Category: Irkutsk Events

Festival of ice sculptures “Crystal Seal” is embodiment of successful collaboration of human art and nature. All the sculptures of the festival are made of the pure Baikal’s ice. The number of sculptures usually varies from about 15 to 30 and depends on the number of teams taking part in the competition. It is advisable…

The word “Sagaalgan” is translated as “White Month” from the Buryat language and is associated with coming spring. In the last decades many Buryats have moved into Irkutsk from the countryside. Buryat culture has made a real resurgence in the city. Sagaalgan is a New Year by Lunar Calendar which is widely celebrated in the Buryat Republic and…

Maslenitsa (also known as Butter Week, Crepe Week) is the oldest surviving Slavic folk holiday. The fun festival celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Pancakes (rus: Блины [Blini]) are usually baked in large quantities and shared among friends and family to symbolize the sun and warmth. Maslenitsa lasts for up to…

Festival Jazz at Lake Baikal is held annually in various parts of Irkutsk region starting from June 2006. The “Jazz at the Baikal” festival is the largest jazz festival in the world. Starting from 2006, famous musicians from all over the world, including Russia, Europe, US, Japan, and Brazil, etc. come to Irkutsk. A cheerful…

Almost all museums of Irkutsk will be accessible free of charge all day long until late at night. Museums at Night is an annual festival designed to encourage people into museums, galleries and heritage sites by showing off the best they have to offer. Venue: Different museums of Irkutsk Event cost: Free

Each year, on the City day, you can enjoy the concerts, festivities, fireworks, and other fun events. The Irkutsk City Day is held annualy on first Sunday of June. In 2017, the city will celebrate its 356th birthday. Among the events deserving special attention is the City Carnival. The carnival “Shagaem Vmeste” (Walking together) has…

On the Youth Day both kids and adults will find the attraction of their taste. The festival is held annualy on last Saturday of June. On the Youth day, the city immerses into the atmosphere of fun, color festival, 3D show, open-air dance shows, games, and workshops. Among numerous events, there will be a free…

What began in 2014 as a small project designed to diversify the city’s social life, by 2016 developed into one of the main cultural events of Irkutsk. The festival lasts 3 days. The first day is devoted to classical art and features joint performances of the Irkutsk Symphony Orchestra and leading Russian Orchestras. Other days…

The international ethno-cultural festival Erdyn Games (Erdyn Naadan) will bring together shamans and athletes. The Erdyn Games festival is held once in two years. The festival program includes Buryat national struggle, throwing 10-pound stone at a distance, shooting from the traditional national archery, shearing sheep, running on 800 meters around the mountain Ekhe Erd, stick…

This annual festival offers diverse musical programs including performances by world famous Russian and foreign musicians. Artistically directed by pianist virtuoso Denis Matsuev, the festival takes place in the Irkutsk State Musical Theater. Usually it is held in September and consists of 12-15 concerts, master classes and creative meetings. Denis Matsuev, who was himself born…