12, 2023

Ukrainian Independence Day

Projects

Ukrainian Independence Day

Ukrainian Independence Day is an annual cultural festival in Renton, Washington. Its mission is to promote friendship, understanding, and cooperation within the wider community by organizing educational, entertaining, and culturally enriching programs that celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage.

For sponsorship and partnership, please contact our coordinator

About the festival

This celebration of Ukrainian culture has grown each decade since its inception in 1973, showcasing an increasingly diverse range of Ukrainian traditional and contemporary performances, art and textile exhibitions, films, children’s/youth activities, cuisine, and workshops.

The festival is coordinated and orchestrated by the board and volunteers of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State. It unfolds annually during the final week of August, in commemoration of Ukraine’s declaration of Independence on August 24, 1991. Each year, UAWS extends invitations to dancers, musicians, and artists from both local communities and participants from the U.S., Canada, and Ukraine, encouraging them to share their artistic expressions with the local audience. UAWS takes great pride in hosting this free cultural event, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest.

Bridging History

Since 1973, Ukrainians in Washington State celebrate Independence Day, predating Ukraine’s 1991 declaration. Rooted in historical awareness, this honors Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, symbolizing resistance to Soviet rule. Events embody cultural preservation and diaspora unity, spotlighting Ukraine’s journey and amplifying global awareness. Beyond a date, they mark commitment to heritage and national resilience. The Ukrainian Association of Washington State, once known as Ukrainian Club in WA, showcases a bond between homeland and diaspora, bridging shared history.

What’s on?

This year’s celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day will be held from 12 pm – 10 pm, on August 26 (Saturday) at Liberty Park, Renton.
Follow us on our social media channels and don’t miss a thing!

Artists

Workshops

More coming soon!

SEP 23. 4:00 PM. How to Be a Sponsor for Ukrainian Refugees: a Year of Experience

The Ukrainian community in Washington state extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the local community for their “Stand with Ukraine” support. Join us to discover firsthand experiences of sponsoring Ukrainian families escaping the war via the United for Ukraine...

SEP 22. 6:30 PM Творча зустріч з письменником Русланом Горовим у Сіетлі

В рамках осіннього благодійного туру Північною Америкою, Руслан Горовий проведе благодійний вечір в Сіетлі. Зустріч з заслуженим українським журналістом, автором відомого проєкту «Служба розшуку дітей» на “Магнолії-ТВ“, режисером короткометражного та документального...

SEP 21. 7:00 PM. БЕЗ ОБМЕЖЕНЬ | Seattle

After their triumphant tour of North America, BEZ OBMEZHEN’ (WITHOUT LIMITS) is heading overseas for a tour to support Ukraine! You will hear their favorite hits as well as new compositions including “Come Back Alive”, “Free People”, and more.Since the beginning of...

AUG 25. 7:00 PM. “20 Days in Mariupol” Movie Screening

Photographer Evgeniy Maloletka points at the smoke rising after an airstrike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 9, 2022. From 20 Days in Mariupol. Credit AP Photo_Mstyslav Chernov “20 Days in Mariupol”: Marks Starting August 25th in Seattle,...

AUG 26. 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Meet & Play Catchball with Sunflowers Team

Meet & Play Catchball with Sunflowers Team🗓️ August 26, 2023⏰ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM📌 Location: Liberty Park, Renton. We will meet at Giannini Stadium Field (Big Liberty). Calling all sports enthusiasts and those who love staying active! We invite you to have a great...

AUG 26. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Colors of Freedom: Necklace Making Workshop with Galyna Ponomarenko

Necklace Making Workshop🗓️ August 26, 2023⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM📌 Location: Liberty Park, Renton. Find Lectures & Workshops Zone.Let’s create beauty together! 😊During this workshop, we will not only create, but also chat, share experience and enjoy the festive...

Participating Vendor Booths

Kid’s Activities, Games & Entertainment

AT KID’S CORNER

Free Face Painting by Sportcare Academy Childcare (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
Free Papercraft Workshop by UAWS Volunteers (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Free Scavenger Hunt (3:30 PM – 4:15 PM)
Magic Show by AlakaSam (4:15 PM – 5:30 PM)
Magic Lesson (5:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

  • Free Yoga by the Riverside with Anna Kaliamon (12:00 PM – 1:0p PM at Cedar River Park)
  • Summer Pickleball Slam at the Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Pickleball Courts at Liberty Park)
  • Free Tennis Lesson for Kids with Olga Gaistruk (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Tennis Courts at Liberty Park)
  • Free Youth Soccer Workshop with Volodymyr Harnovdi (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Giannini Starium Field “Big Liberty”)
  • Meet & Play Catchball with Sunflowers Team (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Giannini Starium Field “Big Liberty”)

Sponsors

Meet our 2023 Ukrainian Independence Day Sponsors! These incredible companies, organizations, and individuals have graciously thrown their weight behind our festival. In return, we kindly request that all our cherished visitors and participants demonstrate their solidarity by offering their support to these remarkable entities.

Join our Team

We’re excited to invite you to be a part of something truly special – the celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day. But here’s the thing – we can’t make this festival happen without YOUR help! We’re looking for volunteers to join our team and make a real impact. 🤝 Volunteering is a chance to contribute to our vibrant community, meet incredible people, and create lasting memories.