Lilac Promenade festival

• June 11-12, 12 pm - 6 pm
• Pavlovsk Park
• 150 rubles entrance fee + 650 rubles if you want to visit a concert (tickets here)

Signifying spring in some locations and summer in St. Pete, the magically smelling lilacs are definitely something to admire on a romantic stroll through the park. This weekend, you will be able to combine the pleasure of enjoying the lilac’s beauty and scent with that of open-air classical music. In order to let visitors admire the blooming flowers all around the park, the organizers will be hosting several guided tours down lilac routes. Take this as your sign to visit Pavlovsk, if you’ve never been there before, and discover all the hidden treasures of this historical town.

Leningrad Garage Sale

• June 11-12, 12 pm - 11 pm
• Brusnitsyn Culture Quarter
• Free

Hosted in one of the city’s gradually gentrified quarters right beside the popular Sevkabel Port, this garage sale will take you into the world of vintage clothing, vinyl records, and all kinds of old school. Moreover, as usual on such markets, this is your opportunity to purchase something from local designers, upcyclers, and creators. Come here to rediscover your free creative spirit and perhaps reinvent your wardrobe with unique vintage or handmade pieces.

Socialist Retro Cars exhibition

• May 27 - June 13, Mon-Thu 12 pm - 10 pm, Fri-Sun 12 pm - 11 pm
• Sevkabel Port
• 650 rubles (on weekdays: 400 rubles before 5 pm; 500 rubles – later)

Speaking of vintage and Sevkabel Port: right around the corner from the garage sale you will find an exhibition of vintage Soviet cars. On this final weekend of the exhibition, you will be able to step back in time and learn more about the realities of Soviet way of life through the vehicles that cruised the streets over 30 years ago. On June 12, you will also have the chance to witness a vintage fashion show at 4 pm to complete your retro experience for the weekend. Don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance (the ticket office closes one hour before the exhibition’s opening hours).

Concert: classical music by candlelight

• June 11, 8 pm
• Vladimir Palace
• from 1,500 rubles + 850 rubles for an optional guided tour

If you are one for history dramas and classical music, then this event is made for you. Set in a 19th century royal residence, this concert will treat you to piano pieces by Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Chopin, and other notable composers in the unique atmosphere of candlelight. Before you set off on this true chamber music evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the palace (in Russian) to learn all of the secrets it’s been keeping for nearly two centuries. You can purchase your tickets here.