Kyiv Cancels 'Book Country' Festival, Launches Series of Literary Events at Local Bookstores

Literary Gatherings in Kyiv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: From September 18 to 20, 2026, Kyiv will host a variety of book-related events across several bookstores instead of holding the sixth edition of the 'Book Country' festival. The schedule includes book launches, author talks, panel discussions, intimate concerts, and poetry readings. This shift comes as a response to the city’s worsening security conditions, which led to a ban on outdoor entertainment and sports events starting September 10.

Venues and Highlights

The events will take place at some of Kyiv’s most popular bookstores, including:

• Readeat
• "Nash Format"
• "Knyharnya Ye"
• "Knygoland"
• "Old Lion Publishing House"
• Book ua
• Book ua Space at VDNH

Among the featured presentations are Elizabeth Benavent’s "The Perfect Story" and Artem Chapay’s "T-Happiness," with musician Nyco Potvorno (Serhiy Husak) joining the latter’s launch.

The program also offers engaging author discussions, such as a talk with Anna Horozhenko focusing on women in the Cossack state. Attendees can enjoy a chamber concert titled "Quietly, Secretly" by Tetiana Honcharova, the announcement of the Book Bloggers Award winner, and poetry readings of works by Vasyl Stus.

Evgen Mushkin, General Director of VDNH, remarked that "cultural events provide a chance to feel for a few hours that life goes on."

The deteriorating safety situation in Kyiv has forced the cancellation or postponement of at least six cultural events. Notably, the 'Book Country. Mysterious' festival, originally planned to take place at VDNH, has been moved to spring. Additionally, the Young Blood Live music showcase scheduled for September 6 at Keller Club has been postponed, with new dates yet to be announced.

This reorganization of the 'Book Country' festival and other cultural activities highlights the ongoing challenges posed by security concerns in Ukraine, directly impacting its cultural scene. Organizers are adapting by creating alternative formats to sustain the literary community during these difficult times. Such efforts emphasize the crucial role of cultural events in maintaining social connections and uplifting community spirit amidst adversity. Furthermore, these gatherings play a vital role in rekindling public interest in reading and literature, encouraging wider participation in the country's cultural life.

The recent cancellation of the 'Book Country' festival due to security concerns has led to a broader discussion about the safety of cultural events in Kyiv. For more insights on the city's decision to ban entertainment and sports events without shelters starting September 10, you can read more in our detailed report on the new restrictions on public gatherings.