Living Statues Parade
Walk through tableau displays; audiences often pose/study performers. No intrusive photography; touching the art is discouraged.
~14:00
Haritonenko-Fest (Living Statues Festival)
Фестиваль живих скульптур "Харитоненко-fest"
Sumy, Ukraine
Sep 24 - 26, 2026Expected
For three September days, Sumy hands its streets over to living statues, marionettes, and street performers who freeze and come to life in the open air. Named for a local philanthropist, the festival ties the city's history to a playful, modern kind of public art.
Key moments
Sep 25
Sep 26
Puppet Marionette Show
Family-friendly show; children can sit close to the stage but must remain seated during the performance.
~17:00
Sep 27
Artist Street Canvas
View the live creation of an artwork. Teenagers and adults can ask questions but should not interfere with painting supplies.
~12:00
Where it happens
Харитоненківський дендропарк
Sumy, Ukraine
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Casual attire for outdoor art events
Read the local rhythm
Interest in performance art
Keep the visit respectful
Respectful curiosity
Practical notes
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Haritonenko-Fest (Living Statues Festival)
Фестиваль живих скульптур "Харитоненко-fest"
Sumy, Ukraine
For three September days, Sumy hands its streets over to living statues, marionettes, and street performers who freeze and come to life in the open air. Named for a local philanthropist, the festival ties the city's history to a playful, modern kind of public art.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Sep 24 - 26, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Named after M. Haritonenko (a notable local philanthropist), this modern festival ties Sumy’s cultural legacy with street art. By bringing performers from other Ukrainian cities (Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Dnipro) to Sumy, it fosters regional artistic exchange. The live statue concept (inspired by global street art trends) is new to the community but receives warm local embrace.
Key moments to know
Sep 25~14:00Expected
Living Statues Parade
Walk through tableau displays; audiences often pose/study performers. No intrusive photography; touching the art is discouraged.
Sep 26~17:00Expected
Puppet Marionette Show
Family-friendly show; children can sit close to the stage but must remain seated during the performance.
Sep 27~12:00Expected
Artist Street Canvas
View the live creation of an artwork. Teenagers and adults can ask questions but should not interfere with painting supplies.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Casual attire for outdoor art events
Read the local rhythm
Interest in performance art
Keep the visit respectful
Respectful curiosity
Respect local boundaries
Respect artists in 'living statues' by not touching them. Consent is assumed by attending public spaces.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Sep 24 - 26, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Sumy
Slobozhanshchyna (Sumy city)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to