Discover the main events of Yugra: summer festivals, cinema, music, ethnoculture and sports. Find out where to go, what to see and how to spend time usefully. A complete guide to the largest events of the autonomous okrug is in this article. And, best of all, most of the events are free.

10 main events of Yugra:

Film festival "Spirit of Fire"
Yugorsky ski marathon
Tourist festival in Nyagan
Ethnofestival "Yugorskie oblasa"
Family festival "Picnic XM"
Extreme swim "X-Waters"
Festival "Samotlor Nights"
Music festival "Yugra! Summer! Jazz!"
Citizens' festival "Locals"
New Year celebrations in Khanty-Mansiysk

"Spirit of Fire": free film screenings, world cinema stars and Siberian flavor

Where: Khanty-Mansiysk

When: Annually in early March

Founded by the legendary director Sergei Solovyov, the international festival "Spirit of Fire" has been gathering the best films from all over the world for 20 years. Here, northern flavor meets world cinema: the harsh Siberian climate, the hot energy of life in Khanty-Mansiysk and the gloss of film premieres. Tickets for "Spirit of Fire" are required only for the opening and closing ceremonies; all film screenings are available to guests and residents of the city for free.

What is worth coming to the film festival for?

● See world film premieres: this is where cult films such as "Boomer", "Garpastum", the drama "The Italian" and the film "How Vitka Chesnok Took Lyokha Shtyr to the Nursing Home" were first screened.

● Meet the stars: such legends as Catherine Deneuve, Christopher Lambert, Emir Kusturica and others have come to the festival.

● Attend free film screenings: on the big screen you can see not only award-winning films, but also be among the first to get acquainted with exclusive new releases of world cinema.

● See the red carpet "Siberian style": processions of stars along the red carpet in a winter setting are an established tradition of the festival.

● Get acquainted with the cultural color: the international competition brings together films by directors from different parts of the world – Asia, the West, Europe.

"Yugorsky Ski Marathon": On the same ski track with champions

Where: Khanty-Mansiysk

When: April

The Yugra Ski Marathon is one of the largest and most prestigious skiing events in Russia. Every year, more than 3,000 participants, from Olympic champions to amateurs, take to the start line to cover distances from 5 to 50 kilometers.

The marathon route is laid in the picturesque floodplain of the Gornaya channel, a tributary of the Irtysh. Its special feature is the almost complete absence of steep climbs and descents, which makes the route accessible even for beginners.

A tour to the Yugra Ski Marathon will help you see not only the sports life of Yugra, but also the cultural life: the organizers will take care of accommodation, meals and an excursion program.

Why participate?

● Meet the legends of the sport. Run the course side by side with Olympic champions and feel like part of a large sports community.

● Feel the energy of the start and unity with the participants. Feel hundreds of participants nearby, the support of spectators and get charged with their emotions.

● Breathe the cleanest air. Forests and snowy expanses will fill you with energy.

● Compete for a reward. Large cash prizes and memorable souvenirs await the winners.

Tourist festival in Nyagan: romance of a tent camp

Where: Nyagan, the field of the sports school "Patriot".

When: June

If you dream of immersing yourself in the camp atmosphere again and remembering summer adventures, then the bank of the Nyagan-Yugan River is waiting for you!

The open festival of tourists dedicated to the memory of Andrey Terezov is a chance for fans of camping and an active lifestyle to spend time outdoors, enjoying the endless summer.

The festival program includes knot-tying competitions, obstacle course, orienteering, water slalom and a bard song competition. All participants live in a tent camp.

Why should you take part?

● Give your children an unforgettable weekend without gadgets. Teach them to make a fire, pitch a tent and navigate using a compass.

● Become part of the team. Forget about office interiors and positions - here everyone is equal, and everyone becomes an important part of the team.

● Learn something new. Master the skills of orientation, knot tying, teamwork and learn more about the nature and history of your native land.

● Feel the atmosphere of evening gatherings around the campfire. Cook food over the fire and sing camping songs under the starry sky.

"Yugorskie Oblas": traditional boat races

Where: Khanty-Mansiysk region

When: Annually June-July (depending on weather conditions)

The International Ethnofestival "Yugorskie Oblasa" is a unique event at the intersection of preserving traditions and sports excitement. An oblas is a traditional dugout boat of the Khanty and Mansi peoples and a faithful companion in hunting and fishing.

The festival takes place on a river channel in the suburbs of Khanty-Mansiysk. This is an ideal place for a family holiday: fresh air, the beauty of northern nature and the festive atmosphere create a unique flavor.

The organizers care about the comfort of guests: there are no annoying insects on the festival grounds, and for the convenience of visitors, there is a parking lot and free bus shuttles. Entry to the event is free for everyone.

Why is it worth visiting the Yugorskie Oblasa festival?

● See exciting oblas races. Light and silent oblas quickly cut through the water surface, making the competition especially spectacular.

● Get in touch with ancient traditions. Before each race, shamans perform a special ritual to appease the spirits of water.

● See national rituals and performances of creative groups. Folk music, traditional dances and unique instruments.

● Spend your weekend actively. Participants can also go kayaking and rafting on the picturesque rivers of Yugra.

● Try northern cuisine: delicacies from northern fish, venison, local berries and mushrooms.

"PicnicKhM": a summer festival for the whole family

Where: Irtysh Embankment, Khanty-Mansiysk

When: July

"PicnicXM" is an ideal place for a family holiday. The festival grew out of the idea of ​​city residents about how great it would be for the whole city to gather on one summer weekend, sit on blankets, sing songs, dance and enjoy the warmth. The festival, which began as a local city holiday, today brings together almost 20,000 guests.

The Irtysh embankment is becoming a real center of attraction: there are themed areas for all ages and interests. Sports activities, lectures, a market of local craftsmen, a children's area with trampolines and interactive games - no one will be bored.

What else can you see at the festival?

● Open-air concerts. Listen to performances by musicians, cover bands and festival headliners.

● All the city's cuisine in the food court. From shashlik and cotton candy to venison burgers and pine nut desserts.

● Souvenirs on the Alley of Craftsmen. Support local craftsmen and make a contribution to charity (part of the proceeds go to help children).

X-Waters Ugra: Extreme swim to the confluence of rivers

Where: Irtysh embankment, Khanty-Mansiysk

When: July

For those who are looking for a challenge and thirst for adrenaline, one of the most spectacular and extreme competitions is taking place in Yugra — a swim from the international championship series "X-Waters". The event is held in parallel with the festival "Picnic XM", adding drive and spectacle to it.

The swim in Khanty-Mansiysk is always a unique challenge. Every year, participants conquer new distances and routes, but the main thing remains the same — overcoming the powerful Irtysh. The route can include both calm stretches and difficult sections, obeying the will of the rivers.

Participation in "X-Waters" is paid, but each contribution guarantees safety and comfort: assistants and navigators on motorboats accompany swimmers from start to finish. On long distances, support is individual.

Why is it worth participating?

● Conquer a unique route. Every year, the organizers offer unique routes. For example, long-distance swimmers can swim under the Red Dragon Bridge or through the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh rivers.

● Recharge at the finish line. After the swim, you will be rewarded with aromatic fish soup and warm vats that will help restore your energy.

● Compete for prizes. Participants in the competition have a chance to win an impressive cash prize and take home not only memories, but also valuable trophies.

"Samotlor Nights": public festivities on the Nizhnevartovsk embankment

Where: Nizhnevartovsk

When: June

The annual festival of arts, labor and sports "Samotlor Nights" is the main cultural event of Ugra, which attracts more than 30 thousand guests from all over Russia. Founded 50 years ago, the festival has become a calling card of Nizhnevartovsk and a symbol of the unity of cultures, traditions and creativity.

Over the course of several days, over a hundred cultural, sports, national and youth events take place on the Ob River embankment. Old-timers of the city treat the holiday with special trepidation: earlier, the festivities lasted for two weeks, giving a feeling of warmth and eternal youth.

Why should you see it?

● Feel the atmosphere of a great holiday. Learn more about the culture of peoples at the Friendship of Peoples festival, enjoy spectacular performances of street theaters or become part of the vibrant Sabantuy.

● Enjoy performances by pop stars. Over the years, the festival has featured such performers as Gleb Matveychuk, the Zemlyane group, Lev Leshchenko, Sofia Rotaru, Eva Polna and others.

● Test your strength on sports grounds. Take part in tournaments, competitions or spend time with your family on interactive grounds.

"Yugra! Summer! Jazz!": a musical festival for jazz lovers

Where: KTC "Yugra Classic", Khanty-Mansiysk.

When: June

Jazz festival "Yugra! Summer! Jazz!" is a bright event that has been uniting music lovers in Khanty-Mansiysk for many years and giving unforgettable emotions. For guests - cheerful jazz standards from brass instruments and gentle blues on the piano.

You will enjoy:

● Concerts of professional bands and performers. Enjoy the live sound of jazz from talented musicians from different parts of Russia.

● Master classes and creative meetings. A unique opportunity to learn more about vocal and instrumental skills.

● Open-air concerts. Atmospheric performances in the fresh air.

"Locals": feel the love of the locals for the city

Where: Khanty-Mansiysk

When: August

The Local Identity Festival "Locals" is an event dedicated to the city and its residents, their emotional connection with the place. Here, citizens remember their common touching past, enjoy the present and dream of a better future. The initiator of the festival was the center of modern citizens "Cultural Headquarters".

In 2024, the festival concept was inspired by the image of a city “on seven hills”. Each hill symbolized its own zone of activity: a hill of taste, a hill of crafts, a hill of roads, houses and streets, a hill of childhood, a hill of creativity, a hill of emotions and a hill of reflections.

Why you should visit the festival even if you are not a local:

● See a performance by the townspeople’s theater. Productions created by the residents themselves reflect their stories and emotions.

● Try “chumik”. These are triangular envelopes made of artisan bread with a hearty filling of shades of Khanty-Mansiysk.

● Go on informal excursions. The guides are locals who are happy to share their knowledge. The routes pass through courtyards and are filled with fascinating, dramatic and even mythical stories.

● Think about “your place”. Lectures and open meetings of the festival are dedicated to reflections on the connection between a person and the city.

"New Year's Capital of Siberia": the city where all the New Year's wizards of the country come together

Where: Khanty-Mansiysk

When: December – January

Why is it worth seeing out the outgoing year and welcoming the new one in Khanty-Mansiysk? New Year holidays here are a real journey into a winter fairy tale.

As part of the project "Khanty-Mansiysk - New Year's Capital of Siberia", the streets of the city are transformed: signs to the main New Year's sites appear, and Christmas tree decorations, garlands and holiday decorations sparkle everywhere. But here they not only create a bright festive atmosphere, but also take care of the rest of tourists.

What the program offers to guests:

● Visit the congress of Father Frosts and Snow Maidens. A unique event where the main winter wizards from all over the country gather in one place.

● Walk along the "chumovaya" street. Get acquainted with national dishes, ride a reindeer sleigh and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the traditional culture of the peoples of the North.

● See millions of lights. On the eve of the holiday, the city is decorated with three million light bulbs, creating a fabulous illumination.

● Manage to visit all the events from the rich poster. A varied program has been prepared for guests: from theatrical performances to creative master classes.