What to Do in Kyiv on the Weekend of October 24–26: Stand-Up Shows, Performances, Festivals, and Exhibitions

The weekend of October 24–26 in Kyiv promises to be full of events — combining humor, music, art, and charity. At the Palace of Sports, Vasyl Baidak will try to gather 7,500 viewers for his biggest stand-up show yet; MotoR’Rolla will perform at Docker Pub; and at Atlas — Masha Kondratenko and the band “Say Something Bad.” Theater lovers should see the ballet “Viy” by Radu Poklitaru, while art connoisseurs can visit the exhibition “Reflections of Being” at the Kyiv Art Gallery.

For book lovers, the Ukrainian House has prepared “Fundament: Stories About Travel,” and at VDNG, a touching event called AdoptMe Days will take place — where dozens of dogs and cats will be looking for a new home. Once again, Kyiv offers an inspiring way to spend the weekend — surrounded by music, stories, art, and warm encounters that stay in memory for a long time.

Vasyl Baidak. “Looking for 7,500 Spectators” at the Palace of Sports

On October 26, one of Ukraine’s most famous stand-up comedians, Vasyl Baidak, will take the stage of the Palace of Sports with his new solo show, “Looking for 7,500 Spectators.” For the artist, this is not just a performance but a personal challenge — an attempt to host the biggest stand-up event of his career.

Baidak is known for his sharp humor, self-irony, and ability to turn everyday observations into stories that are both funny and profound. This time he promises “everything to make this day unforgettable” — lots of new material, perfect timing, and a team that helps make the show large-scale yet heartfelt and sincere.

“I know exactly what to do with this stage and its scale,” says the comedian. And it seems this will truly be a special evening for Ukrainian stand-up. Especially since 100% of the concert’s proceeds will go to the needs of the Defense Forces.

Admission: from 100 UAH

MotoR’Rolla at Docker Pub

On October 25, the band MotoR’Rolla will perform at Kyiv’s Docker Pub — a group that has evolved from rockabilly rebels to authors of songs that have become classics of Ukrainian rock.

This evening will feature songs familiar to several generations of listeners: “8 kolir,” “Ne dzvonyla, ne zakhodyla,” “Zhar-ptytsia,” “Liniya,” “Kolys” and other hits that retain the sincerity and drive from which it all began.

MotoR’Rolla is preparing a concert with live sound, genuine stage energy, and the feeling that rock is always about freedom and honesty.

Admission: from 250 UAH

Concert by the Band “Say Something Bad”

On October 26, the band “Say Something Bad” will perform at the Atlas club — one of the most ironic and at the same time most sensitive groups on the new Ukrainian scene. At the Kyiv show, the band will present its new EP “Ghosts” and perform tracks that have already gone viral on TikTok and streaming platforms.

The musicians promise a session of audio therapy and only music that leaves scars behind. If that’s your thing — don’t miss it.

Admission: from 490 UAH

Kyiv Modern Ballet. “Viy” at MCKM

On October 26, at MCKM (October Palace), there will be the premiere of the ballet “Viy” staged by Radu Poklitaru and his theater Kyiv Modern Ballet. This is not just an adaptation of Gogol’s story but a deep stage parable about the trials of the human soul, the power of faith, fear, and temptation.

At the center of the story is a theology student, Khoma Brut, who faces invisible forces, his own fears, and temptations. Poklitaru’s choreography turns Gogol’s plot into a modern emotional dialogue about good and evil, reality and dream, faith and doubt.

Gogol’s characters in this production keep their names but gain new movement, rhythm, and strength. It’s a story where classical literature comes alive through dance and light, creating a space between horror and beauty.

Admission: 200–1200 UAH

Concert by Masha Kondratenko

On October 24, Masha Kondratenko will perform at Atlas — a singer called the voice of a generation, skillfully combining self-irony, romance, and stage freedom.

The author of hits with millions of views, Spotify’s Equal Ukraine ambassador, and a finalist of the National Selection for Eurovision 2025, Masha creates songs in which you can recognize yourself — sincere, witty, and lightly self-ironic.

The concert will feature both fan favorites and new tracks that continue to shape her unique style — blending pop, indie, and emotional storytelling. Expect an evening of laughter, dancing, and a bit of love — just like in real life.

Admission: 500–1400 UAH

Book Festival “Fundament: Stories About Travel”

From October 23 to 26, the Ukrainian House will once again become the main space for those who love books, ideas, and travel. The second “Fundament” festival this year is dedicated to the theme “Stories About Travel” — exploring how a journey can be not only physical but also intellectual or internal.

The focus will be on books that lead to new worlds — through imagination, thought, research, and dreams. Festival guests will discuss travels across Ukraine and the world, routes of memory, cultural reinterpretation, and personal paths of discovery.

Within “Fundament,” there will be a publishers’ fair featuring the most interesting new non-fiction titles, an art exhibition program, and a rich block of public discussions and author meetings.

Admission: check with organizers

Exhibition “Reflections of Being”

Starting October 24, the National Museum “Kyiv Art Gallery” will open a solo exhibition by the People’s Artist of Ukraine, Anatoliy Melnyk, titled “Reflections of Being.”

The project invites viewers into a multi-layered dialogue about human experience — about the inner world that constantly changes under the influence of modern challenges. At its core is the search for harmony between personal emotions and the external world, between memories and the present.

The exhibition presents psychological portraits and landscapes that combine decorative form with emotional color depth. Through expressive painting, Melnyk explores the themes of memory, loss, rebirth, and the inner light that helps a person remain themselves in a changing world.

Admission: 75–150 UAH

AdoptMe Days Festival

On October 25–26, VDNG will host a warm and important event — the adoption festival AdoptMe Days, organized by Gostomel Shelter and Pethouse.

Over two days, dozens of dogs and cats from various shelters in the Kyiv region will be looking for new homes. This event is not only about animals but also about humanity, care, and the chance to change someone’s life.

Visitors will be able to meet the four-legged friends, talk with volunteers, learn more about responsible adoption, and support the shelters. A kind and heartfelt atmosphere will prevail — a place where everyone can take a simple but meaningful step: to give a home to those who need it most.

Admission: free