Doll Festival vs. the Botanical Garden’s 130th anniversary: where to go?

10 August 2026

On Saturday, August 15, Znamenskoye hosts the "Soul of Siberia" Doll Festival, while Komissarov Garden celebrates its dendropark’s 130th anniversary. So where should I go? Let me think it through.

Location

  • Znamenskoye is in the north of Omsk region, 350 km from the regional capital.
  • Komissarov Garden is literally a half-hour drive south.
  • Heading north is more comfortable starting the day before, overnighting in Tara: 700 km of driving plus shooting in one day is rough; the southern trip fits into a single day with no lodging cost.

What to expect

  • The Doll Festival is a unique themed program in a district I’ve never visited, with many distinctive doll-making artisans.
  • The dendropark will mark a round anniversary and try to go all out: I’ve been there on festival days before and know how good their invited performers can be.

So which one? What am I missing? Share your arguments on the project’s social channels!

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