Irkutsk events

Festival of ice sculptures “Crystal Seal” is embodiment of successful collaboration of human art and nature. All the sculptures of the festival are made of the pure Baikal’s ice. The number of sculptures usually varies from about 15 to 30 and depends on the number of teams taking part in the competition. It is advisable to visit the exhibition during sunset, as all the figures look stunning in the rays of the setting sun. There are numerous cafes in Listvyanka, where you can warm up after a long stay on the ice. Venue: Listvyanka, the shore of the Baikal. Event cost: 250 Rub (To be confirmed)

The word “Sagaalgan” is translated as “White Month” from the Buryat language and is associated with coming spring. In the last decades many Buryats have moved into Irkutsk from the countryside. Buryat culture has made a real resurgence in the city. Sagaalgan is a New Year by Lunar Calendar which is widely celebrated in the Buryat Republic and Irkutsk Oblast. During the Sagaalgan different kinds of entertainment such as concerts, shows, musical festivals are held. It is the custom to see New Year in with white foods: milk, curds, sour cream, sheep cheese, etc. A common meal often includes ‘buuza’, a big meat dumpling with holes on top to let steam out while it’s being cooked. Sagaalgan symbolizes the beginning of a new

Maslenitsa (also known as Butter Week, Crepe Week) is the oldest surviving Slavic folk holiday. The fun festival celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Pancakes (rus: Блины [Blini]) are usually baked in large quantities and shared among friends and family to symbolize the sun and warmth. Maslenitsa lasts for up to one week. The burning of the effigy is the traditional culmination of the festival. Venue: Different sites around the city and archeologic and ethnographic museum “Taltsy”. (Rus) Event cost: Free

Festival Jazz at Lake Baikal is held annually in various parts of Irkutsk region starting from June 2006. The “Jazz at the Baikal” festival is the largest jazz festival in the world. Starting from 2006, famous musicians from all over the world, including Russia, Europe, US, Japan, and Brazil, etc. come to Irkutsk. A cheerful baby seal wearing glasses and a saxophone is an emblem of Jazz at Lake Baikal festival. The unique Baikal atmosphere makes the festival special. The following events takes place within the framework of Jazz at the Baikal festival: – Concerts of jazz performers from different countries of the world with participation of local ensembles; – Master classes for students in establishments of culture and arts

Almost all museums of Irkutsk will be accessible free of charge all day long until late at night. Museums at Night is an annual festival designed to encourage people into museums, galleries and heritage sites by showing off the best they have to offer. Venue: Different museums of Irkutsk Event cost: Free

Each year, on the City day, you can enjoy the concerts, festivities, fireworks, and other fun events. The Irkutsk City Day is held annualy on first Sunday of June. In 2017, the city will celebrate its 356th birthday. Among the events deserving special attention is the City Carnival. The carnival “Shagaem Vmeste” (Walking together) has been organized each year since 2010. At the end of 2010, it got international status and was listed in a World’s Calendar of Festive Events. The Carnival has become a tradition. People throughout the year prepare for it. Venue: Different sites around the city Event cost: Free

On the Youth Day both kids and adults will find the attraction of their taste. The festival is held annualy on last Saturday of June. On the Youth day, the city immerses into the atmosphere of fun, color festival, 3D show, open-air dance shows, games, and workshops. Among numerous events, there will be a free HIV test and fluorography for all visitors. Venue: Kirov square, Island Konnyi, Island Younost. Event cost: Free

What began in 2014 as a small project designed to diversify the city’s social life, by 2016 developed into one of the main cultural events of Irkutsk. The festival lasts 3 days. The first day is devoted to classical art and features joint performances of the Irkutsk Symphony Orchestra and leading Russian Orchestras. Other days of the festival are dedicated to the modern art and music including concert performances and open-air exhibitions. Venue: Gagarin boulevard (Rus: Бульвар Гагарина) Event cost: Free Website: http://cultcapital.ru. (Rus)

The international ethno-cultural festival Erdyn Games (Erdyn Naadan) will bring together shamans and athletes. The Erdyn Games festival is held once in two years. The festival program includes Buryat national struggle, throwing 10-pound stone at a distance, shooting from the traditional national archery, shearing sheep, running on 800 meters around the mountain Ekhe Erd, stick pulling, playing Buryat chess “Shatar” and this list isn’t going to end. The cultural program will include Yokhor, a traditional circle dance, around the hill Erd. To enclose the circle at least 700 participants are needed. A traditional contest “Beauty of Erdynsky games” will take place as a part of the festival. Unmarried girls from 15 to 26 years will have to complete four competitive

This annual festival offers diverse musical programs including performances by world famous Russian and foreign musicians. Artistically directed by pianist virtuoso Denis Matsuev, the festival takes place in the Irkutsk State Musical Theater. Usually it is held in September and consists of 12-15 concerts, master classes and creative meetings. Denis Matsuev, who was himself born in Irkutsk, returns to his Siberian roots, bringing with him international stars from different regions and continents across the world. The festival traditionally starts with two concerts: a charity concert for children and veterans and an opening concert. Venue: Irkutsk Musical Theatre N.M.Zagurskogo Event cost: Prices vary from 500 to 6000 rub Website: http://matsuev.com.