White Nights Festival & Scarlet Sails – St Petersburg, Russia

The White Nights Festival  is an unforgettable music and arts festival in St Petersburg, Russia, celebrated over a few weeks during the season of the Midnight Sun, where daylight hours are at their longest. Scarlet Sails is just one part of the white nights festival, including spectacular fireworks, concerts, and a mock pirate battle along the Neva River.

When: May – June, during the season of the midnight sun

Where: St. Petersburg, Russia

Where To Stay: St. Petersburg hotels

The White Nights Festival is a series of events that take place from the end of May to the end of June, during the longest days of sunlight all year in St, Petersburg.

The Stars of the White Nights is one of the highlights of the festival, focusing on all types of music from jazz and brass, to classical and pop. Many top international pop stars have performed in the festival at St, Petersburg’s Ice Palace, and the festival also features ballet, opera, and performances by actors, dancers, singers and more.

Evening performances are usually at 7 PM, with some earlier performances. Morning and afternoon events can be found, as well.

One of the most noteworthy events during the White Nights is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which celebrates the end of the school year. The show starts at 11 PM along the river. There is a huge display of fireworks and a fleet of ships with red sails set sail along the river, and there is a large celebration with music, performances, fire throwers, mimes, jugglers and more, all along the River Neva.

Here’s more information on the White Nights Festival of St. Petersburg.