The sixth edition of the TUTAKA Festival of Free Belarusian Culture will take place from July 16 to 19 in the Baryk forest (Gródek commune, Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland). Over four days, the festival will bring together Belarusians of different generations and backgrounds, while Thursday, July 16, will serve as the “Day Zero”—when guests arrive, set up the campsite, and soak up the first festival atmosphere.
Looking through the program, one can see how TUTAKA has steadily expanded its horizons year after year, becoming a space of genuine diversity. In Baryk, military drills by scythe-bearing insurgents naturally coexist with workshops on inclusivity, political discussions, showcases by the new wave of female musicians, as well as stands run by Belarusian non-governmental organizations and civic initiatives. The festival is growing together with its audience, offering a safe space for a wide variety of communities.
An important innovation this year is that the festival, organized by the TUTAKA Foundation, now requires admission tickets. Prices start at 30 zlotys.
We have selected the events from the program that seem particularly worth attending.
1. Major Comebacks: What Will the Legendary RIMA and the Sharp-Tongued VINSENT Bring?
The return of performers who have not appeared at major festivals for quite some time. Rock band RIMA, the leading voice of Belarusian Białystok, and rapper VINSENT are preparing updated performances. RIMA will demonstrate how mature, high-quality Podlasie rock sounds today, while VINSENT will deliver his trademark hard-hitting Minsk rap accompanied by live guitar energy.
- When: RIMA — Friday, July 17, 9:40 p.m. | VINSENT — Saturday, July 18, 10:30 p.m.
- Where: Scena TAMAKA.
2. Political Debate: Lessons of 1989 for Belarus
Can the experience of Poland’s Round Table serve as a useful model for Belarus’s democratic transition? Politicians and historians, including Paval Latushka, Franak Viachorka, Artsiom Brukhan, Yauhen Vapa, and others, will discuss scenarios for a peaceful transfer of power and the lessons of past mistakes.
- When: Friday, July 17, 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Scena TUTAKA.
3. A Safe Space: Toni Laszden’s Workshop and a Conversation About Diversity
These events are intended for anyone who wants to better understand today’s social context. The program includes a discussion on supporting queer teenagers featuring Nasta Bazar and Iryna Sidorskaya, as well as writer Toni Laszden‘s workshop, “How to Talk About LGBTQI+ People Without Offending Anyone.”
- When: Saturday, July 18. Discussion — 1:30 p.m.; workshop — 3:20 p.m.
- Where: Discussion — Scena TUTAKA; workshop — Namiot VIEDAKA.
4. The Female Powerhouse of the New Wave: Anastasiya Rydleuskaya and CHORNOBROVA
A vivid example of the festival’s musical diversity is the completely fresh, distinctly European sound emerging from the Belarusian diaspora. Anastasiya Rydleuskaya combines the bold energy of electronic pop, indie, and folk music, transforming her performances into immersive rituals. CHORNOBROVA, meanwhile, offers an unexpected fusion of Polish and Belarusian folk traditions with the sound of 2000s hip-hop and urban samples.
- When: Rydleuskaya — Friday, July 17, 10:40 p.m. | CHORNOBROVA — Saturday, July 18, 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Scena TAMAKA.
5. Looking into the Future: Under the Grey Sky and the Discussion “What Will People Say About Us in 2076?”
One of the festival’s most thought-provoking events features director Mara Tamkovich. In the morning, visitors can watch her feature film inspired by the story of imprisoned journalist Katsiaryna Andreeva and her husband Ihar Ilyash. In the evening, the director and her guests will invite the audience to leap fifty years into the future and imagine how people in 2076 might view us today.
- When: Saturday, July 18. Film screening — 10:00 a.m.; discussion — 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Scena TUTAKA.
6. The People’s Choice: Folk-Punk Frenzy with DZIECIUKI
The return of the Hrodna-based rebels is entirely thanks to the audience. The organizers created an open playlist and voting process so festivalgoers could choose the headliner themselves, and the overwhelming favorite turned out to be DZIECIUKI. The result confirmed that the demand for the band’s uncompromising energy and their cathartic communal mosh pits is stronger than ever.
- When: Saturday, July 18, 11:20 p.m.
- Where: Scena TAMAKA.
7. An Open Conversation: “Do Belarusians Have Their Own Church?” with Aliaksandr Kukhta
Aliaksandr Kukhta is a popular Orthodox priest, blogger, and one of the most prominent progressive voices in today’s religious community. Together with him, participants will discuss Belarus’s place in the Orthodox world, the relationship between religion and politics, and whether Belarusians can realistically have their own independent and internationally recognized Church.
- When: Friday, July 17, 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Namiot VIEDAKA.
8. Discussion: “Who Will Unite Belarusians?”
One of the festival’s most anticipated panel discussions will take place as part of the RES PUBLICA project. Representatives from various fields—from Paval Sieviarynets and Maksim Znak to Palina Prysmakova and Aliaksei Dzikavitski—will reflect on the crisis of leadership and the values that can unite Belarusian society.
- When: Saturday, July 18, 3:10 p.m.
- Where: Scena TUTAKA.
9. New Indie Rock: BIZZARE OBJECTS
The electronic duo blends guitars and synthesizers with neoclassical harmonies. Their music is deep, highly atmospheric, and slightly dark art rock that perfectly complements the mood of the nighttime forest in Baryk.
- When: Sunday, July 19, 9:20 p.m.
- Where: Scena TAMAKA.
10. Decoding Ideas: “Matskevich’s Game”
A firsthand discussion about philosopher Uladzimir Matskevich‘s renowned methodological game, moderated by Paval Sviardlou and Aliaksandr Knyrovich.
- When: Friday, July 17, 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Scena TUTAKA.
What Else Is Worth Visiting?
- Invictus 1863, an interactive historical experience featuring drills by scythe-bearing insurgents and a unique lecture by Katsiaryna Vadanosava on fashion during the era of Kastus Kalinouski, including clothing, underwear, and jewelry.
When: Saturday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (lectures begin at 3:50 p.m.).
- “Belarusian Books: Homeless or Boundless?” — a discussion on how Belarusian publishing has survived since 2020, featuring Maksim Znak, Valiantsina Andreeva (Gutenberg Publisher), and Yaraslau Ivaniuk (Kamunikat.org).
When: Sunday, July 19, 1:30 p.m. | Where: Scena TUTAKA.
- The Second Aliaksandr Pushkin Memorial Football Tournament — a sporting event honoring the outstanding Belarusian artist, organized by FC Białostockie Dziki.
When: Saturday, July 18, throughout the day. Where: Stadium in Gródek.
And the Complete Music Schedule by Day
We have decided to publish the full music lineup so that everyone can choose the events that suit them best.
Friday, July 17
21:20–21:40 — “Spieuny Skhod” with Serzhuk Douhushau (the Baryk community choir) | Scena TAMAKA
21:40–22:40 — RIMA | Scena TAMAKA
22:40–23:40 — Anastasiya Rydleuskaya | Scena TAMAKA
23:40–02:20 — ROOTS VIBRACJA × DUB ROVAH (A powerful mix of reggae, dub, and bass without boundaries) | Scena TAMAKA
Saturday, July 18
21:30–22:30 — CHORNOBROVA | Scena TAMAKA
22:30–23:20 — VINSENT | Scena TAMAKA
23:20–00:20 — DZIECIUKI (The Hrodna folk-punk band, chosen by the audience) | Scena TAMAKA
00:20–02:20 — ROOTS VIBRACJA × DUB ROVAH (A second late-night reggae set bringing generations together) | Scena TUTAKA
Sunday, July 19
21:20–22:20 — BIZZARE OBJECTS | Scena TAMAKA
22:20–23:20 — B:N: (Classic, melodic, high-energy European rock and roll) | Scena TAMAKA
23:20–00:20 — RAZBITAE SERTSA PATSANA (The festival’s closing performance: irony, sarcasm, and everyone’s favorite trasianka) | Scena TAMAKA
The organizers note that the festival’s full program will be published over the coming days.
Tickets for the festival are available here.
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