22 August
On August 22, 2026, Berlin will host the traditional On Air Grand Gathering —an annual open-air event bringing together renowned journalists, columnists, historians, writers, and thousands of guests. The organizers invite you to spend the day in the warm company of like-minded people, enjoying lively conversation, books, music, a barbecue, and a rich intellectual program.
On August 22, 2026, Berlin will host the traditional On Air Grand Gathering —an annual open-air event bringing together renowned journalists, columnists, historians, writers, and thousands of guests. The organizers invite you to spend the day in the warm company of like-minded people, enjoying lively conversation, books, music, a barbecue, and a rich intellectual program.
The main participants in the “On Air Grand Gathering 2026” will be Ekaterina Shulman, Maxim Kurnikov, Armen Zakaryan, Alex Yusupov, Mikhail Polyakov, Nikolai Medvedev, Tatiana Lazareva, and Ruslan Bely.
Program
Hosts: Tatiana Lazareva and Polina Ryzhova
2:00 p.m. — Guests arrive
2:30–3:30 p.m. — Alex Yusupov
“The Man Who Knew Everyone: Count Kessler’s Diaries—How Germany Viewed the White and Red Russians”
A lecture on Harry Kessler, his famous diaries, and Germany’s view of Russia in the first half of the 20th century.
3:30–4:00 p.m. — Book signing with Ivan Filippov
4:00–5:00 p.m. — Armen Zakaryan
“Don Quixote: The Birth of Postmodernism”
A discussion of Cervantes’ novel, literary experiments, and unexpected parallels with Borges and Umberto Eco.
5:00–5:30 p.m. — Book signing with Armen Zakaryan
5:30–7:00 p.m. — Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov
“The Death of the Autocrat: Defeat and Reforms”
A lecture on the final years of Nicholas I’s reign and how yesterday’s reactionaries become tomorrow’s reformers. What the unlimited power of the security forces leads to, how change brews within the elites, and how lost wars lead to reforms.
7:00–7:30 p.m. — Book signing with Ekaterina Shulman
7:30–10:00 p.m. — Conversations and songs with the audience
The evening program features Tatyana Lazareva, Ruslan Bely, Maxim Kurnikov, Nikolai Medvedev, Mikhail Polyakov, and other guests.
One of this year’s main new features will be a fair for independent artisans and entrepreneurs, created to support people who are building their own businesses in a new country. The organizers invite artisans, artists, authors, and small business owners to participate. To take part in the fair, please contact the organizers via email at onair@echofm.online.
Guests wishing to support the project’s development can purchase premium tickets—a portion of the ticket price serves as a voluntary donation toward the event. Companies and organizations interested in partnering with or sponsoring “The Big On Air 2026 Meeting” can contact the organizers at onair@echofm.online.
