The program of events for Russia Day 2026 in Nizhny Novgorod has been published.

      On Russia Day, June 12, the main festive events will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, in the "Switzerland" park, and in the 1st of May park. Concerts, festivals, museum events, and library programs will also be held in various districts of the regional center.

      The multi-format ethno-festival "Action" (0+) will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair. From 12:00 to 19:30, guests can expect a rich program: master classes on track mixing from DJs from Nizhny Novgorod and music sets, a gastro-festival featuring national cuisine dishes, competitions from dance school representatives, classes on Khokhloma and Gorodets painting, six theatrical performances, as well as a graffiti event with renowned artists from across the country. There will also be a car exhibition celebrating the 90th anniversary of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.

      The main event will be a parade of nationalities and a circle of unity. Participants will unfurl a flag of the Russian Federation measuring over 100 meters. At 16:00, a concert will begin on the main stage, where the band "Rock Islands" (0+) will perform at 18:15.

      In the "Switzerland" park, the first gastronomic festival "At One Table" (0+) will start on June 12, featuring the best chefs in the city, and it will last for three days. Nizhny Novgorod residents can look forward to a laboratory of Volga cuisine, picnics, gastronomic master classes and lectures, children's and sports activities, educational events, and concerts.

      A 100-meter table will be set up here—one of the longest in the country—showcasing the cuisines of the peoples of Russia. Its filling will be managed by popular restaurants from the regional capital under the guidance of more than 30 chefs.

      Additionally, on this day, an ethno-cultural run "EthnoRun" will take place in the park at the entrance from the "Surikova Street" bus stop. The ceremonial opening will be at 08:30, followed by a warm-up at 08:45. A distance of five kilometers is planned for 09:00, ten kilometers at 09:30, a run in national costumes at 11:00, and children's starts from 11:30 to 12:30. From 12:00 to 18:00, there will be sports gaming areas as part of the "City of Sports" program—tournaments in football, basketball, and tennis.

      The concert program on the main stage of "Switzerland" will run from 12:00 to 22:00. It will open with the All-Russian Dance Festival "DanceFit," followed by performances from ensembles and vocalists. The festive day will conclude with a concert by the band "Moral Code" and Sergey Mazaev (0+) from 21:00 to 22:00.

      From 10:00 to 16:00, the regional festival of higher and secondary vocational education "Study in Nizhny!" (6+) will take place in the 1st of May park. Representatives from about 30 universities, colleges, and technical schools will participate. The program promises to be rich—consultations on admissions, meetings with rectors, master classes, lectures, and interactive areas. A concert is also planned on the park stage.

      Mayor Yuri Shalabaev announced that on Russia Day, entry to municipal museums will be free. In particular, free visits will be organized at the Kashirin House, the Gorky Apartment Museum, the Sakharov Museum, the Dobrolyubov Estate, and the "Mikula" Museum.

      At the A.M. Gorky Apartment Museum, an event "Russia in Faces" will take place from 11:00 to 16:00. At the Kashirin House, a session "Know Your Russian Life" will be held at 12:00. The Sakharov Museum will have an open house with free tours. An interactive role-playing game "The Zemstvo on the Path of Progress" will start at 11:00 at the Shchelokovsky Farm.

      Festive programs have also been prepared by municipal libraries and the Ordzhonikidze Culture Palace. Additionally, from June 9 to 11, various districts of the city will host informational and gaming hours, street events, quests, quizzes, and intellectual games dedicated to the history and culture of the peoples of Russia. Children and adults will be able to participate in the events, with free entry in most cases, although some may require prior registration.

      Earlier, we reported that public transport in Nizhny Novgorod would be reinforced on Russia Day. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.