Cultural Events in Kyiv on June 20–21
This weekend, Kyiv is buzzing with a diverse lineup of cultural happenings, from art exhibitions and theater performances to concerts, stand-up comedy, and a traditional Kupala celebration. Key highlights include porcelain displays by the Tregubov family, rescued works by Shovkunenko, and a milestone exhibition for Ivan Marchuk.
Exhibitions
The exhibition 'Peace to Heaven and Earth: A Porcelain Symphony by the Tregubov Family' runs until July 12 at the National Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine (21 Ivana Mazepy Street, Building 2). Featuring 377 pieces, it takes its name from a porcelain set created in 1985. Mykola Tregubov (1922–2007) was a Honored Artist of Ukraine, a recipient of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, and a sculptor at the Korosten Porcelain Factory.
Another ongoing exhibition, 'Kherson. Shovkunenko. Saved,' will be open until July 26 at the National Museum Kyiv Picture Gallery (9 Tereshchenkivska Street). It displays nine paintings that survived the Russian occupation of Kherson in 2022 without being stolen. The works include portraits of the artist’s first and second wives, pilot Kalenychenko, and a landscape titled Azovstal.
Ivan Marchuk’s exhibition 'I Stirred This World' continues until June 21, 2026, at the Museum of the History of Kyiv (7 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street). Marking the artist’s 90th birthday, it features nearly 250 pieces, among them a 2003 acrylic portrait of Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Yushchenko.
Kupala Celebration and Theater Performances
On June 21, the Kupala festivities kick off at 4:00 PM at the Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum. The program includes a performance by singer Khayat, authentic Kupala rituals, decorating the Kupala tree, traditional circle dances, folk ensembles, lively open-air dances, wreath-making workshops, and a large folk crafts fair.
Several theater productions are also scheduled across the capital:
- On June 20 at 5:00 PM, the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater (53/3 Velyka Vasylkivska Street) presents the musical 'Insects,' based on the 1923 play 'From the Life of Insects' by the Čapek brothers. Directed by Oksana Taranenko, with music by Ivan Nebesny and libretto by Mykola Brovchenko.
- At 6:00 PM, the Maly Theater (33 Olesya Honchara Street) stages 'The Lesson,' an anti-play by Eugène Ionesco.
- Also at 6:00 PM, the Officers' House of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (30/1 M. Hrushevskoho Street) features the comedy 'Caution – Women!' starring Liliya Rebryk, Hanna Salivanchuk, Olga Atanasova, Oleksiy Sukhanov, and Vladyslav Dmytruk.
Concerts and stand-up comedy are planned for June 20 as well:
- At 6:30 PM on the Gulliver Terrace (1A Sportyvna Square, 5th floor), GosOrchestra performs pop hits in a symphonic style.
- At 5:00 PM at the VDNG Meadow and Hammock Garden (1 Akademika Hlushkova Avenue), the 'Disco Aerobics' party features residents XXV Kadr and Olvipmiss.
- A solo concert by O.Torvald takes place at 6:00 PM at Feels Garden (VDNG, 1A Akademika Hlushkova Avenue), marking the band’s only Kyiv show this summer.
On June 21, additional concerts are scheduled:
- At 6:00 PM on the D12 Terrace (12 Desyatynna Street), Bah.Roma performs.
- At 5:00 PM at WeekendPark (19 I. Franka Street), the H. H. Veryovka Choir gives a concert.
- At Feels Garden (VDNG, 1A Akademika Hlushkova Avenue), Cheev performs at 5:00 PM.
The stand-up show 'Family Therapy' happens on June 20 at 4:30 PM at Bochka Pub (19A Khreshchatyk Street), featuring comedians Pasha Pinchuk, Vova Maslov, Dasha Bilotserkovets, and Nataliya Skoryk. On June 21 at 6:30 PM at the same venue, 'Sunday Stand-up' includes performers Mark Svyrydyuk, Bohdan Boyaryn, Den Che, Pasha Pinchuk, and Andriy Berezhko, with Yevhen Leshchenko as host.
These events in Kyiv are part of broader efforts to revive and sustain the city’s cultural scene amid ongoing challenges. The exhibitions and theater shows dedicated to Ukrainian artists highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The Kupala celebration, a traditional Ukrainian festival, also helps foster national identity and community through art, music, and folk customs. Ultimately, these activities not only entertain but also strengthen society’s cultural unity.
As you explore the vibrant cultural scene this weekend, don't miss the chance to dive deeper into the artistic journey of Ivan Marchuk, whose works are celebrated in a major exhibition. For more insights on Marchuk and other exciting events like performances by alyona alyona and stand-up comedy, check out our detailed guide on how to spend a week in Kyiv.