Thursday, May 22
20th St. Petersburg Book Salon
- May 22-25, 11 am - 8 pm
- Palace Square
- Free
The annual book salon is here! Hundreds of books by countless publishing houses are waiting to be explored in several pavilions on Palace Square. Who knows, maybe that’s where you’ll pick up your next favorite Russian book? Also on the program are all kinds of events, from book presentations to public talks, which could be a fun way to practice your Russian – or another chance to extend that reading list.
Friday, May 23
City Lights
- 7 pm
- Rodina Cinema
- 700 rubles (tickets here)
There’s nothing like a silent film – with live music – to end your work week. This time, the screen is graced by Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights (1931) and for soundtrack – original 1920s-inspired pieces by pianist Nikita Arefiev. The movie will be preceded with a talk by cinema expert Liza Pestova.
Saturday, May 24
Tulip Festival
- May 24-25, 10 am - 6 pm
- Yelagin Island
- 300 rubles (50 rubles for students) – tickets here
No one celebrates spring like St. Petersburg – you know the season has finally arrived when Yelagin Island hosts its annual (and breathtaking) tulip festival. The whole park is covered in the rainbow of flowers, and both days of the festival feature a program full to the brim with vocal and dance performances!
Sunday, May 25
Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra
- 8 pm
- New Holland Island (Summer Theater)
- 1,000 rubles – tickets here
An evening of jazz classics performed by St. Pete’s only state jazz philharmonic orchestra will kickstart the Jazz Sundays series of this year’s Summer Theater. Note that you’ll be seated outside, so consider the weather when dressing for the event.
Monday, May 26
Exhibition: Andrea Belluso. Icona Italiana
- Until August 3, 11 am - 11 pm daily, except Tue
- Erarta Museum
- 700-1,000 rubles (includes an annual pass)
Can the interplay of light and shadow in a photo spike up your interest in a product? When seen through the lens of marketing and fashion photographer Andrea Belluso, it definitely can. Explore the Vogue Italia-featured creator’s works in a unique exhibition at Erarta Museum.
Tuesday, May 27
Russian-Chinese Symphony Orchestra & Russian-Chinese Choir
- 8 pm
- St. Petersburg Philharmonia
- 700-3,700 rubles (tickets here)
It’s St. Petersburg’s birthday! It was on this day 322 years ago that Peter the Great founded our beloved Venice of the North. In celebration, St. Petersburg Philharmonia will host a concert featuring pieces by Russian and Chinese composers, as well as Hymn to the Great City from the ballet The Bronze Horseman.
Wednesday, May 28
Private Sector
- Until July 1, Wed-Thu: 1 pm - 9 pm, Fri-Sun: 12 pm - 7 pm
- Street Art Storage
- Tickets: Wed-Thu – 600 rubles, Fri-Sun – 800 rubles (50% off for students)
The history of Russian street art is lovingly documented in this chamber exhibition that nevertheless manages to feature over 120 pieces. You are invited to explore what is undoubtedly one of the most fleeting and yet resilient art forms.
