Throughout the year we host events for community members to gather, experience Ukrainian culture, and make connections. Below are upcoming events and descriptions of ones we’ve hosted in the past. If you’d like to volunteer or have questions, please contact us!
Borshch Cookout
Is your borshch ‘un-beet-able?’ Fill out the form at tinyurl.com/3f4yufxj to enter it into the borshch cook-off on October 10, 1:00-4:00pm at 326 Segoe Rd. Bring a crockpot of your borshch to be judged in a blind tasting - in the meat or vegetarian categories. You could win a prize, crown, and title of Best Borshch in Madison!
Would you rather ‘root’ for others than cook? Be a taste-tester! For a $15 suggested donation - for FOUM and organizations supporting humanitarian relief in Ukraine - you can try the borshch, vote on your favorites, and help crown the winners!
Date: October 10, 1:00-4:00pm
Location: 326 Segoe Rd
Wisconsin Remembers Forced Famine in Ukraine: The Stories & History of Holodomor
Date: November 14, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St, Verona, WI
Join us for a community program dedicated to raising awareness about the Holodomor, the Soviet-engineered genocidal famine that devastated Ukraine in 1932–1933.
The program brings together historical scholarship, family history, storytelling, and the recorded voices of survivors. It will explore what happened, how this brutal history was suppressed, and why remembering it matters today.
The program will feature two authors whose work approaches the Holodomor from different but complementary perspectives. Dr. Daria Mattingly, Lecturer in Contemporary International History at the University of Chichester, England and author of Stalin’s Activists: The Rank-and-File Perpetrators of the Holodomor, will draw on her research into the people who implemented Soviet policies on the ground and the difficult questions of perpetrators, responsibility, and memory.
Tammy Borden, author of The Harvest Keeper: Based on a True Story of Surviving Stalin’s Holodomor Famine in Ukraine, will explore this dark chapter through family history, research, and storytelling, sharing how the experiences of one family can preserve memories across generations and bring this history to new audiences.
The program will also include a short film featuring the recorded voices of Holodomor survivors, connecting historical research and family stories with the testimony of people who lived through the famine.
The afternoon will conclude with refreshments, conversation, and a book signing with Tammy.
St. Nick Celebration for Kids
Bring your children to our St. Nick Celebration for a day of festive fun, including games, treats, and a visit from St. Nicholas himself. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with joy and excitement.
Date: December 12, 2026
Location: TBD
Past Events:
Ukrainian Rally, Commemoration of the Full-Scale Invasion
On February 21, people will gather at the Capitol to commemorate the escalation of the ongoing war. The event features speeches from community leaders, heartfelt stories from those affected, and a moment of silence to honor the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people.
Join us after the rally for a fellowship hour with light refreshments at the Guild Hall of Grace Episcopal Church at 116 West Washington Avenue.
Date: February 21, 2026, 1:00-2:00
Location: Wisconsin State Capitol
Ukrainian Eggs Workshop
At the Ukrainian Eggs Workshop, participants learn the traditional art of Pysanky. This hands-on session guides attendees through creating beautifully decorated eggs using wax-resist techniques and vibrant dyes, and offers the opportunity to master the intricate designs and cultural significance of Pysanky, creating stunning pieces of folk art. No prior experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. This is a paid workshop and registration is required at http://Tinyurl.com/eggworkshopmadison2026. All proceeds from the event go to supporting youth activities supported by Friends of Ukraine - Madison, Inc.
Date: March 14, 1:00-4:00pm
Location: 326 S Segoe Rd
Spring Social
Date: April 19, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Arbor Good Neighbor House, 2509 McDivitt Rd
Celebrate Spring with our Paska Celebration, featuring traditional Ukrainian Easter bread and a potluck. The event includes indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults, to celebrate the history and symbolism of Ukrainian Easter traditions.
‘War on Education’ Film Screening
Date: April 19, 2026, 12:00pm
Location: Union South, The Marquee,
1308 W Dayton St
Co-hosted by CREECA (the Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia), this free screening of the documentary film will also include a Zoom question & answer session. By mixing personal stories with in-depth analysis of the education system by authorities, academics, and non-governmental organizations, ‘War on Education’ investigates the current state of education in Ukraine and the ideology behind the invasion.
Volunteer at this year's Brat Festival and support Friends of Ukraine - Madison at the same time. Feel free to pick the roles that interest you! Options include setup, grilling, cashiering, wrapping, stocking condiments, grounds clean‑up, and teardown. To secure your volunteer position, please log in to https://volunteer.bloomerang.co:443/JE/wks8ob7mkrpqkl, create your individual account, choose Friends of Ukraine - Madison as your nonprofit, and grab the shifts that work best for you.
Each volunteer receives a Brat Buck, a t-shirt, ice cream from the Chocolate Shoppe, and $12 per each hour of volunteering goes toward Friends of Ukraine - Madison. Shifts are a minimum of 4 hours. Minimum age to volunteer: 14
Brat Fest 2026
Date: May 22-24, 2026
Location: Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI
Vyshyvanka Day
Celebrate Vyshyvanka Day with us, a special event dedicated to the traditional embroidered shirts of Ukraine, which symbolize rich Ukrainian culture. Milwaukee’s famed Dnipro Ukrainian Dance Ensemble will perform, along with Madison’s Ukrainian School students and other musicians and entertainers. We will have vyshyvanky displays explaining the history and traditions of the Ukrainian cultural symbol.
Date: May 30, 2026, 2:00-5:00pm
Location: 326 S Segoe Rd
Summer Cookout
Date: June 6, 2026, 3:30-8:00pm
Location: Brittingham Boats,
701 W Brittingham Pl
Join us for a fun-filled Summer Potluck! Bring a dish to share and enjoy an afternoon of great food, good company, and outdoor games.
Community Garage Sale
Do you have gently used items to donate to a community garage sale? Email us at info@friendsofukrainemadison.org. Proceeds from the garage sale will go toward Friends of Ukraine - Madison, Inc., programming.
Date: June 12-13, 2026
Location: TBA
Date: June 28, 2026, 2:00-5:00
Location: Capital Brewery,
7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton, WI
Capital Brewery Concert
Grab a cold beer from the Capital Brewery’s list of delicious brews, buy some food from a food truck, do some dancing, and enjoy a live concert. Paid entry is requested and funds go to Friends of Ukraine.
Ivan Kupala Celebration
Date: July 11, 2026, 3:00-6:00pm
Location: Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI
Celebrate Ivana Kupala with a festive July Cookout, complete with traditional Ukrainian rituals, bonfires, and delicious food. Join us for an evening of folklore, fun, and friendship. Bring a dish to share.
Date: August 22, 2026, 2:00-6:00pm
Location: Olin Park Pavilion,
1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Ukraine at our Ukrainian Fest, featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Enjoy a day of vibrant performances, cultural exhibits, and delicious food, celebrating our heritage and community spirit. We add something new every year, so you won’t want to miss this event! Learn more here!