What to Do in Kyiv on the Weekend of May 9–11: Concerts, Performances, Markets, and Photo Exhibitions

This weekend in the capital, beloved artists will perform, new exhibitions will open, large markets and intimate cultural events will take place. The lineup includes concerts by DOROFEEVA, BAH.ROMA, and Faktachno Sami, a charity photo exhibition about artillery soldiers on the front line, a musical cabaret from a Kharkiv theater, the fashionable “Days of the Ukrainian Dress” market, the return of “Kurazh” at VDNG, exhibitions by Yevhen Syvokyn and of wild nature, and a Drum & Bass party with London Elektricity.

This weekend is all about sincere emotions, the power of culture, and the chance to choose exactly what resonates with you right now. We’ve gathered the most interesting highlights in the selection below — scroll, plan, and share with friends.

DOROFEEVA Concert

On May 10, DOROFEEVA — one of the brightest stars of the modern Ukrainian pop scene — will perform a major concert at Osocor Residence. The program features fan favorites like “Shchob ne bulo” (“So That There’s Nothing”), “Kokhayu, ale ne zovsіm” (“I Love, But Not Quite”), “A ya vse plakala” (“And I Kept Crying”), “Heartbit,” and many more hits that have lived in the hearts of millions.

DOROFEEVA is more than just a voice: she is sincerity, style, and strength that brings people together. Her songs have graced top stages in Ukraine and Europe, and during the full-scale war, she raised tens of millions of hryvnias in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Admission: from 900 UAH

Exhibition: “Yevhen Syvokyn. The Man Who Can Fly. Cinema, Collage”

Ukrainian animation classic, director, and artist Yevhen Syvokyn is known for cartoons that not only entertain but provoke thought and pose questions. The exhibition showcases his animated films, archival materials from the Dovzhenko Centre collection, collages, and drawings from his personal archive.

This is a chance to see how an authorial world is born from fragments of things that seem to have lost their meaning — a world filled with philosophy, humor, and deep subtext. Some collages will be available in exchange for a donation to the Armed Forces — the artist chose to support the army through creativity.

Admission: 100 UAH

BAH.ROMA Concert

On May 9, BAH.ROMA will perform a large solo concert at ORIGIN STAGE. Their songs tell stories that you want to hear again and again: sincere, emotional, and relatable. The setlist includes new tracks and well-loved hits like “Na hlybyni” (“At Depth”), “Voyinu” (“To the Warrior”), and “Kviten” (“April”), which have become staples in many playlists.

It will be an evening of music that speaks from the heart — in a space where the most important things come to mind.

Admission: from 590 UAH

“Days of the Ukrainian Dress” on Desiatynna Street

On May 10–11, the terrace of “Vsi. Svoi” will host Ukrainian brands offering dresses for every occasion: from light linen sundresses to evening wear. Expect dozens of styles, colors, materials, and formats — for the office, leisure, romantic dates, and major events.

Also featured: shoes, bags, accessories, and outerwear to complete your look in one go. Entry is free, so come for inspiration — or to find that perfect dress you've been searching for.

Admission: free

Faktachno Sami (ex QARPA) Concert

On May 9, Faktachno Sami (formerly QARPA) will perform at “V’YAVA” — a legendary Ukrainian underground band known for playing by its own rules. From noise experiments to ironic punk anthems, their music defies format, which makes it timelessly relevant.

Founded by an engineer and a psychiatrist, the band became iconic after Irena Karpa joined — and has been surprising audiences ever since. “Lady Du” is already trending on TikTok, and the song “Teren” will get a video as the soundtrack to Karpa’s new book.

This concert is not just for longtime fans of “Cosmic Vacuum,” but also for those discovering Ukrainian music anew.

Admission: 650–1800 UAH

Musical Cabaret “Vilni” (“Free”)

On May 10 at ORIGIN STAGE, the musical cabaret “Vilni” will be staged — a performance that redefines theater. It’s not just a show but a live event where the audience becomes part of the scene. You can watch, dance with the performers, hear them up close, and even influence the action.

The show is brought by independent musical theater “057” from Kharkiv. Expect emotion, energy, and a night you won’t forget.

Admission: from 680 UAH

“Thickets, Undergrowth, Shrubs”: An Exhibition About Overlooked Nature

The Imagine Point gallery has opened an exhibit featuring works by Yana and Volodymyr Havrysh that rediscover the world of wild vegetation.

Nature’s chaos here transforms into harmony: in watercolors, monotypes, and black-and-white film photographs — shrubs, thickets, and undergrowth become refined art objects. It's not just about plants, but about nature’s ability to regenerate, to be strong and free.

Admission: free

APLAY with LONDON ELEKTRICITY & JOLLIFFE

On May 10 at “V’YAVA,” APLAY presents two stars of the London DnB scene. London Elektricity (Tony Colman) — the legendary producer dubbed the “father of Drum & Bass” — returns to Kyiv. His sets are always a mix of drive, soul, and pure bliss. Joining him is Jolliffe — a British artist whose music balances dark energy and deep emotion.

Support comes from Derrick from Lviv, Kyiv-based resident VOTUMA, as well as Diff!rant and Warm Roller.

DnB under the open sky at VDNG — a perfect recipe for an explosive night.

Admission: 650–1100 UAH

“Kurazh” Opens the Season — and Returns to VDNG

On May 10–11, the legendary market unfolds once again in the familiar 1970s pavilions. Expect music, DJs, a flea market, lectures, street food, charity activities, and tons of hugs.

This time the stage will feature Si Process, Blooms Corda, ABCD, Katro Zauber, Daniel, and others. Lectures by Alyona Gudkova and Olga Rudnieva will also take place. As always — accessibility, dogs, cats, and a glass of wine at sunset.

Admission: 400 UAH

Photo Exhibition: “Iron Thunder That Brings Silence Closer”

Starting May 7, Vakulenko Art Consulting is hosting a photo exhibition about the 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade’s combat path.

This exhibition is not just about artillery, but also about people — their courage, fear, determination, and humor. The photos show what the “iron thunder” looks like — and why Ukrainian interceptor drones are so vital today.

The exhibition aims to raise funds for vehicles and equipment for the drone-interceptor (anti-air FPV) unit, a critical part of protecting artillery and crews from enemy strikes.

Admission: free