What's On in Moscow Sept. 10-12

Fireworks for the big day

Russia’s capital turns 874 on Saturday. There’ll be firework displays in 26 locations around Moscow at 9 p.m. to celebrate, including Gorky Park, Sokolniki and various spots along the Moscow River. 

While there are fewer events than usual because of Covid, and everyone must follow guidelines and register for all events online, there’s still plenty to see and do. 

A concert at VDNKh park from noon to 10 p.m. will be headlined by this year’s Russian Eurovision entrant Manizha, along with Mitya Fomin and other famous performers.

A smaller concert will take place in Zaryadye Park, next door to the Kremlin, once the fireworks start. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak at one of the Moscow Day events, although it is not yet clear which one.

To mark Moscow Day, 88 museums, parks and galleries will be open to the public free of charge over the weekend. The flagship Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, which has a fine collection of European paintings, is on the list.   

The Museum of Moscow is organizing an amateur ping-pong competition in its courtyard, where visitors will be able to play against actors from the Praktika Theater. The museum will also be providing free tours of the city all weekend and hosting open-air movie nights.

On Saturday evening, more than 30 vintage cars will line up for the annual Moscow at Night race through the streets of Moscow. They’ll include classic Soviet Volgas, Pobedas and Chaikas. Despite the vintage nature of the event, this year’s theme is futuristic — participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in space-related style. Throughout the day the cars will be on display next to the Hotel Ukraina. The race will start when dusk falls.

Moscow Day coincides with the Austrian Film Festival, organized by the Austrian Embassy and Moskino. Film buffs have the opportunity to see 10 new Austrian films from Sept. 8 to Sept. 12. The festival kicked off with “Royal Game,” based on the classic novel by Stefan Zweig, and includes the comedy “Risks and Side Effects” and a documentary about designer Bruce Mau.

While car enthusiasts are showing off their vintage vehicles, Moscow will hold its first official drone race. Students from 90 colleges and universities will pit their unoccupied flying objects against each other at 11 a.m. in VDNKh’s pavilion 55. The winner of the “Aviarobot-start” championship will compete in the national final in 2022, and if you want to go along to watch you’ll need to register online.