Moscow is kicking off a vibrant summer festival weekend from June 12 through June 14, 2026, as the city’s popular “Leto v Moskve” (Summer in Moscow) program returns with dozens of free events across the capital. From epic bogatyr-themed adventures to jazz concerts and sports activities, there’s something for everyone.
Bogatyrskaya Zastava: Epic Hero Festival
On June 12 at 12:00 PM on Marshal Katukov Street, the festival “Bogatyrskaya Zastava: The Strength of Rus” transforms the city into a medieval adventure land. Visitors can try their hand at tug-of-war and spear throwing at the “Ristalishche” competition ground, or forge souvenirs at the “Druzhinny Stan” blacksmith camp and weave protective amulets from birch bark. Themed photo zones with wooden architecture and epic storybook backdrops offer perfect photo opportunities, while animators dressed as bears and epic horses invite guests to try on warrior cloaks and helmets. Entry is free.
International Travel Forum at VDNH
From June 12 to 14, VDNH hosts the International Tourism Forum “Putesshestvuy!” (Travel!). Visitors can chat with tourism industry representatives, explore interactive booths, enjoy gastronomic and cultural programs, and participate in master classes. Lucky attendees can even win a trip — a tour across Russia or abroad. The event is free with no registration required.
Science and Ice Cream Festival
Also at VDNH from June 12-14, the “Science and Ice Cream” festival offers a unique blend of learning and treats. Guests can build Rube Goldberg machines, look through a solar telescope, create scientific comics, meet with authors, chat with scientists, go on an architectural history bike ride, and play board games with specialists from the Darwin Museum. Free entry with advance registration.
Jazz and Open-Air Concerts
The Moscow Jazz Festival continues through June 13 at the Hermitage Garden and near the Friendship of Peoples fountain at VDNH. Performers include Marimba Plus, Real Jam Band, Dizzy Dutch Duck, Varevo, and Murat Pliev’s ensemble. A separate rooftop jazz concert at Novotel Moscow Centre on June 12 features Hollywood film jazz performed by Anna Ivanova and her band. All outdoor jazz events are free.
Family Fun and Creative Workshops
Across all three days, parks throughout Moscow offer master classes, concerts, and activities. The 850th Anniversary of Moscow Park hosts a “Russia in the Heart Forever” event with a concert, bag-painting workshops, themed quizzes, and an open-air disco from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. In the Severnoye Tushino park, a “Park Choir” invites everyone to sing folk songs together.
Aerial Gymnastics Spectacular
The “You Are the Heart of the Air” festival runs June 12-14 in front of Pavilion 574 at VDNH, featuring breathtaking performances by aerial gymnasts. Free admission, no registration needed.
Apparel and Merchandise
It wouldn’t be a Moscow summer weekend without festival merchandise. Throughout the events, visitors will find pop-up shops selling themed clothing — from bogatyr-inspired warrior t-shirts and Slavic folk-pattern hoodies to airy summer dresses perfect for the season. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir tank top for the jazz concerts or a comfortable running top for the sports zone, Moscow’s summer festival circuit has you covered.
For more information on the full program, visit the official Moscow Mayor’s website or the VDNH events calendar.