Ann Arbor Russian Festival

07/13/2026

07/12/2026

Masha and the Bear invite all of you to the Russian Festival in Ann Arbor: September 19-20!

What to expect:

• Live folk performances
• Authentic food
• Fun kids corner
• Cultural vibe
• Russian Tea Room
• European Beers
• Folk games
• Church Tours
• Educational presentations
• Unique Souvenirs

Free Entrance and Free Parking

Great for foodies, families, or anyone curious about different cultures! Check Facebook for updates.

07/12/2026

Join us in celebrating the vibrant energy of Barynya, the world-renowned Russian dance, music, and song ensemble, at the Ann Arbor Russian Festival this September!

Established in 1991 in New York City, Barynya is widely regarded as the premier Russian folk ensemble outside of Russia. They deliver electrifying performances featuring traditional Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish, and Gypsy Roma dances, along with virtuoso music on the balalaika, garmoshka (Russian button accordion), and balalaika contrabass. Their colorful, authentic costumes and high-energy routines—like the iconic Barynya dance, Kalinka, Cossack leaps, and more—bring the spirit of Russia to life! 
Barynya has graced prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian, the United Nations, and even performed for dignitaries like Presidents Bush and Gorbachev. They’ve dazzled on NBC’s Superstars of Dance and at celebrity events worldwide. 
They were headliners at the Ann Arbor Russian Festival in previous years and are returning with brand new unique dances and special surprises this year— you’ll have to come to the festival to discover what they are!

Come experience the magic—dance, sing, and celebrate with Barynya! ✨

You do not want to miss their performance!

07/12/2026

September 19-20! See you there!

07/11/2026

Wonderful News for the Ann Arbor Russian Festival! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Mikhail Smirnov — founder, artistic director, and heart of the renowned Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya from New York — will be performing at this year’s Ann Arbor Russian Festival!
Born in Moscow in 1966, Mikhail is a master musician, singer, and performer with decades of experience bringing authentic Russian folk traditions to audiences worldwide. He plays guitar, garmoshka (Russian accordion), balalaika, and more, while sharing the rich heritage of Russian song, dance, and culture. As the leader of Barynya (established in 1991), he has toured extensively and delighted audiences across the US and beyond with energetic, heartfelt performances. 
Come experience the vibrant spirit of Russia through Mikhail’s live performance — traditional melodies, infectious rhythms, and pure joy!
📅 Date: September 19-20
📍 Location: 9900 Jackson Rd
Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate Russian culture with one of its most passionate ambassadors! Tag your friends and family who love Russian music and dance. See you there! 💃🕺🎶

07/11/2026

From Tradition to Spotlight: Russian Ethnic Peoples Invited to Present Their Folk Legacy!

For our Ann Arbor Russian Festival on September 19-20, 2026, we are looking for representatives of Russia’s ethnic peoples who would like to present their unique folk culture through a short, high-quality presentation in English, including a demonstration of traditional folk costume.
If this idea interests you, please write to us in messages or comments and we will discuss the details. Please share this message.

Дорогие друзья!

На наш фестиваль в сентябре 2026 мы ищем представителей этнических народностей России, кто захотел бы представить свою уникальную народную культуру в виде небольшой качественной презентации на английском языке с показом народного костюма. Если вас заинтересовала эта мысль, напишите нам в сообщения, и мы обсудим детали.

Пожалуйста, по возможности, поделитесь этим сообщением на своих страницах.

07/10/2026

Exciting news for the Ann Arbor Russian Festival! 🎉

We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible Elina Karokhina, a world-class Russian balalaika virtuoso, for this September’s festival!
Born in St. Petersburg, Elina trained at the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory (earning a Doctor of Musical Art in balalaika) and has performed on the biggest stages: Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra, and more. Her dazzling repertoire spans classical masterpieces (Sabre Dance, Paganini Caprice, Mozart, Bach, and beyond) to vibrant Russian folk tunes—all brought to life on the balalaika with breathtaking skill. 
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience her virtuosity live. Elina is truly one of the finest balalaika players in the world!
Comment below if you heard her play!
See you in September! ✨

07/10/2026

Exciting news for the Ann Arbor Russian Festival! 🎉
We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible Elina Karokhina, a world-class Russian balalaika virtuoso, for this September’s festival!

07/10/2026

Thank You to Our Sponsor — Knysh Financial! ❤️

We are thrilled to announce and thank Knysh Financial for their generous sponsorship and support of the Ann Arbor Russian Festival!
Your contribution helps us bring authentic Slavic culture, music, dance, delicious food, and family-friendly fun to our community this September. Events like this would not be possible without wonderful local partners like you.

Thank you for believing in our mission to celebrate Russian heritage, traditions, and community spirit in Ann Arbor! 🌷
Learn more about Knysh Financial and their services: (link in comments).
We truly appreciate your partnership!

07/10/2026

🌿☕ Have you ever enjoyed tea from a real Russian samovar?
The samovar — that beautiful, iconic “self-boiler” — has been at the heart of Russian hospitality for centuries. Invented in the 18th century (with Tula being especially famous for them), it keeps water perfectly hot for hours so you can brew strong zavarka (tea concentrate) and dilute it to your taste. Whether it’s a traditional coal-heated one or a modern electric beauty, gathering around a samovar always means warm conversations, good company, and that unmistakable cozy feeling.

In Russian culture, a steaming samovar on the table is more than just a way to make tea — it’s a symbol of welcome, friendship, and taking time to connect. 
Tell us in the comments: Have you ever tried tea made in a samovar? What was the experience like? Did it come with varenye, lemon, or maybe a cozy Russian conversation? 😊
If you love Russian traditions, come celebrate them with us at the Ann Arbor Russian Festival! We can’t wait to share more culture, music, dance, food, and yes — plenty of tea spirit!
📅 September 19-20
💛 Share your samovar stories below!