What to do in Kyiv on the weekend of July 11–13: concerts, markets, festivals, and exhibitions

Kyiv residents and city guests this weekend can expect jazz and hip-hop, uncensored stand-ups, street fashion, and exhibitions that preserve our identity. 

From July 11 to 13, KOZAK SYSTEM, Phil it, and “Pyrig i Batig” will perform, improvisers will joke, summer markets, art festivals, and intimate exhibitions will open. We’ve gathered everything worth seeing, hearing, and feeling this weekend.

Phil it at “V’YAVA”: new EP presentation

On July 11, the creative union of independent Ukrainian artists Phil it, founded by pianist and sound producer Philip Koliadenko, will perform on the stage of the cultural space “V’YAVA” at VDNH.

That evening, the band will play live for the first time their new EP titled AMARA — an intimate and sensitive work where each track sounds like a separate memory or emotional sketch. The album consists of tracks that change mood and rhythm like dreams or inner dialogues. The music unfolds and fades away, inviting the listener to be alone with their own feelings.

Entrance: 650 UAH

Open-air improvisation evening with Volodymyr Shumko

On July 13, the summer stage Kureni Concertni will become a platform for comedy here and now: actor, host, and master of improvisation Volodymyr Shumko will perform on location.

This is not a classic stand-up or scripted show. There are no prepared materials — only reactions to topics suggested by the audience at the moment. Ideas are born in the hall, and jokes — on stage. Shumko builds his performance in real time: no rehearsals, no repeats, no second takes.

Entrance: from 450 UAH

Concert “Pyrig i Batig” (Pie and Whip)

From an intellectual niche to a broader cultural space: last year, this band stepped out from a local fan base and became the voice of the new wave of Ukrainian folklore. Their version of the song “Hayi shumliat” based on a poem by Tychyna received new life, and the triptych “Zamordovani” reminded about Ukrainian artists destroyed by the regime.

On July 13, they will again take the stage at “V’YAVA” to popularize the language of our land.

Entrance: from 800 UAH

Underground StandUp: An evening of bold comedy in downtown Kyiv

On July 13, the Underground StandUp Club will once again open its doors to those who appreciate sharp humor without filters. On stage — residents of the “Underground StandUp,” who aren’t afraid to joke about topics that are usually not spoken about out loud.

This time performing will be Serhiy Chyrkov, Kateryna Fedorkova, Dzheikhun Safarov, and Hanna Kochehura — four stand-up comedians with recognizable styles and excellent self-irony.

Entrance: 300 UAH

World hits performed by an orchestra

On Friday, the terrace of Gulliver Mall will host live orchestral performances of world hits. From Queen and Adele to Måneskin and Imagine Dragons — the program consists exclusively of favorite songs you want to sing along to.

Entrance: from 400 UAH

Exhibition “UKRAINKY” at the Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Women’s Union of America, the Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora opened a historical-artistic exhibition “UKRAINKY” — a project dedicated to Ukrainian women in the USA and their role in preserving national identity abroad.

The exhibition consists of two sections:

• historical — with archival photos, printed publications, and the history of the Union;
• 
  artistic — featuring over 40 works of painting, graphics, and sculpture by 16 Ukrainian-American artists from different generations, including Kateryna Krychevska-Rosandich, Lyudmyla Morozova, Maya Haiuk, Inka Essenhai, and others.

Entrance: 100–150 UAH

“Street Trends” Market at Vsi. Svoi

On July 12–13, a market of Ukrainian brands dedicated to street fashion will take place on the terrace of “Vsi. Svoi.” The program features over 100 participants presenting clothing, footwear, jewelry, and accessories in streetwear style.

This is a chance to create your new summer look, support local designers, and find out what the main trends of the Ukrainian street style are today.

Entrance: free

KOZAK SYSTEM at the Open-Air Museum

On July 13, the band KOZAK SYSTEM will perform on the stage of the Singing Field in Pyrohiv. Over the years, they have become recognizable not only for their sound but also for their clear civic stance and emotional performances.

The July open-air concert is a chance to hear live the favorite songs of the band that combines rock, ska, folk, and Ukrainian poetry.

Entrance: 150 UAH

Sumish Fest at Collider

On July 12, the art club Collider hosts the Sumish festival — a multi-genre event where electronic, indie, jazz, ethnic, and hip-hop music will be performed on two open-air stages.

Twelve artists will perform at the festival, including both new names and familiar performers. Besides the music program, visitors can enjoy a market, tattoo corner, interactive activities, and special guests, including Yura Yuvelir from Odesa.

Entrance: 450–650 UAH

Kurazh. In the Heat of Summer

This summer at “Kurazh” — a combination of market, music, art, and unconventional formats for meeting new people. This time at VDNH, the atmosphere of the “0,10” exhibition will be recreated, where Malevich’s “Black Square” was first shown. The contemporary interpretation will be complemented by performances and art objects.

Visitors can expect over 200 Ukrainian brands of clothing, accessories, and decor, a charity zone, a children’s program, and a gastronomic space. There will also be a wedding zone for quick decisions — no queues, stamps, or formalities. And for older visitors — a meeting zone with tea and board games.

The music program includes Timo, Katro Zauber, Vertyha, Denis Kalinin, and others. 

Entrance: 400 UAH per day

Exhibition “Occupied Heritage”

The “Occupied Heritage” exhibition is a visual story about how culture preserves memory and resistance. The exposition shows traditional clothing from regions currently under temporary occupation, recreated based on archives, photos, testimonies, and museum collections from before the full-scale invasion.

Each outfit is the result of joint work by folklorists, ethnographers, embroidery masters, weavers, and tailors. It is also a response to the attempt to erase Ukrainian identity. This is not only about the past but also about the future we hold onto through culture.

The project is implemented by the NGO “World Vyshyvanka Day” together with the Folklore and Ethnography Center of Kyiv National University and the Ivan Honchar Museum. 

Entrance: check with the museum