Major Events & Festivals in Irkutsk, Russia

1. Circus on the Ice

Annual winter event featuring ice-skating performances by local and international artists.

Unique Performances: Offers unique ice-based acrobatics and juggling acts.
Ice Sculptures: Features intricate ice sculptures that complement the performances.
Festival Atmosphere: Creates a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with food vendors and live music.

Historical museum showcasing traditional Siberian wooden architecture.

Authentic Buildings: Houses authentic, relocated Siberian wooden buildings from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Cultural Exhibits: Displays traditional crafts, tools, and daily life items of local ethnic groups.
Riverside Location: Set on the banks of the Angara River, offering stunning natural views.

City-wide celebration during the Christmas and New Year period with various events and activities.

Ice Sculpture Festival: Features a massive ice sculpture festival on Baikal Embankment.
New Year's Eve Celebration: Includes a spectacular fireworks display over the Angara River for New Year's Eve.
Christmas Market: Hosts a traditional Christmas market with handicrafts, food, and live music.

Long-distance running event on the frozen Lake Baikal in winter.

Extreme Challenge: Tests runners' endurance and resilience in the harsh Siberian winter.
Natural Beauty: Allows participants to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of Lake Baikal.
Adventure Opportunity: Offers an adventurous experience for both amateur and professional runners.

Summer season when boats travel along the Angara River to various destinations.

Cruise Excursions: Provides cruise excursions to Lake Baikal, Taltsy Museum, and other destinations.
Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Angara River, its tributaries, and surrounding landscapes.
Historical Sites: Passes by historical sites such as the Decembrist Monastery on Bolsherechye Island.

Annual cultural festival on Olkhon Island celebrating native Buryat traditions.

Traditional Music and Dance: Features traditional Buryat music, dance, and folk art.
Spiritual Ceremonies: Includes shamanic rituals and blessings of the land.
Food and Craft Market: Offers a market showcasing Buryat cuisine, crafts, and textiles.

Annual film festival in Irkutsk showcasing independent films from around the world.

Independent Cinema: Focuses on showcasing independent, non-mainstream films.
International Cooperation: Encourages collaboration and exchange among filmmakers from different countries.
Masterclasses and Workshops: Offers masterclasses, workshops, and industry networking opportunities for attendees.

White-water rafting adventure on the Angara River during summer.

Thrilling Adventure: Offers a thrilling white-water rafting experience for adrenaline enthusiasts.
Scenic Landscapes: Passes through stunning landscapes, including the Angara Gorge and rapids.
Expert Guides: Features experienced guides who ensure safety and provide interesting insights into the region.

Museum dedicated to the Decembrist exiles who were sent to Siberia following the failed December Uprising.

Historical Significance: Provides insight into a significant event in Russian history.
Decembrist Artifacts: Houses personal belongings, letters, and other artifacts of the Decembrists.
Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in multiple languages to help visitors understand the history.

Annual boat race on the Angara River, featuring various watercraft.

Competitive Spirit: Encourages friendly competition among local boat clubs.
Scenic Route: Races pass by notable landmarks along the Angara River.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Creates a family-friendly atmosphere with food vendors, music, and games.

Annual winter swimming competition on Lake Baikal for brave participants.

Brave Participants: Attracts participants from around the world looking to test their courage.
Ice Swimming Tradition: Continues a traditional Siberian practice of ice swimming in winter.
Witnessing an Unique Event: Allows spectators to witness this unique and captivating event.

Annual jazz festival in Irkutsk featuring local and international musicians.

Jazz Music: Showcases a variety of jazz genres, from traditional to contemporary.
International Collaboration: Encourages international collaboration among musicians and bands.
Masterclasses and Workshops: Offers masterclasses, workshops, and performances for attendees.

Annual shaman festival on Olkhon Island celebrating Buryat spirituality and culture.

Spiritual Ceremonies: Includes various shamanic rituals and blessings of the land.
Traditional Music and Dance: Features traditional Buryat music, dance, and folk art.
Food and Craft Market: Offers a market showcasing Buryat cuisine, crafts, and textiles.

Canoeing adventure on the Angara River during summer.

Scenic Landscapes: Passes through stunning landscapes, including the Angara Gorge and rapids.
Peaceful Journey: Offers a peaceful, nature-focused journey along the river.
Expert Guides: Features experienced guides who ensure safety and provide interesting insights into the region.

Annual fair showcasing local produce, crafts, and cultural performances.

Local Produce: Showcases locally-produced goods such as honey, vegetables, and handicrafts.
Cultural Performances: Features local dance, music, and folklore performances.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Creates a family-friendly atmosphere with food vendors, games, and activities.