Events & Festivals in Moscow

A major religious holiday in Russia. While many services are held the night before, January 7th is a public holiday. Attend majestic liturgies in historic cathedrals like Christ the Savior or the Kremlin's Assumption Cathedral. The festive mood from New Year's continues.

A joyful, week-long Slavic folk festival marking the end of winter. The city hosts outdoor concerts, traditional games, craft fairs, and the main attraction: endless servings of bliny (crepes). The festival culminates on Sunday with the symbolic burning of a Lady Maslenitsa effigy.

A national holiday honoring military personnel and men in general. Features ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, military hardware displays in parks like Patriot Park, and festive concerts. It's common to see men receiving small gifts and congratulations.

Russia's premier national theatre festival and awards ceremony. For several months, the best productions from across Russia—drama, opera, ballet, puppetry, and modern dance—are presented in Moscow's leading theatres, culminating in the prestigious award ceremony.

The main exhibition for yachting, boating, and water sports in Russia. Showcases the latest boats, yachts, equipment, and marinas. Includes seminars, presentations, and is a key event for enthusiasts and professionals ahead of the short summer season.

One of the world's oldest film festivals (A-list by FIAPF). Screens a wide selection of international and Russian films, with competitions for features and documentaries. Features red carpets, press conferences with stars, and industry events.

The most important Orthodox religious holiday. The midnight Easter Service is a magnificent spectacle. After the service, people bring kulichi (Easter bread) and painted eggs to be blessed. Festive markets and decorations appear in the days leading up to it.

A large, festive fair held in the lead-up to Orthodox Easter. Stalls sell traditional Easter foods like kulich and paskha, painted eggs, crafts, and gifts. Features concerts, workshops on egg painting, and a general celebratory atmosphere.

Russia's most solemn and grand patriotic holiday, commemorating WWII victory. The massive military parade on Red Square is the centerpiece. Later, Poklonnaya Gora and parks host concerts, historical reenactments, and ends with a huge fireworks display.

A beloved spring book fair where publishers, second-hand dealers, and small presses sell their wares. A paradise for bibliophiles looking for Russian literature, art books, rare editions, and vinyl records. Has a relaxed, intellectual atmosphere.

A city-wide celebration of food where hundreds of restaurants create special menus at fixed prices. It's an excellent opportunity to try high-end cuisine at a more accessible cost. Themes often focus on specific cuisines or local ingredients.

One of Europe's largest open-air jazz festivals, held in the picturesque setting of an historic estate park. The lineup blends world-famous jazz, soul, and funk artists with emerging Russian talents across multiple stages.

A major international open-air rock and alternative music festival, attracting top global and Russian acts. Known for its energetic crowds and diverse lineup across multiple stages. It's a staple of the Moscow summer music scene.

A sweet, family-friendly summer festival dedicated to ice cream. Dozens of vendors from across Russia and beyond sell unique and classic flavors. Includes competitions, masterclasses on ice cream making, and entertainment for children.

A spectacular military tattoo held on Red Square. Features military bands, drill teams, and honor guards from around the world in dazzling uniforms. A collision of music, precision marching, and historical pageantry against the backdrop of the Kremlin.

A massive city-wide birthday party for Moscow, typically held the first weekend of September. Features street festivals, free concerts on multiple stages (including Red Square), food fairs, historical reenactments, drone shows, and spectacular fireworks over the Moskva River.

A breathtaking multimedia festival where artists use Moscow's iconic architecture as canvases for video mapping and light installations. Famous buildings like the Bolshoi Theatre and the Main Building of Moscow State University become dynamic, illuminated works of art.

The largest marathon in Russia, attracting tens of thousands of runners. The scenic route passes many of Moscow's landmarks, including the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and Moscow State University. Includes races for all levels, from a full marathon to a 5k.

An annual all-night cultural marathon where museums, galleries, libraries, and concert halls stay open late and offer special programs, exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and masterclasses, many for free or at a symbolic price.

Moscow transforms into a winter wonderland with the country's biggest holiday. Expect dazzling light installations on Tverskaya Street, massive ice rinks (like at Gorky Park and VDNKh), festive markets, and New Year's concerts. The main tree is on Red Square, and the city buzzes with celebrations until Orthodox Christmas on January 7th.

A traditional festival celebrating Russian winter customs, often held at open-air museums. Features troika (sleigh) rides, folk music and dance performances, traditional crafts workshops, and hearty winter food like shashlik and hot sbiten (spiced drink).