Best time to go to Russia
In Russia there is a very popular, but somewhat unfair, joke that there is no summer in this country, just nine months of expectations and three months of disappointment.
The best time to come to Russia is during the summer when days are generally warm, sunny and ideal for sightseeing. The end of May and beginning of June is a very special time in St. Petersburg, with “white nights” when it practically never gets dark.
Winter time has its charm too. Cold Russian winters are known all around the world, but in recent years the temperature has rarely gone below -5°C in Moscow and St. Petersburg. A famous Russian fur hat will keep the head warm and shot of vodka will warm you from the inside whilst you admire the palaces and onion-domed churches glittering with snow and icicles.
Events
Stars of the White Nights Festival
21 May - 19 Jul 2010 (annual)
Mariinsky Theatre
Since 1993, under its remorseless director, Valery Gergiev, St Petersburg's famous Mariinsky Theatre has held the Stars of the White Nights festival throughout early summer. Lately the festival's programme has involved the works produced by the grand classical authors - Beethoven symphonies, Prokofiev's and Tchaikovsky's operas, ballets and symphony music
Moscow International Motor Show
25 - 29 Aug 2010 (annual)
Moscow
The Moscow International Motor Show is the oldest and most prestigious show of its category in Eastern Europe. It brings thrilling automobile action to Moscow's Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre, drawing thousands of car enthusiasts.
RNO Festival at the Bolshoi
Sep 2010 (annual)
Moscow
The festival offers a good opportunity for enthusiasts to see the orchestra play in its resident city.
From the extravagant locale of the Bolshoi Theatre's New Stage, the week-long festival involves performances of Mozart's The Magic Flute and Grieg's Peer Gynt.
Summer Ballet Festival
Jul - Sep 2010 (annual)
Moscow
The Summer Ballet Festival offers a 2- month long repertoire, featuring classical music enhanced with a pinch of modern choreography.
International Early Music Festival
Sep 2010 (annual)
St Petersburg
The International Early Music Festival is a major happening in St Petersburg's classical music calendar. It is completely dedicated to pre-modern musical forms.
Russian Fashion Week
Oct 2010 (annual)
Moscow
The Russian Fashion Week is considered as one of the world's ten major fashion weeks. You can not only be a part of the event, enjoying the latest designer catwalk collections, but also see many dressed-to-kill celebrities and ever critical magazine editors.
Kremlin Cup
16 - 24 Oct 2010 (annual)
Moscow
The Kremlin Cup, which is Russia's biggest tennis tournament, lures the thirty-two players competing in the singles event and 16 pairs in the doubles with the US$2.34 million in prize money.
St Petersburg Open
Oct - Nov 2010 (annual)
St Petersburg
Since 1995 the St Petersburg Open has entertained crowds with world-class tennis. Played on the indoor hard courts at the Peterburgsky Sport Complex, the tournament gives fans the opportunity to get up close to many stars of world tennis.
Russian Wine Festival
Nov 2010 (annual)
Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre, Moscow
The Russian Wine Festival offers outstanding produce from around the world at Moscow's Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre. The happening will present you with the opportunity to take part in the fascinating master classes, various wine tastings, and professional presentations. Cheers!
International Winter Festival Arts Square
Dec 2010 (annual)
St Petersburg
Classical music is the core of the annual programme, including regular performances by both the Philharmonic and Mariinsky Theatre Orchestras. Annualy, the festival also features contemporary museum exhibitions.
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