Wondering what is happening in Irkutsk during your visit? This directory introduces local events, seasonal celebrations, cultural activities and public holidays that can add something special to your trip. Browse the listings to discover what interests you, learn about the different occasions and identify activities that fit your travel plans. From traditional festivities to community gatherings, Irkutsk offers opportunities to experience local culture beyond its everyday attractions. Check the official source for current programmes, locations and schedules.
Museum Night, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The annual Russian Night of Museums, held in Irkutsk on a May evening around International Museum Day. Regional museums and galleries open…
Baikal Day Festival, Irkutsk
A regional celebration of Lake Baikal held in early September, with lectures by scientists, quizzes, master classes, concerts and charity. Entry to…
Decembrist Evenings Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
An annual December history and culture festival of the Irkutsk Decembrist Museum, held since 1985. It brings theatre, salons, films, conferences and…
Sagaalgan Buryat New Year, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The Buryat New Year by the lunar calendar, called the White Month, celebrated in Irkutsk in February or March. A round dance…
Syty Babr Gastronomy Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
A two-day open-air gastronomy festival on Gagarin Boulevard by the monument to Alexander III. It offers a large food court of street…
Shine of Russia Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
An all-Russian festival of Russian spiritual and cultural traditions, held in the Irkutsk region since 1994. A procession, a liturgy, concerts, exhibitions…
Man and Nature Film Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The Baikal International Film Festival Man and Nature, named after the writer Valentin Rasputin, is one of Russia's oldest environmental film festivals.…
Jazz on Baikal Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
An annual international jazz festival in Irkutsk, held since 2006. It combines a free opening concert, club and hall concerts, masterclasses, jam…
Stars on Baikal Music Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
An annual international festival of classical music in Irkutsk, founded in 2004 on the initiative of the pianist Denis Matsuev. Concerts are…
Victory Day, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The anniversary of the 1945 victory, marked every 9 May with a wreath ceremony at the Eternal Flame, a parade on Speransky…
Maslenitsa Festival, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The pancake week that sees off winter, celebrated across Irkutsk in late winter with folk games, songs, pancakes and the burning of…
New Year Celebrations, IrkutskMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The main city tree and an ice town on Kirov Square, a Santa Claus residence, midnight fireworks and Christmas on 7 January.…
Irkutsk City DayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The city's birthday, held every year on the first Saturday of June. Concerts, a fair of crafts, a book fair and a…
Final thoughts
Exploring local events can make your time in Irkutsk more memorable and introduce you to traditions you might otherwise miss. Choose an occasion that interests you and see how it fits into your itinerary. Before making plans, check the official source for confirmed dates, venues and programme details, as arrangements may change between editions.
Ask Masha