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!
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, 3:00-7:00pm
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 9, 2026
Location: Capitol Square, West Mifflin & North Carroll Streets
Ride the Drive
As you’re trading your car for your bike on your commute to work for this annual community event, visit the Friends of Ukraine - Madison table on the Capitol Square!
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!
Date: August 22, 2026, 2:00-6:00pm
Location: Olin Park, Madison, WI
Ukraine Fest
Borshch Cookout
Join us for borshch cookout and discover the rich flavors and cultural significance of this beloved dish.
Date: October 4, 2026
Location: TBD
Friendsgiving
Gather with friends old and new for a heartwarming Friendsgiving feast. Share in the spirit of gratitude and community as we enjoy a delicious meal together. You’ll enjoy a fusion of traditional American Thanksgiving dishes with Ukrainian side dishes.
Date: November 15, 2026
Location: TBD
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:
Commemoration of the Full-Scale Invasion
Date: February 21, 2026, 1:00-2:00
Location: Wisconsin State Capitol
Ukrainian Rally
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.
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.