Press releases

17 Aug 2026

Minsk turns 959: City Day program unveiled

An archive photo

MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – Minsk will traditionally celebrate City Day on the second Saturday of September, marking the capital’s 959^th anniversary. The program of festive events was presented by Head of the Culture Department of the Minsk City Executive Committee Yekaterina Luchina, BelTA has learned.

Yekaterina Luchina noted that Minsk residents and visitors can look forward to a packed program of festivities. One of the highlights will be the Minsk Half Marathon, which will take place on 6 September. “More than 20,000 people are expected to take part in the marathon. The start and finish locations will remain the same. The race will start near the Dinamo Stadium, on the side of Kirov Street, while the finish will be at the stadium’s athletics track. The Minsk Half Marathon will also feature a cultural and entertainment program, as well as venues organized as part of the Sport for All project,” she said.

Ahead of City Day, 11 September, Minsk will honor the winners of the Minsk Master competition. More than 1,800 workers took part in the 2026 edition. A total of 48 winners have been selected, including 15 workers under the age of 33.

On City Day itself, celebrations will begin at 10:00 with a flower-laying ceremony at the Minsk Hero City obelisk. Thematic venues will then open across the capital. Victory Park, for instance, will host the international Strongest Firefighter-Rescuer competition. “More than 100 professionals will take part, including participants from Russia, Serbia, and Vietnam,” she said.

The popular Ancient Minsk (Minsk Staryazhytny) venue will also return in 2026, once again taking over the green area near the intersection of Pobediteley Avenue and Masherov Avenue.

The main city venue, the area near the Palace of Sports, will operate from 12:00 to 23:00. “An exciting concert program has been prepared featuring professional performers, including young winners of various competitions and projects. And, of course, we have a surprise in store for Minsk residents. A headliner is scheduled to perform. We will announce who it is later,” Yekaterina Luchina said.

For the third consecutive year, the Upper Town will host a ceremony honoring the winners of the Minsk Citizen of the Year competition. “At 18:30, we will honor the best in various fields, including healthcare, culture, sports, construction, and others,” she said.

Festive venues will also operate in every district of Minsk. According to Yekaterina Luchina, most of them will be located in parks. There will be around 15 such venues in 2026, featuring fairs, concerts, sporting events, and other activities.

The celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display at 23:00 near the Palace of Sports.