What to Do in Kyiv on the Weekend of October 3–5: Concerts, Festivals, and Exhibitions

The first weekend of October in Kyiv offers a wide range of experiences: from major concerts by Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, “Fiolet” in a jazz format, or Chico & Qatoshi, to large-scale festivals such as the Linoleum Animation Festival or Picnic Country. For those looking for a more relaxed weekend, we recommend the Ukraine WOW exhibition, Katia Buchatska’s project at Mystetskyi Arsenal, and an intimate candlelight concert of Oscar-winning soundtracks. We've gathered the most interesting events happening from October 3–5 so you can easily plan your cultural route.

Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Concert

Sviatoslav Vakarchuk will hold a major charity concert in Kyiv, featuring both well-known songs by “Okean Elzy” and his solo work.

This is a chance to hear the classics of the Ukrainian music scene in a new interpretation while contributing to a good cause — part of the ticket proceeds will go toward supporting the 13th National Guard Brigade “Khartia.”

Entry: from 690 UAH

Ukraine WOW Exhibition

Ukraine WOW returns to the capital with an updated interactive program. This tribute exhibition to Ukraine blends history, modernity, and impressive technologies. Five themed sections — “Land,” “Rulers/Warriors,” “Thinkers,” “Artists,” and “Independence” — create a holistic journey through the cultural and historical heritage of the country.

Among the exhibits are Ivan Mazepa’s saber, a sword from the Kyivan Rus era, rare early prints from Beauplan to Marshall, copies of the Pectoral and the Peresopnytsia Gospel. Special attention is given to the achievements of independent Ukraine: Andriy Shevchenko’s “Ballon d’Or,” Eurovision trophies of Ruslana, Jamala, and Kalush Orchestra, international film awards, and modern fashion artifacts by FROLOV and Ruslan Baginskiy.

The interactive part allows visitors to “fly” over the Carpathians in VR, dive into virtual journeys through Bakota and the pink lakes of Syvash, see a recreated house of Polina Raiko, and a seven-meter set from the play “The Konotop Witch.”

Entry: from 200 UAH

“Fiolet” Jazz Concert

The band “Fiolet” is preparing an unexpected experiment — for the first time in their history, the musicians will present a program in jazz arrangements. Familiar songs will take on a new life in collaboration with professional instrumentalists from the Yevhenii Dubovyk Project.

The atmosphere of the evening will be enhanced by an exhibition of artist Kateryna Felistovych: her works will be integrated into the performance using virtual reality and multimedia projections. Each painting echoes a specific song, creating a living dialogue between music and visual art.

Entry: from 700 UAH

Oscar-Winning Soundtracks by Candlelight

On the first October weekend, Kyiv residents can immerse themselves in the world of great cinema with live music. The Actor’s House will host performances of soundtracks from Oscar-winning films — from classic melodies to modern cinematic hits.

Hundreds of candles and the soft glow of sunset will create a special ambiance, transforming the venue into an intimate space where music comes to life in a completely new way. A professional pianist at the grand piano will add new depth and emotion to the familiar compositions.

Entry: from 490 UAH

Picnic Country

At the beginning of October, “Platforma” invites everyone to Picnic Country — the final festival of the season, promising to turn the weekend into a true celebration of country culture.

The program includes performances by Ukrainian rock bands, open-air dancing, and an atmosphere that combines the drive of live concerts with the coziness of an autumn picnic. The space will be decorated in country style: hay bales, apples, wooden props, and garlands will set the mood.

Guests will also enjoy food courts with beer and whiskey, group games, and some non-traditional festival activities — consultations with an astrologer, a tarot reader, and even a specialist in metaphorical cards.

Entry: 100–300 UAH

Chico & Qatoshi Concert

The hip-hop duo Chico & Qatoshi has quickly become one of the loudest voices of the new Ukrainian music scene. Their breakthrough track “ZSU Will Help” instantly went viral, and their subsequent releases cemented their status as artists who speak directly and without censorship.

Their concerts are a blend of street energy and drive, honest lyrics, and music that resonates with the times. At “V’YAVI,” Chico & Qatoshi are preparing an evening where every track will be a manifesto of a generation used to calling things by their names and seeking freedom through sound.

Entry: 400–1000 UAH

Linoleum Animation Festival

At the beginning of October, Kyiv will once again host the Linoleum Animation Festival — the largest contemporary animation forum in Ukraine. Over five days, nearly 200 short films from over 40 countries will be screened, grouped into twenty thematic programs.

The festival brings together a variety of animation voices — from experimental works and dramatic stories to absurd, documentary, and poetic forms. At the core are themes of memory, identity, family, love, and loss, portrayed through personal yet universal experiences.

Entry: check the festival’s website

Solo Exhibition by Katia Buchatska

A new solo exhibition by Katia Buchatska is opening at Mystetskyi Arsenal, titled: “Given: 1. your safespace is on fire, 2. trimester, 4. grandma.” For the artist, this is an important return — her first solo show took place in 2019 at the Small Gallery, and now she presents works created during a new stage of life and creativity.

The project combines various media: photographs of places that are now inaccessible, the zine-diary “Photographs from Next Year,” paintings from 2021, an audio recording of her grandmother’s voice, and glass landscapes where specificity fades, revealing the sense of the present. The exhibition invites a reflection on the past as a way to comprehend change — within oneself and in the ever-shifting world.

An additional layer of the exhibition is a dialogue with Marcel Duchamp. While Buchatska previously turned to readymades, now she works with specific artworks, showing how themes and meanings shift depending on time and context.

Entry: free