Independence Day Kyiv: Events and Experiences for Everyone
Ukraine marks its 34th Independence Day on August 24, 2025, and despite the ongoing war with Russia, Kyiv celebrates with concerts, festivals, and cultural gatherings. The city balances resilience and joy, showing that even in wartime, life goes on. If you are looking for things to do in Kyiv on Independence Day weekend, here are the highlights.
Independence Day Kyiv: Events and Experiences for Everyone
Creative Collage Workshop “Independence” at the Museum of Kyiv History
Celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day with a hands-on collage workshop dedicated to the theme of “Independence.” This art practice offers a space for self-expression, creativity, and personal discovery. All materials are provided—just bring your good mood and inspiration to create.
Location:
Museum of the History of Kyiv, 7 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street
4th floor, Conference Hall
Dates & Time: August 23 at 14:00, August 24 at 14:00
Price: 150 UAH
Tickets: Available via registration link.
Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey & The Weeknd Performed by Symphony Orchestra
A unique symphonic concert where the greatest hits of Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and The Weeknd will be reimagined in orchestral arrangements. Expect a powerful blend of modern pop anthems and classical performance, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
Location: Gulliver Shopping Mall, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 23, 2025, at 19:00
Price: Tickets typically from 400 UAH (depending on seat category)
Tickets: Available at Concert.ua
It’s My Life – 80s & 90s Party at V’YAVA
Step back in time with an energetic party dedicated to the greatest hits of the 1980s and 1990s. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and a nostalgic playlist that will keep you dancing all night.
Location:
V’YAVA Cultural Space, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 23, 2025, at 19:00
Price: From 350 UAH (depending on ticket type)
Tickets: Available at Concert.ua
Charity Festival-Fair “The Power of Truth”
On the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum will host a charity festival-fair called “The Power of Truth.” The event’s goal is to raise funds for the prosthetics of Ukrainian soldiers. Visitors can enjoy a traditional crafts fair, masterclasses, performances by military orchestras, activities from the KOLOgRAY community, and live rock concerts by CAVEPRAWNS and Yizhaky Smiyutsia (“Laughing Hedgehogs”).
Location: Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum, 1 Akademika Tron’ka Street, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 23, 2025, from 12:00 to 18:00
Price: Entry according to museum ticket rates; donations encouraged for the charity cause
Tickets: Details and updates via the Pyrohiv Museum Instagram
Wellboy Independence Day Concert
Ukrainian pop sensation Wellboy brings his signature mix of sincerity, humor, and deep meaning to the stage on Independence Day. Known for hits like “Husy” (Geese), “Vyshni” (Cherries), and “Dodomu” (Home), as well as new tracks, the artist promises an energetic evening of music and celebration.
Location:
KURENI Concertni, 4 Parkova Road, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 24, 2025, at 19:00
Price: From 450 UAH
Tickets: Available via Concert.ua
Ukrainian Retro Concert for Independence Day
The band MOVA, together with music journalist and researcher Albert Tsukrenko, invites audiences on a nostalgic journey through the golden decades of Ukrainian pop music, from the 1960s to the 1980s. The evening combines live performances with a lecture that highlights the historical context, origins, and cultural significance of Ukrainian pop hits that shaped national identity.
Location: Caribbean Club, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 24, 2025
Price: According to venue’s ticket rates (starting from ~400 UAH)
Tickets: Available at Caribbean Club website or via Concert.ua
Vedalife Festival 2025
Vedalife Festival returns to Kyiv with the theme “Evolution in all its forms.” The event offers a wide program of spiritual and physical practices, lectures, mantra jams, healthy food, concerts, and sound healing sessions. The festival promotes a mindful lifestyle and emphasizes a space free of alcohol, drugs, and aggression.
Location:
SKVO Space, Hydropark, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 23–24, 2025 (all day program)
Price: Free entry before 13:00; later entry subject to ticket purchase (details on-site)
Tickets: Registration and details
Vyshyvanka Run 2025
The annual Vyshyvanka Run combines sport, tradition, and charity. Runners take part in the Independence Day race wearing embroidered Ukrainian shirts (vyshyvankas), creating a vibrant sea of national colors. The event promotes a healthy lifestyle, unity, and support for social initiatives, with proceeds going to charity projects.
Location: Start and finish at VDNG, Urban Park, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 24, 2025, morning (07:00 a.m.)
Tickets / Registration: Available at the official website vyshyvanka.run.
Festival “Dva Kolory”
On the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, the “Dva Kolory” Festival will take place in Kyiv. The event brings together two stages: the instrumental “Hop!” stage and the electronic “Tits!” stage. The lineup includes Ukrainian rock and folk bands, while the electronic program will be announced later. Between music sets, visitors can enjoy theatrical interpretations of Ukrainian poetry and prose. A vegan food court by “Karma” will also be available on site. All proceeds from the festival go to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Musicians Defend Ukraine fund.
Location: 31 Nyzhnoiurkivska Street, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 23, 2025
Price: 500–1200 UAH
Tickets: Details and ticket purchase
Independent Market “Vsi.Svoi”
The popular “Vsi.Svoi” Market brings together Ukrainian brands in one space to showcase clothing, footwear, accessories, home goods, décor, and craft gastronomy. Visitors can explore patriotic collections, unique items with stories, and enjoy an atmosphere of unity and creativity.
Location: 12 Desiatynna Street, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 23–24, 2025
Price: Free entry
Tickets: Not required (open access event)
Festival of Ukrainian Wines
The Festival of Ukrainian Wines at WINETIME offers two days of tastings from 15 wineries across different regions of Ukraine. Guests will be able to sample more than 100 wines, from classic varieties to unique blends, along with over 40 selections of craft distillates and infusions. The festival showcases the diversity and quality of modern Ukrainian winemaking.
Location: WINETIME, 1e Mykoly Bazhana Avenue, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 23–24, 2025
Price: Free entry
Brave! Factory Festival 2025
On Ukraine’s Independence Day weekend, the legendary Brave! Factory Festival returns to Kyiv at the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio. This year’s edition will feature more than 50 artists, including 15 international guests. The lineup includes British electronic icons Paranoid London, Uruguayan DJs Koolt and Michelle, a showcase by the Giegling label, and Ukrainian performers such as The Maneken with orchestra, SI Process, Misha Pravylnyi, and more. Beyond music, the program offers an audiovisual show premiere, dance and theater performances, a massive food court with over 30 vendors, 16 bars, and dedicated chill-out zones.
Location:
Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 23–24, 2025
Price: 3200 UAH for a two-day pass, 3700 UAH at the entrance
Tickets: Available via official Brave! Factory Festival website and authorized partners
Fire Festival “Flame of Freedom”
In the heart of Kyiv, among the greenery of VDNG, the “Flame of Freedom” Festival will take place on August 23 and 24, 2025. This charity event is more than just a fire show. It is a celebration of art, music, creativity and unity dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day. The program includes fire battles, gala shows, live music, interactive workshops, children’s activities, food courts and lounge areas. All funds collected will support charitable initiatives, making participation both entertaining and meaningful.
Location: VDNG, Hammock Garden, 1 Akademika Hlushkova Avenue, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 23 and 24, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), from 12:30 to 22:30
Tickets: Available through official festival channels and partners
DVRZ Design Days – Third Season
The third season of DVRZ Design Days in Kyiv introduces visitors to contemporary Ukrainian design through curated exhibitions and educational events. The showcases at two industrial locations will feature modern designer furniture, lighting, finishes, art objects and décor. Exhibitions will be divided into five sections: Industrial Design, Materials, Functional Art, Craft and Décor, and the experimental design section DVRZ Lab.
The program also includes interactive zones, workshops, food courts, lounge areas, a music program and a pop-up store where visitors can purchase designer pieces. The educational part features open lectures and discussions with industry experts covering trends and challenges of Ukrainian design.
Location:
- MLYN Design Hub, 36/31 Spaska Street, Kyiv
- Panoptikum Gallery, 8 Almatynska Street, Kyiv
Dates & Time: August 20–24, 2025
Price: Free entry with prior registration
Tickets / Registration: Available via the official DVRZ Design Days website
Ukrainian Hits for Independence Day – Symphonic Concert
On Independence Day, the GosOrchestra will perform a special program of Ukrainian hits at the River Mall terrace. Guests can enjoy orchestral music, sunset views over the Dnipro, and refreshing cocktails from Chivas Regal. Part of the ticket sales supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Location: Terrace of River Mall, Kyiv
Date & Time: August 24, 2025
Price: Seating near the stage, VIP tables with service, or fan zone tickets
Tickets: Available at ACONCERT website
Kyiv celebrates Independence Day with music, festivals and a lot of joy. Please remember that the war is still on, so if there is an air alert stay safe and follow the rules. And if after the holidays you want to see more of the city, I will be happy to show you Kyiv on my walking tours.
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