Brisbane’s incredible Ukrainian Festival is coming back for another edition and, this year, they’ll be celebrating 35 years since Ukraine restored its independence on a day filled with moving art, fascinating culture and tradition, exquisite food and, of course, heaps of fun!
What to expect
Held the day before Ukrainian Independence Day, the festival offer the opportunity for Queenslanders to soak up everything that this special culture has to offer, such as traditional folk-dance performances by local ensembles set to classic Ukrainian music, which will bring Ukraine’s rich history to life through movement, and market stalls where you can shop unique Ukrainian goods, including handmade jewellery, intricate hand-painted Pysanky Easter eggs and more!
As always, the culinary offerings will be one of the best parts of the festival, with hearty Ukrainian culinary classics like savoury varenkyky (potato and cheese dumplings), holubtsi (tender cabbage leaves rolled in a filling of seasoned rice and meat, baked in a light tomato sauce until perfectly tender), pyrizhky (meat buns), iconic borshch (beetroot soup), and to wrap things up, medivnyk (a traditional and deliciously decadent honey cake).
Or, if you’re looking for something in the light and fresh category, delicious salads will also be on offer like olivier salad, a creamy potato salad with peas, eggs, pickles and ham or a simple — though no less tasty — cabbage and cucumber salad, finished with a splash of vinegar.
There will also be fun-filled activities for the little ones in your life, including face painting, dancing and other entertainment, so you can make a day of it with the whole family!
A centrepiece of this year’s event will be a giant handcrafted “35” installation decorated with hundreds of sunflowers and messages of hope. All festival-goers will be invited to write messages of support and reflection, creating a powerful community tribute to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
There will also be sunflowers and flower crowns — symbols of hope, resilience, and freedom — available, as a way to raise awareness and funds for the Ukrainian Community of Queensland.
Most importantly, Queenslanders will be able to show their support for the affected people of Ukraine. As Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said, “Brisbane’s Ukrainian Festival is one of the most heartfelt events on our city’s calendar.
“We know many Ukrainian families have made Brisbane their home in recent years and I’ve seen firsthand the strength and resilience they bring to our city.
“I’m proud to see our community come together to connect and celebrate Ukrainian culture, while
standing in support of those affected by the ongoing war.
“I encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the incredible food, music and performances and be part of a day that celebrates culture, community and hope.”
Practical information
This year’s Ukrainian Festival will take place on Saturday, August 22 from 11am to 5pm.
Although admission is free, donations are appreciated and all help will go towards supporting The Ukrainian Club Queensland’s work including aiding displaced Ukrainians settling in or relocating to Queensland.
Be sure to RSVP on their Facebook event page and keep up with updates!
📍Ukrainian Club Brisbane, 47 Galsworthy Street, Holland Park West
