In short: Circle of Light (Круг света) is Moscow's biggest international festival of light art — a free, city-wide show where landmark facades, parks and embankments are turned into giant canvases for projection mapping, light installations and multimedia performances. It is held once a year in autumn — usually late September, sometimes stretching into early October — and draws millions of viewers. The exact 2026 dates are announced closer to the event on the official site, lightfest.ru.
What is Circle of Light?
Circle of Light is a large-scale annual event in which lighting designers, video artists and multimedia studios from Russia and abroad reinterpret Moscow's architecture with light. After dark, historic buildings and modern towers become 3D projection-mapping screens: their stone facades appear to crack, bloom, flood or come alive with animation synced to music. Alongside the facade shows there are walk-through light installations, an international video-mapping competition (ART VISION), and pyrotechnic finales. It has grown into one of the world's largest festivals of its kind.
When does it take place?
The festival runs in autumn over several evenings, when Moscow's nights are long enough for the projections but the weather is still mild. In recent years it has usually fallen in late September, though some editions have run into early October — so the exact window shifts each year. As of now the 2026 dates are not officially confirmed; confirm the programme and schedule on the official website before you plan your evening. Note that Circle of Light is separate from Moscow City Day (celebrated on the first weekend of September — 5-6 September in 2026); the light festival typically comes later in the month. Shows begin after sunset (roughly from early evening until late night) and are timed on a loop so you can catch several venues in one night.
Where to watch (typical venues)
Locations vary each edition, but the festival regularly uses a mix of central squares, parks and riverside sites. Venues in past years have included:
- Teatralnaya Square — facade shows on the Bolshoi Theatre and surrounding buildings, right in the centre.
- VDNKh — the vast Soviet exhibition park, a favourite for large installations.
- Main building of Moscow State University (MSU) on Sparrow Hills — its vast Stalin-era facade is a classic canvas for record-scale projections.
- Ostankino and the TV tower area.
- Gorky Park and the embankments — light art along the Moskva River.
- Rowing Canal (Krylatskoye) — the traditional home of the fireworks and water-screen finale.
Check the current map on the official site: venues are spread across the city, so pick two or three that are close together on the metro.
Practical tips for visitors
- It's free. All open-air shows are free to watch; no ticket is needed for the facade projections and installations.
- Go after dark and dress warmly. September evenings in Moscow can be cool — bring a jacket and comfortable shoes for standing and walking.
- Expect crowds. Central venues fill up fast; arrive early for a good spot, or watch a full loop and move on to the next site.
- Use the metro. It's the fastest way between venues and runs until around 1:00 AM — see our guide to getting around Moscow.
- Travelling as a group or short on time? A private evening transfer between venues saves the late-night walk — you can arrange one via GetTransfer, or book a guided evening city tour through GetExperience.
- Bring cash or a Mir card. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards don't work in Russia — see how to pay in Moscow as a tourist.
Is it worth it?
If your trip overlaps with the festival, yes — it's one of the most spectacular free things to do in the city, and it shows off Moscow's landmarks in a way you won't see at any other time of year. Pair it with our list of cool and unusual things to do in Moscow and the wider seasonal guide to Moscow festivals.
Frequently asked questions
When is Circle of Light 2026?
The festival runs in autumn over several evenings — usually in late September, sometimes into early October. The 2026 dates are not officially confirmed yet, so check the official site, lightfest.ru, before planning your visit.
Is Circle of Light free?
Yes. The open-air facade shows and light installations are free to watch; no ticket is required.
Where is the best place to watch?
Central Teatralnaya Square (the Bolshoi Theatre facade) and VDNKh are reliably impressive, while the Rowing Canal usually hosts the fireworks and water-screen finale. Venues change yearly, so check the official map.
What time do the shows start?
Projections run after dark, typically from early evening until late at night, on a repeating loop so you can see several venues in one evening.
How do I get between venues?
The Moscow metro is the quickest option and runs until about 1:00 AM. For groups or late finishes, a private transfer is convenient.
Festival dates, venues and programmes change each year — always confirm the current schedule on the official site before you go. Plan the rest of your trip with our Moscow for first-timers guide and the full Russia travel guide, and make the most of the city with a Moscow Pass.
