Kinodot Film Festival
May 31 – June 2, Rodina Cinema
The annual Kinodot festival of experimental film will take place at Rodina Cinema (Karavannaya St., 12) over the course of three days. More than 40 short-form films by creators from around the globe will be shown in their original languages with Russian subtitles. Tickets to each of the 70-80 minute screenings cost 250 rubles and can be purchased on Rodina’s website.
FORTOLET Kite Festival
June 1-2, Fort Konstantin, Kronstadt
If you’re still a child at heart, you’re going to love this event. For two days straight, the skies above Fort Konstantin in the town of Kronstadt will fill with all manners of colorful kites of every shape and size. Entrance tickets are 300 rubles; bring your own kite and you’ll get in for free!
Tinkoff Stereoleto
July 6-7, Sevkabel Port
This year’s Stereoleto music festival, now in its 18th year, will take place at the ever-hip Sevkabel Port creative space. Its 2019 lineup includes chart-topper Rag’n’Bone Man, Russian rockers Mumiy Troll, the so-called “Russian answer to Die Antwoord” Little Big, recent breakout star Monetochka (Елизавета Гырдымова, признана иноагентом), and 50+ other artists from all over the world. Tickets start at 2,800 rubles.
Geek Picnic
July 6-7, Primorsky Victory Park
Europe’s largest open-air festival of science, tech, and pop culture is back with another dose of geek goodness! Cosplay, merch, lectures and workshops, partying, and gaming; it’s simply too much to describe. Check out our report from the 2017 Geek Picnic (featuring Richard Dawkins in ITMO’s Meme-Cube!).
Geek Picnic 2019 will take place at Primorsky Victory Park. Tickets start at 1,100 rubles; group and two-day tickets are available.
O Da! Eda! Food Fest
July 13-14, Primorsky Victory Park
What started out as a St. Petersburg-only event back in 2013 has now become the mainstay of the nation’s summertime entertainment, with O Da! Eda! events taking place in nearly every major Russian city. The list of this year’s participants has not been announced as of yet, but as always, expect obscene amounts of delicious food. Entrance tickets are 400 rubles, but don’t forget to bring some pocket money to spend on all the offerings!
Wanderlust 108
July 13, Yusupov Garden
The worldwide “mindful triathlon” that combines a 5k run, some yoga, and a meditation session is held each summer all around the world, and St. Petersburg is no exception. Head on over to Yusupov Garden and don’t forget a yoga mat, some sunscreen and a windbreaker – because no kind of weather should stop you – and bring it on! After the main part of the event, you can check out some of the markets and workshops, or even take part in a raffle.
Battle of the Neva
July 13-14, Peter and Paul Fortress
On July 15, 1240 Russian and Swedish armies clashed on the site of today’s St. Petersburg in a historic battle. Eight centuries later, historical reenactors take over the Peter and Paul Fortress in a recreation of a full-fledged knights’ tournament complete with melee, jousting, battling, and a medieval crafts fair.
VK Fest
July 20-21, 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park
The 2019 VK Fest will be the 5th installment of the Russian social network’s massive open-air festival, and its organizers are promising to go all out on this momentous occasion. The event’s program is still a secret, but judging by the past years’ lineups – which included many notable artists, experts, and celebrities, – it’s not to be missed. And, of course, don’t forget to swing by ITMO University’s zone at VK Fest! Tickets start at 2,000 rubles; two-day tickets are available.
Night of Light in Gatchina
August 16-17, Gatchina State Museum-Reserve
The international festival of light art Night of Light in Gatchina is a one-of-a-kind event. You’ll get to spend the night in a whole different world, walking through an imperial park, gazing at royal palaces and admiring amazing light art installations by artists from Russia and abroad (and even ITMO students!). Keep an eye on the event’s official website or VK page to learn more about admission to the park and how to get there.
