The Afisha picnic is expanding its announced lineup and activities, as the press service confirms updates to both the festival’s schedule and the surrounding events. This year, the Moscow stage will feature a mix of rapcore, indie, electronic and folk rap luminaries, with appearances designed to draw a wide crowd of music fans and culture enthusiasts alike. The schedule emphasizes a blend of high-energy performances and intimate showcases, inviting attendees to experience a curated cultural weekend in the city. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
On August 3, the capital will host RABOCHIY GORODOK, the rapcore project led by Vasily Vakulenko, along with Suzanna and ALON PHARAOH on the Moscow scene. The lineup promises a dynamic cross-genre evening that blends hard-edged rhythms with melodic vocal lines, creating a distinctive live experience for festival-goers. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
August 4 brings a diverse mix: indie pop artist Cold Carti, Nikita Steblin’s electronic live band Sembolü, the r&b project Bikey Dekada, ONATIVE and the creator of the track “Problem with the head.” Also joining the night is folk rap performer LeanJe, and a show by the Kito Jempere Orchestra featuring guests such as BAZAR, TIM AMINOV, Beautiful Boys, LAVBLAST, and more. The day highlights a broad sonic palette and collaborative sets designed to showcase contemporary independent scenes. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
In St. Petersburg, August 10 marks a performance slate from homegrown indie heroes Buerak, featuring Suzanna, Minaeva, the Kito Jempere Orchestra, and ALON. The following day, Sembol, Bikey Dekada, LeanJe, Cold Carti and indie pop singer Tosya Chaikina are slated to perform, underscoring the festival’s commitment to regional talent and cross-city connections. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
Around the festival grounds, attendees will find a vibrant Sports Department organized by Moscow Sports at Luzhniki. The program invites guests to try street basketball, engage in fitness routines, and ride bicycles. Additional wellness options include hammock yoga led by I-YOGA and fitness coaching from the Reshape club. For recreation and social engagement, Mosigra will host board games, providing a relaxed space for socializing and casual competition. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
The festival’s program also includes a charitable dimension: a ward of the Khabensky Foundation will perform alongside one of the Picnic artists, and a networking space will be hosted by the Zabuiki women’s community to help visitors meet new people and share ideas. Original interactive art objects will be created onsite at Luzhniki in collaboration with students from the HSE School of Design, enriching the cultural texture of the event. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
In St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg stage will feature the question-driven exhibit What does Soviet childhood smell like? Visitors can explore an independent recycling gallery Par Nik, participate in the Summer theater tour, and experience the Dacha performance from the Museum of Theater and Musical Art. Reshape studio, the Zabuiki troupe, and the Power of the Wind yacht club are coordinating events, with artworks from the HSE School of Design also making an appearance in the northern capital. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]
Across both cities, the festival is expected to include more than 50 brands in Moscow and over 20 local brands in St. Petersburg, creating a bustling marketplace that complements the live music and cultural programming. The picnic’s recreation program is designed to be family-friendly, with activities and comfortable accommodations for guests of all ages. Welcome packages will be distributed to young participants, ensuring a warm reception for families and first-time attendees alike. [Source attribution: Afisha press release]