What to do in Kyiv for the weekend of February 28 — March 2: concerts, photo exhibitions, and Maslenitsa celebrations

The last weekend of winter and the first days of spring are a perfect reason not to stay at home, but to dive into the atmosphere of interesting events Kyiv has to offer this week. This weekend promises to be especially eventful and diverse: you can support Crimea at a charity concert, visit a historical photo exhibition of ancient images of the peninsula, or immerse yourself in contemporary art through an audiovisual installation about a new format of leisure.

Those who enjoy traditional celebrations will be delighted by two bright Maslenitsa festivals with ethnographic programs, lively rhythms, symbolic rituals, and authentic treats.

Additionally, music lovers can look forward to concerts by the legendary Stepan Higa and jazz melodies from BIG BAND AMBASSADORS. If you're looking for inspiration, visit the painting exhibition by Oleksandr Yanovych or discover authentic Podolian embroidery at the Ivan Honchar Museum.

QIRIM. Echo of Eleven: A Night of Music and Support for Crimea

On February 28, at the ATLAS club, actor and director Akhtem Seitablaev will present a charity concert to mark the 11th anniversary of Crimea's resistance to occupation. Performing on stage will be the bands "HateSpeech", "Kryhytka", FAHOT (TNMK), Tonka, provulok, and 18school, who will create an atmosphere of memories of free Crimea and support for its people through their performances.

This evening will also serve as the premiere of the new music video by "HateSpeech" and a joint fundraising event (3.2 million UAH) to purchase REB and RER equipment for the "South" air command.

Entry: from 500 UAH (each ticket is a donation to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces)

Photo Exhibition of Ancient Images of Crimea: YILLAR VE YOLLAR

From February 25, the Crimean House is hosting an exhibition of unique photographs that showcase the real Crimea of the early 20th century, without propaganda filters or distortions.

The photos, taken between 1900 and 1925, depict Crimean Tatar culture and everyday life: from heartfelt portraits of people and vibrant genre scenes to picturesque mountain landscapes and cozy streets of the peninsula's towns and villages.

This exhibition is a great opportunity to see the authentic Crimea you may not have known.

Entry: free

Audiovisual Installation "Vacation on the Balcony"

The Ukrainian House invites you to the audiovisual installation "Vacation on the Balcony" by Dasha Podoltseva and Oleksiy Shmuryk. On the fifth floor, resembling a huge balcony, the artists have created a space to rethink our leisure after COVID restrictions and amid the war.

This exhibition explores how familiar relaxation spots have changed, how difficult it has become to find peace and pleasure amidst constant tension and anxiety. But even here, there is space for irony, light surrealism, and hope for the future.

Entry: free

Kureni Maslenitsa: Pagan Circle of Fire and Music

On March 1 and 2, Kureni invites Kyivites to a charity Maslenitsa with a modern vibe. Two days — two completely different moods.

On Saturday, you can enjoy refined intellectual house music from Ukrainian producers: iO [Mulen] b2b CHEISE will create elegant rhythms, while T.FAIN aka VINAYA will fill the space with their original musical discoveries. Sunday is a day of street energy, African rhythms, and traditional fire purification rituals. At 19:00, an effigy of Putin will be burned as a symbol of evil burning along with winter.

Entry on Sunday is free, but for Saturday, it’s better to purchase online tickets in advance, as they will be more expensive at the door.

Entry: from 300 UAH

Circle of Svarog. Kolodiy

On March 1–2, Art Factory Platform invites Kyivites to a bright celebration of Kolodiy. It’s a great chance to leave the old behind and start a new cycle of life together.

Visitors can expect a spectacular performance: the sounds of the trembita, the burning Circle of Svarog, drum shows, the battle hopak dance, the ringing of blacksmith hammers, and Cossack horses. The experience is enhanced by ethnomusical performances, acrobatics, strength tricks, traditional crafts, and treats.

Come and witness ancient legends come to life and feel the true spirit of the spring awakening.

Entry: 150–300 UAH

Stepan Higa Concert

Stepan Higa, a popular pop singer, composer, and truly national artist, opens the concert season in the capital. Music has been an inseparable part of his life since childhood, and the artist has always pursued his dream: he studied at the conservatory, performed in competitions, and in 1989 created the band "Druzi Moi" in his native Transcarpathia, which he still performs with today.

Don’t miss the chance to spend an evening with the legendary Ukrainian performer.

Entry: 390–1500 UAH

Jazz Spring with BIG BAND AMBASSADORS

On March 1, a concert by the BIG BAND AMBASSADORS of the National Presidential Orchestra will take place in Kyiv. The evening’s program will feature a live performance by one of Ukraine's leading jazz bands, conducted by People’s Artist of Ukraine Oleksandr Rukomoynikov.

The concert is dedicated to the beginning of spring, and each composition will convey the atmosphere of lightness, freedom, and inspiration typical of this genre.

Entry: 300–900 UAH

Exhibition of Oleksandr Yanovych "Let It Be So"

On February 14, the Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora opened an exhibition by painter and sculptor Oleksandr Yanovych titled "Let It Be So". The artist presented his reflections on creative freedom and its instruments.

Yanovych believes that the attitude of "let it be so" is the key to freedom in life and art. His works invite contemplation on how victory can be an illusion, and defeat may become a discovery or valuable experience.

Entry: 100–150 UAH

Exhibition "Embroidery of Eastern Podillia": Traditions, Patterns, Symbolism

At the Ivan Honchar Museum, there is currently an exhibition from the unique collection of the family of Tetiana and Yevhen Prychepiiv. The exhibition features traditional embroidered and woven towels, shirts, napramytsi, and carpets of Eastern Podillia, which the family gathered during expeditions through Vinnytsia.

You can also see items collected by Ivan Honchar himself. Podilian embroidery is distinguished by its refined style, clear graphics, and calm color palette. It’s a great opportunity to get closer to the local flavor, symbolism, and traditions of the region.

Entry: 30–100 UAH