Organizers of the "Rock of Pure Water" festival announced the project's closure.

      November 13, 2025 16:23 Culture and Leisure — The music-and-environmental festival "Rock of Pure Water" (16+), which over the years had become a landmark cultural event, is officially ceasing its activities. Organizers announced this.

      The decision was made due to a lack of funding for the project in 2026. Recently the festival was held with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, but this time the project was denied funding. As noted on the PFCI website, without support and funding such projects cannot exist; their development requires significant investment.

      "Well aware of this and having been refused co-financing for the 2026 festival, the festival's general producer Igor Krupin made the decision, approved by the organizing committee, to close the project," the organizers wrote.

      The organizing committee expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the festival throughout its history: the administrations of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod and Balakhna, law enforcement agencies, partners, sponsors, volunteers, the media and, of course, the audience.

      "We are leaving with sadness, but also with a feeling of gratitude and warmth toward all of you," the organizers added.

      Recall that the festival was founded in 1990 and, 26 years later in 2016, was revived, becoming one of the brightest events in the cultural life of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. It annually drew tens of thousands of spectators and brought together rock music fans of all ages — from children to the elderly. Admission to the event was always free. Well-known Russian and foreign performers appeared on the festival stage.

      In addition to its musical component, "Rock of Pure Water" paid considerable attention to environmental issues. Participants and spectators practiced separate waste collection, planted trees and shrubs, and released sterlet fry into the Volga.

      The festival twice won grants from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. In 2016 it received the "Awakening" award as "Return of the Year," and in 2017 — the "Silver Archer."

      Earlier it was reported that in early 2026 the ninth multicultural exhibition "ART MIR" (0+) will be held at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair.

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