Local residents interested in immersing themselves in Russian and Slavic culture are in luck: the 12th Annual Russian Orthodox Festival will return to the Ann Arbor area on September 19-20. This FREE two-day cultural extravaganza will feature a jam-packed program schedule, including exciting standouts such as live folk music, children’s activities and dance performances. Visitors will also have the chance to sample authentic Slavic cuisine, including borscht, pelmeni and pastries. A full menu is available here.
The event line-up will take place 11am-8pm on September 19 and 1-7pm on September 20. Each year, the festival is hosted by St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church, located at 9900 Jackson Rd. Dexter.
Festival program highlights
This year’s festival is also celebrating the special milestone 250th anniversary of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. Additionally, 2026 is designated as the Year of Unity of the People’s of Russia, so this year’s festival will also magnify the diversity of nationalities in Russia. The festival is perfect for families with young children, featuring a children’s area with a bounce house, playground, petting zoo, cotton candy and games. Other activities include Russian dance, music and song ensembles. The iBallet School and St. Vladimir’s Choir will perform.
A Russian tearoom will offer a delicious selection of traditional sweets. On Saturday, September 19, there will be a bonfire. To get a glimpse into past festival highlights, check out last year’s festival video here.
Event preparations and future plans
Preparations for the large-scale event begin in January of the festival year. The community event depends on a strong network of community members and volunteers. The week prior to the festival involves hand preparing food, helping artists and vendors set up and holding final performance rehearsals. Kevin White is involved in coordinating the logistics of the food and beverages tent at the festival. He shared the exciting news that construction has begun on a new church building.
Five must-see festival events
- The Opening Ceremony’s Bell Ringing
- Live performances by Barynya, a Russian dance, music and song ensemble from New York/New Jersey
- Cossack Sword Dancing
- Folk kids games that will be happening around the festival throughout the weekend
- The Young Adult Waltz
The deeper mission
White shared that the hope is that “visitors [to the festival] leave feeling culturally enriched, inspired, and connected to both Russian and Slavic culture…Beyond the fun, we want people to gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and depth of Orthodox Christian heritage and Slavic arts…we hope they walk away with warm memories, new cultural insights, and a sense of joy and belonging.”
For more information
To learn more about the festival, contact 734-475-4590, check out the facebook page or instagram page. Use the festival hashtag #a2rusfest. Photos from past festivals are available here.
Ann Arbor Russian Orthodox Festival. 9900 Jackson Rd., Dexter. September 19 from 11am-8pm and on September 20th from 1-7pm.
