June 28 marks an important event in the modern history of Ukraine — on this day in 1996, Verkhovna Rada adopted the Constitution. Since in 2018 the anniversary is on Thursday, the government made a decision to make Friday, June 29, a day off, therefore giving the citizens a chance to enjoy four consecutive days off — June 28, 29, 30 and July 1.
Some companies, however, prefer to keep to the usual work schedule, that’s why it’s always better to ask for more information from the management.
The festive program in Kyiv will include live music concerts and celebrations on Spivoche Pole in Pechersk Landscape Park, as well as Hydropark, Park Of Partisan Glory and Park Peremoha in Darnytskyi district. Sure enough, the list of intriguing events is way more extensive:
Jazz on the Beach

One of the most popular beaches and party spots, UBK or Южный Берег Киева, will greet visitors with the sounds of live jazz brought by the National Wind Orchestra of Ukraine. The concert program consists of the greatest hits by the classic jazzmen Glenn Miller. The ticket price starts at UAH 300. It’s worth noting that entering Trukhaniv Ostriv by car is now not permitted, so it might be better to stick to public transportation or park the car near the entrance to the Pedestrian Bridge and take a stroll to the island.
When: June 28, 8 – 10 P.M.
Where: UBK Beach
Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Kiev in Summer 2018
The World of Giants Expo

Pechersk Landscape Park traditionally prepares a grand summer exhibition — this time, guests will have a chance to explore the world where mundane objects from paint buckets and sweets to shoes and lipstick are maximized. Kids and adults are welcome to take pictures with the giant lollipops, enjoy the handmade fair, tubing, open-air cinema, as well as the largest rope park in the center of Kyiv. The entrance is free for kids up to 7 years old, UAH 50 for adults and UAH 25 for kids.
When: June 15 – July 15
Where: Spivoche Pole
Cinematic Symphony in Planetarium

Kyiv Planetarium located right near the Olympiiskyi Stadium continues to astonish the city dwellers with live music events. This time Eclectic Sound Orchestra presents a program filled with the classic pieces by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, as well as the world-renowned soundtracks like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman, Harry Potter and others. The orchestra is known for combining various performing styles and electronic instruments to achieve the most unusual sound, topped with the star sky projections of the Planetarium dome. The ticket price starts at UAH 150.
When: June 29, 7.30 P.M.
Where: Kyiv Planetarium
Read: Kiev Sightseeing Bus Tours
John Malkovich and Symphonic Orchestra

The first day of July will be marked by a loud event of the world music scene — a renowned composer Riccardo Muti brings his project ‘Paths of Friendship’ all the way from Italy to Kyiv. Three hundred musicians, including the best opera singers and orchestra, will perform on Sofiiska Square for free. The special guest of the event is an Oscar nominee John Malkovich, who will read the famous Lincoln Portrait poem to the sounds of live music. The concert program will be heavily focused on the works of Giuseppe Verdi: pieces from Nabucco, Stabat Mater, and Te Deum are one of the most expected highlights of the evening.
When: July 1, 9 P.M.
Where: Sofiiska Square
The long June weekend also calls for traveling and discoveries near Kyiv:
Lavender Field

Contrary to the popular belief, lavender fields aren’t found exclusively in France. In mere 40 kilometers from Kyiv lies a fragrant spot – Lavender Grove, which can be rented starting from UAH 500 an hour to make a memorable photo shoot. The field keepers offer Provence-style décor for the best looks and a cup of lavender tea to enjoy in the shade of patio afterward. Besides, visitors can buy homemade soap and tonic made from the fresh plant. More details about rental and schedule are available on the Лавандовий Гай web site.
Where: 13, Zaporozhska Street, Poradovka Village (Kyiv-Odesa highway)
Read: Danube Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine
Korostyshiv Quarry

Located in about 1,5-hour drive from Kyiv, Korostyshiv attracts photographers from all regions of the country thanks to its breathtaking views. In total, the region has three granite canyons, filled with rare plants. ‘High Rock’ Canyon and Korostyshiv Quarry are the most picturesque and visited, that’s why it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Moreover, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a picnic in the shade with the view of magnificent lakes.
Read: Top Beach Clubs in Kyiv 2018
Arboretum Oleksandriya

A counterpart of the Sofiivka Park in Uman, Oleksandriya located in Bila Tserkva is no less beautiful and authentic. Built way back in the 1780s, the park was born thanks to the love between count Branitsky and his wife Alexandra Engelhardt. Even nowadays visitors can enjoy peaceful distant alleys filled with bird songs, take pictures in Chinese Gazebo, test the Echo Colonnade and enjoy the fragrance in the rose garden.
Read: Visiting Islands in Ukraine
Mizhrichynskyi Landscape Park

One of the biggest and lesser-known landscapes park in Ukraine is located between two rivers – Dnipro and Desna, hence its name. Mizhrichynskyi boasts of incredible untouched nature: wild taiga, filled with unique plants like irises and animals from rare birds to deer, Bondarivske swamp and access to water make it one of best new spots to explore near Kyiv. The park is reached by Kyiv-Chernihiv highway.
Photo sources: pexels.com, unsplash.com, interesniy.kiev.ua, Todd Rosenberg via Chicago Sun Times, kyivcity.gov.ua, location4film.com.ua, navkoloua.com. All images belong to their rightful authors.