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.

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.

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Artists

More coming soon!

Roman Vashchuk

Ukrainian Dance Ensemble BARVINOK

HraiMore choir

Igor Kovalenko

IZI Band ( Igor & Iva Zavalni)

Oleg Mayovskyy & choir Svitanok Seattle

PNW Kobzar Project

Stacee Fida & Kateryna Marach

Singing in the Rain Band

Workshops

More coming soon!

Participating Vendor Booths

More coming soon!

Ukraine Defense Support
Our Lady of Zarvanycia Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
Plast Seattle – Пласт Сієтл
Pie Style
STEP IT Academy in Seattle
Refugee Women’s Alliance
LULIT – Handmade Toys
Viktoria Thibault – Jewerly
Sportcare Academy Childcare
Refugee Women’s Alliance
Viva Workshop
Ihor Kozelzev – Vyshyvanky
Nadia Chuprik – Handmade crafts

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.