WINTER SALE: Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

Ukraine is rapidly becoming an epicentre of cool events as it launches a couple of new festivals every year. The diversity of performers and music genres has always been impressive, and this year isn’t any different. Just a few of the performers that will be attending this year’s festivals include Jamiroquai, Hurts, Tom Odell and Gorillaz. Another key advantage of planning a trip to Ukraine is that local festivals are way cheaper here than in Europe.

BeLive

BeLive festival will be held in Kiev for the first time this year, but its line-up does not interfere with the other widely known events. The main headliners are Jamiroquai, Hurts and Everything Everything, as well as other up-and-coming Ukrainian musicians. You’ll also find many other possible entertainment options, such as street food, art, standups, sports, cinema, technology, activities for bloggers and vloggers and even a children’s playground.

When: June 21-24

Where: Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kiev, Ukraine
A post shared by Більше ніж просто музика (@belivefest) on Apr 7, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT

Leopolis Jazz Fest

Leopolis Jazz Fest (previously known as the Alfa Jazz Fest) is an international jazz event, which immediately turns Lviv into one of the main locations of high-quality music. For a couple of days, guests have the opportunity to check out more than 170 musicians from 16 countries, partake in workshops, jam with friends and fellow music lovers and attend autograph sessions. Not to boast, but it was listed among the top 10 jazz festivals in Europe by The Guardian.

When: June 27 – July 1

Where: Bogdan Khmelnitsky Culture Park, Lviv, Ukraine
A post shared by LeopolisJazzFest (@leopolisjazz) on Apr 23, 2018 at 1:13am PDT

Atlas Weekend

Atlas Weekend has a reputation for being the most ambitious Ukrainian music festival. Its peculiarity is an absolutely versatile selection of performers: going from rock stars to popular pop singers or rappers. If you didn’t have an opportunity to listen to LP, Nothing but Thieves, Tom Odell, The Chemical Brothers or Tomorrowland’s favourite Lost Frequencies live, you need to come to Kiev in July and enjoy live music from the best musicians in the world. Besides, you’ll be surprised by the quality of some of the local singers and bands.

When: July 4-8

Where: Expocenter of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
A post shared by Atlas Weekend (@atlasweekend) on May 3, 2018 at 8:04am PDT

Faine Misto

In mid-July, Ternopil city and the entire Western Ukraine will be vibrating from the Faine Misto music festival. Its motto says that it is the territory of free people. Thus, it is the venue for running away from the routine and enjoying yourself. The event’s line-up is always unexpected, although this year, famous names have already been announced: The Rasmus, Amaranthe, Oomph! and Vivienne Mortand. The main advantage this festival provides is two camp sites that offer paid and free spots.

When: July 19-22

Where: Hippodrome, Ternopil, Ukraine
A post shared by Файне Місто (Faine Misto) (@fainemistofest) on Apr 22, 2018 at 4:49am PDT

UPark

If you like an active pastime, UPark is a festival that will have you dancing ’til you drop. The leading performer is Gorillaz, who will please guests on the first day of the event. Kaleo, Little Dragon and YUKO are among other invited musicians. The second day of UPark is dedicated to the beats of electronic sound with Bonobo, Massive Attack, Onuka (popular Ukrainian band) and Young Fathers playing on the stage. In addition, there will also be an art market and a large food court for snacks after cheerful partying.

When: July 25-26

Where: Valeriy Lobanovskyi Dynamo Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
A post shared by UPark Festival 💙💛 (@uparkfestival) on May 15, 2018 at 5:06am PDT

Koktebel Jazz Festival

Koktebel Jazz Festival is a festival with a history that goes back to 2003. At that time the event took place in Koktebel (Crimea peninsula) and later was moved to Chornomorsk city, not far from Odessa. It is not just a music gathering, but a fully-fledged cultural event with different variations of classic jazz: electronic, pop and even rock flows. The major headliners for 2018 are the successful Ukrainian band Dakh Daughters (a female band performing in the genre of freak-cabaret) and Onuka. Moreover, the stages for the event are located on the beach. Just imagine how inspiring it would be to enjoy jazz and watch the sun set over the Black Sea.

When: August 16-19

Where: City Beach, Chornomorsk, Ukraine
A post shared by Koktebel Jazz Festival (@jazzkoktebel) on Apr 30, 2018 at 6:42am PDT

ZaxidFest

If your main goal is to become a part of the festival community and enjoy the camping life, choose ZaxidFest above all the events. The venue is located in a picturesque forest near a clear lake, guaranteeing an unforgettable and emotional experience. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the festival has a free round-trip shuttle to Lviv. In terms of music, Bullet for My Valentine will be the star of the stage this year.

When: August 24-26

Where: Rodatychi village, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
A post shared by Zaxidfest (@zaxidfest_official) on Feb 15, 2018 at 3:46am PST

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad