After a two-year break due to the pandemic, UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is back on May 27 and 28, returning stronger than ever. As hearts and minds continue to be with Ukraine, it’s important to honour Ukrainian culture.
Join UFest at Borden Park to celebrate Ukrainian culture. There will be food, music, dance, family-friendly activities, and non-stop fun. Since its beginning in 2018, UFest has brought together people of Ukrainian heritage and audiences of many diverse cultures.
Performances
Folks can look forward to various performances from the main stage to “UFest After Dark,” which includes live bands and dancing after the main stage performances end. After dark hours start at 9 pm on May 27 and 7:30 pm on May 28.
Food & Drink
The festival also has many opportunities for food and drink. Check out the numerous food tent vendors at the food fair for samplings of all-things Ukraine like Pyrohy, holubtsi, nalysnyky, borscht, shashlyky and more. You can also enjoy a cold brew or Ukrainian vodka at the Beer Gardens (Korchma). This year, folks can enjoy their beverages in the same section as the stages and food vendors. Just don’t forget to bring your ID! The food fair and beer gardens are open from 5 to 11 pm on May 27 and 11 am to 11 pm on May 28. That’s not all! If you want a break, stop by the Kava Kafe to enjoy coffee, tea, and samplers of traditional Ukrainian desserts like Medivnyk (Honey Cake), Platsok (Apple Cake), Syrnyk (Poppyseed Cheesecake), and more.
Shopping
Stroll through vendor village for a unique shopping experience! Items and services you will find at the vendor marketplace include artwork, crafts, clothes, jewelry, books, treats, body products, tarot readings, travel services, and more. Some of the vendors featured include Orbit, Yevshan, Karafka, Tours to Ukraine, and Goddess Temple. New this year is Art in the Village, a tent where you can chat one-on-one with local artists. Vendor village is open from 5 to 9 pm on May 27 and from 11 am to 11 pm on May 28.
Workshops and Demos
UFest also gives you the opportunity for hands-on learning. Some featured workshops include Rozpys Painting on Glass, Copper Etching, Dream Catchers, Vinok Headbands, Pysanky Writing, Cookie Decorating, and more! A list of all the workshops can be found online.
For the Kids
New to UFest 2022, the Kozak Kids Zone offers activities to spark creativity, keep kids active, and teach them about Ukrainian culture. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Guest Culture
Also new this year is a Guest Culture, which will change annually. Each Guest Culture features performances and other general festival activities. The first guest this year will bring Indigenous culture, music, and dance to the festival.
It is safe to say that UFest has lots to offer. The best part of it all is that the event is entirely free! All you have to do is pay for your purchases at food and marketplace vendors. Get ready for this epic celebration of Ukrainian culture—it’s returning after its two-year hiatus with lots of excitement. For more information, visit the website.
