Ukraine's first-ever folk-metal festival tied to the Kupalo ritual tradition. Debut edition 22-23 June 2026.
Motanka announced on 8 January 2026 the founding of their own festival 'Kupalo Metal Night' in their native Kropyvnytskyi. The debut edition runs 22-23 June 2026 at the Shkurenko Cultural Park (festival zone area — 4 hectares, maximum audience — 4500 spectators). The festival is directly tied to the calendar date of summer solstice (Kupalo) — the Ukrainian equivalent of Scandinavian Midsummer. Debut edition lineup: 12 metal scene performers (Ukrainian and European): Motanka (headliner, 23 June), Ignea, Stoned Jesus (see separate PR6 news), Jinjer (Tetiana Shmailyuk), White Ward, Eluveitie (Swiss), Heidevolk (Dutch), Eluveitie (second appearance in the programme), Korpiklaani (Finnish), and 3 young Ukrainian folk-metal bands. Schedule — 22 June (Monday) evening and 23 June (Tuesday) full day. Festival concept — combining metal music with the Kupalo ritual: 1) on the night of 22-23 June — burning fires and floating wreaths (led by folk specialist Ivan Harasymovych, renowned Kupalo ritual expert); 2) Wednesday 23 June — main metal day with 8 performances. Special form — 4 folk masterclasses in open-workshop format for visitors (dance, vocal, wreath weaving, motanka doll making). Expected audience — 3500 spectators over 2 days.
