More than 600 athletes from 13 countries will take part in X-Waters Saint Petersburg Swim 2018, a race that will be held in the very heart of St. Petersburg on August 12. Both professional and amateur athletes will make their way around the Peter and Paul Fortress! Take this as a great opportunity to wake up early (very early, actually, as the race kicks off at 7am), cheer for your favorite athletes and admire the magnificent view over the city. Entrance to the island to view the race is free.

Think that one such event is not enough to make your day? Rejoice: there will be two more! The St. Petersburg River Carnival will take place on August 12 on the Moika river between the Mikhailovsky Garden and the Field of Mars. Guests will have a chance to listen to a concert and watch lots of decorated boats cruising down the river. The show starts at 1 pm. Entrance is free. Or attend the Fontanka SUP Festival instead and see athletes in funny costumes surfing down the Fontanka under 14 bridges! The show kicks off at 10:30am and ends at 1:30pm. Entrance is free.

This Sunday, the 300th Anniversary Park will host one of the summer’s most romantic and magical events: the Kite Festival. Dozens of kites will paint the sky over the beach and the Gulf of Finland. The event will also feature workshops on kite-making and kiteboarding lessons. The festival will last from 12pm till 6pm; entrance is free. Don’t forget to bring a kite!

Have you been to Sevkabel Port? It’s a new creative space on Vasilyevsky Island that’s definitely worth checking out! This weekend is a perfect time to explore this unique place, as it will host two cool events in a row: the Green Village Eco Festival (August 11, entrance is free, registration is needed) and a festival of Jewish culture (August 12, entrance fee is 450 rub). Attend lectures and workshops, listen to traditional Jewish music, try the best hummus in the city and experience a bit of Tel-Aviv in St. Petersburg!

Enjoy your weekend! Yours truly, ITMO.NEWS.