display.

When: 1 August
Where: Tishina eco-tourism compound, village of Gorodishche, Pinsk District

Beshenkovichi Rayok festival

A celebration of Belarusian hospitality, fairground amusements, and masters of their craft in Beshenkovichi is rooted in the rich history of the region. In the 18^th-19^th centuries, one of the largest fairs on the territory of Belarus was held here. It was second only to Zelva Fair and lasted four weeks. On the bank of the Western Dvina River, at its southernmost point, merchants would gather for a medieval commercial exchange where they negotiated supplies for the year ahead. The modern festival inherited from the historic fair the tradition of craftsmen’s stalls organized by trade: straw, pottery, blacksmithing, embroidery, weaving and knitting, and others. The name Beshenkovichi Rayok carries several meanings. From the word “roy” (swarm), like a swarm of bees where everyone works together. From the word “ray” (paradise), a little paradise in the Vitebsk land where it is good to live, work, and relax. But the most important meaning lies in the word “rayok”, a folk theater that was used at the fair in the 18^th century. It is considered the forerunner of the television. It was a box with magnifying glasses, through which pictures with foreign news were shown. Beshenkovichi has restored such a rayok: guests will be shown pictures with highlights from past festivals. The program includes numerous events: performances by majorettes and drummers, a parade of umbrellas, Count Chreptowicz’ Ball and the quest Count Chreptowicz’ Dungeon, a concert featuring creative companies and musicians, historical reenactment, a competition of potato masterpieces Potato Lovers at Beshenkovichi Fair, a gastro-zone At Bakhtikha-Kutikha’s and more.

When: 1 August
Where: Beshenkovichi town, Vitebsk Oblast

Call of Polesie international ethnic festival

The renowned biennial festival of ethnocultural traditions is set to once again amaze visitors with the uniqueness and authenticity of Belarusian national culture. Visitors are in for a true journey into the past: Polesie homesteads showcasing traditional ways of life, interactive venues, live authentic music, and captivating workshops by local craftsmen. The organizers invite you to explore folk rites, folklore, and the sparkling Polesian humor, to admire the beauty of this ancient land in the Pripyat Valley, and to hear the resonant voice of Polesie. In 2026, the festival’s main theme will be the female image of Polesie, which will take on a special resonance during the Year of the Belarusian Woman. Each of the participating districts will present both historical and contemporary female figures they take pride in - women who have made invaluable contributions to the development of the Pripyat land. The opening ceremony will take place on the main stage, featuring representatives from all districts of Pripyat Polesie. The evening program will offer the traditional celebration of beauty and grace Paleskaya Prygazhunya [Polesie Beauty], followed by a modern story with a folk twist - the CoverChoirShow program featuring top Belarusian folk ensembles and guests from Russia. All comers will be invited to take part in an exciting quest, In Search of the Tsmok [Dragon], based on an ancient legend about a magical dragon - a guardian of nature who helped the poor and punished the greedy. The festival will unfold across various locations for about 12 hours. The organizers anticipate around 3,000 participants and 50,000 guests. By its scale, the festival promises to be the most record-breaking in its history.

When: 15 August
Where: Pripyatsky National Park, agrotown of Lyaskovichi, Petrikov District, Gomel Oblast

Night of Bats in Pripyatsky National Park

The unusual festival Night of Bats will take place in Pripyatsky National Park at the end of the calendar summer. On the first day, participants will be invited to a “wild” lecture titled “Secrets of the Twilight Hunters”. “We will share the most fascinating facts about bats, dispel fears, and reveal their amazing role in nature,” the organizers said. Visitors can transform into eager researchers during the scientific quest “Code of the Night Shadow”, and at a creative workshop, they can craft their own bat-themed souvenirs. Participants will then enjoy an outdoor dinner and a nighttime excursion Voices of the Darkness. “Using special devices, we will listen to bats and the night forest, watching their silhouettes against the twilight sky. Our scientists will attempt to catch some bats so that every participant can see how scientific research is conducted and get a closer look at this wonder of nature,” the national park emphasized. The program also includes cozy gatherings around a campfire and other entertainment. On the second day of the festival, a guided tour along the Whisper of the Forest eco-trail is planned, offering a walk through scenic spots with a guide, learning the secrets of local flora and fauna, and feeling nature’s revitalizing energy.

When: 29–30 August
Where: Pripyatsky National Park, agrotown of Lyaskovichi, Petrikov District, Gomel Oblast

Knightly Fest. Mstislavl 2026

The medieval culture festival in the ancient town of Mstislavl in 2026 is dedicated to medieval street art. The program will open with a theatrical procession featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians, dancers, performers, and musicians. The heart of the action will be Zamkovaya Gora [Castle Hill], where thematic tents, music stages, and artisan workshops will be set up. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in interactive activities, sample drinks and dishes, and purchase handmade goods. The highlight of the festival will be large-scale buhurts (mass battles), knightly tournaments, a storming and capture of the castle, a theatrical performance by the equestrian-historical club Golden Spur, and a display by the Scottish Infantry club. The evening program will continue with a concert by folk companies and captivating fire and neon shows.

When: 1 August
Where: Zamkovaya Gora [Castle Hill], Mstislavl, Mogilev Oblast

Ivye Tomato 2026 gastronomic festival

Ivye Tomato, one of the most delicious festivals of August, will open with a theatrical procession called Harvest Triumph parading through the streets of Ivye, the country’s “tomato capital”, making its way to the pond embankment, where the official opening will take place. Guests can look forward to a variety of themed events: a juicy show program Assorti-Tomati-Party-Plus Tomatl, a daytime flyboard show, a rope crossing called Lake Express, a pop concert Tomato Rhythm, and a lottery draw for Lucky Winner of Ivye Tomato 2026. The most spectacular event will be the tomato show battle Ivye de Tomateiro. On the second day, the program will continue with a retro disco and a concert of instrumental music.

When: 8–9 August
Where: Ivye, Grodno Oblast

Ceramics of Kreva 2026 fair

The regional festival-fair dedicated to ceramics and folk craftsmanship will bring together craftspeople from all over Belarus at the historic walls of Kreva Castle. They’ll present their newest creations, engage in friendly competition, and offer hands-on masterclasses revealing the techniques behind their clay works. Visitors can join a guided tour of the castle grounds, browse and buy handmade goods at the artisan fair, take part in workshops, and enjoy live music performances by local artist.

When: 8 August
Where: Kreva, Smorgon District, Grodno Oblast

Sporovskie Senokosy Haymaking Festival

The eco‑festival in the Sporovsky Biological Reserve will bring together the best mowers from across the country for the manual haymaking championship. Teams of men, women, and mixed groups are eligible to participate. The competition rules remain unchanged: each two‑person team must mow a 100‑meter strip (at least 1.5 meters wide per person), after which the participants, both men and women, with the best results will compete in individual standings. The jury’s main criteria for assessing their skill are speed and quality of mowing. As part of the celebration, a swamp football tournament will also take place, with about ten teams vying for the title of the strongest. In addition to watching the spectacular competitions, visitors will be able to learn kayaking and table sports games, ride motorized hang gliders and ATVs, and visit the Yaselda bird banding station.

When: 8 August
Where: Sporovsky Biological Reserve, village of Vysokoye, Bereza District, Brest Oblast
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Batskava Bulka Festival in Svisloch

The festival, dedicated to the art of bread baking, will be held for the fifth time in the homeland of the famous “batskava bulka” (father’s loaf) and will bring together professionals in the field from across the country. For the first time, the festival will feature an interactive area dedicated to the Year of the Belarusian Woman, where local housewives will surprise guests with culinary masterpieces made from wheat flour. Visitors will explore the life journey of His Majesty Bread, from the grain in the field to the finished loaf, by following a fascinating tour route “From Grain to Bread.” The program of the festival will include a competition for amateur bakers called Matulin Karavai (Mama’s Bread), a sports and entertainment relay race named Batskava Milya (Dad’s Mile), and a spectacular tractor show. During bread‑baking workshops, participants will be able to create paintings, geographical maps, books, houses, and even miniature ancient castles out of baked goods!

When: 15 August
Where: Svisloch, Grodno Oblast

Annensky Kirmash Fair in Zelva

The unique signature event of Grodno Oblast, Annensky Kirmash (St. Anna Fair) in Zelva, will celebrate its 305th anniversary this August! Since the 18^th century, one of Europe’s largest horse trading fairs was held here annually. By the mid‑19th century, according to some historians, the Zelva fair was ranked second in Europe after the Leipzig Fair. The fair has been revived, though now in the format of a flamboyant festival. In this anniversary season, Annensky Kirmash will open with a theatrical performance and a costumed procession, with actors recreating a scene from the 18^th‑century fair. The 2026 program includes equestrian tournaments, horseback riding, a craftsmen’s fair, a plein‑air competition, horse shows, and performances by pop stars.

When: 21‑22 August
Where: Zelva, Grodno Oblast

BISON RACE 2026

The extreme obstacle course racing competition Bison Race continues even in the hottest season. To remind you, the previous race in Brest saw more than 900 participants from Belarus, Russia, and Tajikistan tackle a 7‑kilometer course with 20 obstacles! This time, the two‑day “marathon” in Silichi features long‑distance runs, the Ninja Track 400m, a night sprint, Team Race, Sprint, and Bison Kids. Participants will compete for medals against the strongest athletes.

When: 22‑23 August
Where: National alpine skiing center Silichi, Logoisk District

Slavic mythology festival in Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve

One of the most authentic festivals in Vitebsk Oblast, The Shlyakh Tsmoka [Dragon’s Trail], invites visitors on a mythopoetic journey dedicated to the mysterious creature of Belarusian folklore - the winged guardian of lakes and underground treasures. Step into the Land of Myths and come face to face with legendary beings, crack the codes of ancient symbols, jump into interactive performances, and gather around giant oaks to hear the tales of master storytellers. The program also includes theatrical clearings featuring puppet and dramatic performances based on folk tales, craft workshops, and children’s areas with games, attractions, and entertainers. The evening program will offer a musical story “At the Dragon’s Nest”, featuring ethnic and rock bands, along with a spectacular fire show portraying a battle of the elements.

When: 22–23 August
Where: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, village of Domzheritsy, Lepel District, Vitebsk Oblast

2026 Belarus Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup in Minsk

One of the most significant events on the sports calendar, Belarus Rhythmic Gymnastics Open Cup, will bring together the country’s best athletes. The tournament features a unique format combining individual and team championships. In the individual program, competitions are held in a knockout cup system: teams of three gymnasts are formed by draw, one athlete from each of the age groups 2010 and older, 2011–2012, and 2013–2014. A total of eight teams advance to the individual all-around final. The August 2026 program includes individual all-around, group exercises, individual championships, team events, group exercise finals, and performances according to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) program.

When: 26–31 August
Where: Rhythmic Gymnastics Olympic Training Center, 112 Pobeditelei Avenue, Minsk

LIDBEER FESTIVAL 2026

The main music, gastronomic, and entertainment open-air event of August, LIDBEER, returns to the summer program of the 2026 season. The festival, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Lidskoye Beer Company, coincides with the City Day celebrations. Last year in the festival’s over‑10‑year history was marked by records: over 63,000 music lovers attended the Lida celebration, and guests of the kilometer‑long food court consumed 52,500 liters of beverages! This time, the organizers promise audiences unforgettable emotions and impressions from meeting their favorite performers. The 2026 festival lineup includes the Belarusian cover band IODO BAND, the Russian rock band GOODTIMES, Sergey Bobunets (lead singer of Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii), KaS, KOMNATA KULTURY (featuring Zhenya Trofimov as vocalist), and romantic MakSim.

When: 28–30 August, 12:00
Where: Lida, Grodno Oblast

Music Therapy. Masterpieces: From Baroque to Impressionism project in Minsk

The Music Therapy. Masterpieces project, an original creation of the International Music Therapy Center, has been held in the Belarusian capital since April 2024. The program features the most brilliant and well‑known works of classical music accompanied by video projections on a large screen and a starry‑sky effect. In a setting of dimmed lights and candles, listeners are invited to journey through different eras of world music - from the mysterious and majestic Baroque to the colorful Impressionism - and to enjoy the mesmerizing music of the most celebrated composers of all time, including Handel, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Debussy, and others, whose musical legacy is known and cherished around the globe.

When: 29 August, 18:00
Where: Belarusian State Philharmonic, 50 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk