Andrei Halias

October Street (Oktyabrskaya Street) in Minsk — is one of the most atmospheric and iconic places in the city, known for its creative energy, variety of establishments, and bright art objects. In recent years, the street has undergone significant changes, transforming from a former industrial zone into a cultural and entertainment center of the city. It has become a true magnet for Minsk residents and guests of the capital, attracting them with its unique establishments, street art, and unusual atmosphere.

History and Transformation
The history of October Street dates back to the 16th century when it was part of the Lyakhovskoye suburb and served as a land route along the Svislach River. Throughout different periods, the street changed its names, reflecting historical events: from Lyakhovskaya and Lower Lyakhovskaya to Voroshilovskaya. In 1961, the street was given its current name — October.

By the end of the 19th century, the street acquired an industrial character due to its favorable location — near the river and the railway. Leather workshops, yeast and distillery factories appeared, and later — metalworking enterprises. However, until the early 2010s, October remained almost deserted and underused until the first photo studio moved in, marking the beginning of its cultural revival.

Cultural Center of the City
Modern October Street is a true center of creative industries in Minsk. Strolling along it, you can find dozens of unique leisure spots: cafes, bars, creative workshops, exhibition halls, and museums. Industrial buildings made of red brick have become homes for art galleries, cultural hubs, and other creative projects.

One of the brightest examples of the street's transformation is the Vulica Brazil festival, which from 2014 to 2019 gathered Belarusian and Brazilian artists to create large-scale graffiti. Their works still adorn the walls of October, turning it into an open gallery of street art. Murals have become the calling card of the street and a must-visit spot for tourists.

In former industrial buildings, creative spaces now host regular workshops, exhibitions, theater performances, and film lectures. For example, until its closure in 2021, the cultural hub OK16 was a magnet for modern art and theater lovers. Currently, the "Vershy Kulturalny" venue offers its program of events — from music concerts to film screenings.

Places Worth Visiting
October Street is famous for its unusual and atmospheric establishments, each with its unique concept. Here are some of them:

<ul><li>ENZO Cafe — one of the most popular places on October Street. Here, European cuisine is served, and the interiors are perfect for photo shoots.</li> <li>DEPOT #2 — a place known for its delicious pancakes and unique design.</li> <li>Лаўка — a cozy cafe where you can grab sandwiches and enjoy aromatic coffee.</li> <li>Let it be — another popular establishment that every gourmet and coffee lover must visit.</li></ul>
For active recreation enthusiasts, there is a CityBike rental on the street, as well as the Skateboarding Museum, which invites for author tours and themed events.
October is also known for its bars and clubs. One of the most famous is the Khuligan bar — bold and open to all, where the atmosphere resembles techno parties in Berlin. On October Street, you can find establishments for every taste — from calm cafes to noisy bars and nightclubs.

Street Art and Festivals
Graffiti and murals are what make October Street unique. Thanks to the Vulica Brazil festival, gray factory buildings have turned into vibrant art objects. Giant and surreal images on the walls attract the attention of tourists and serve as a backdrop for countless social media photos. Street art on October Street is not just drawings; it’s part of the city’s history and culture.

In addition to graffiti, various cultural and music festivals regularly take place on October Street. For example, in September, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real Brazilian carnival with live music, dancing, and street food.

How to Get There and What Else to See
October Street is located in the center of Minsk, just 400 meters from the "Pervomaiskaya" metro station, making it easy to reach by public transport or on foot. A stroll down the street will offer a wealth of impressions, from bright graffiti to cozy courtyards where you can take beautiful photos and enjoy the atmosphere of freedom and creativity.

Why You Should Visit October Street
October Street (Oktyabrskaya Street) in Minsk is a place where everyone will find something for themselves. Bloggers, photographers, street art enthusiasts, and gourmets will appreciate the variety of cafes and restaurants, unique installations and graffiti, as well as the atmosphere of creativity and freedom that reigns on the street.

For Minsk residents and tourists, it’s one of the main attractions in the city, worth visiting to see how an industrial street with factories and plants has transformed into the center of cultural and creative life in Minsk. You can come here at any time of the year — the street is always full of life and offers new experiences.

明斯克的十月街 是这座城市最具氛围和标志性的位置之一，以其创意能量、多样的场所和鲜明的艺术作品而闻名。近年来，这条街经历了显著的变化，从曾经的工业区转变为城市的文化和娱乐中心。这个地方成为了明斯克人和首都游客的真正磁石，以其独特的场所、街头艺术和非凡的氛围吸引着他们。

历史与转型
十月街的历史可以追溯到16世纪，当时它是利亚霍夫郊区的一部分，沿斯维斯洛奇河是一条陆路通道。在不同的历史时期，这条街更改了名称，以反映历史事件：从利亚霍夫街和下利亚霍夫街到沃罗希洛夫街。1961年，这条街获得了现代名称——十月街。

到19世纪末，这条街因其优越的地理位置——靠近河流和铁路而具备了工业特征。这里出现了皮革作坊、酵母和酿酒厂，后来又有了金属加工企业。但在2010年代初，十月街几乎是空无一人，直到第一家摄影工作室搬到这里，开启了它的文化复兴之路。

城市的文化中心
现代的十月街是明斯克创意产业的真正中心。在这条街上散步，可以遇到数十个独特的休闲场所：咖啡馆、酒吧、创意工作室、展览厅和博物馆。用红砖建造的工业建筑成为艺术画廊、文化中心和其他创意项目的家园。

街道转型的一个亮眼例子是Vulica Brazil节，从2014年到2019年，该节聚集了白俄罗斯和巴西的艺术家创作大型涂鸦。他们的作品至今仍装饰着十月街的建筑墙面，使其成为开放的街头艺术画廊。这些壁画成为了街道的名片，也是游客必去的地方之一。

过去的工业建筑现在是创意空间，定期举办大师班、展览、戏剧演出和电影讲座。例如，在2021年关闭之前，文化中心OK16是现代艺术和戏剧爱好者的聚集地。目前，“文化韵律”场地提供从音乐会到电影放映的活动项目。

值得一游的地方
十月街以其独特而富有氛围的场所而闻名，每个地方都有自己独特的概念。以下是其中的一些：
<ul>
<li>ENZO咖啡馆——十月街上最受欢迎的地方之一。在这里提供欧式菜肴，餐厅的内部装潢非常适合拍照。</li>
<li>德波#2——以美味的薄煎饼和独特的设计而闻名。</li>
<li>Лаўка——一家舒适的咖啡馆，可以享用三明治和香醇的咖啡。</li>
<li>Let it be——另一个受欢迎的场所，所有美食爱好者和咖啡爱好者都不容错过。</li>
</ul>
对于热爱运动的人，街上有CityBike自行车租赁，还有滑板博物馆，提供独特的导览和主题活动。

十月街也以其酒吧和夜总会而闻名。其中最著名的是Hooligan酒吧——一个大胆且开放的地方，气氛令人想起柏林的电子派对。在十月街可以找到各种口味的场所——从安静的咖啡馆到喧闹的酒吧和夜总会。

街头艺术和节日
涂鸦和壁画是十月街的独特之处。由于Vulica Brazil节，灰色的工厂建筑变成了明亮的艺术作品。巨大的超现实主义图像吸引了游客的目光，并成为社交媒体上众多照片的背景。十月街的街头艺术不仅仅是画作，它是城市历史和文化的一部分。

除了涂鸦，十月街还定期举办各种文化和音乐节。例如，在九月，这里可以体验到真正的巴西狂欢节，伴随现场音乐、舞蹈和街头美食的气氛。

如何到达以及其他景点
十月街位于明斯克市中心，距离“第一五月”地铁站仅400米，因此无论是乘坐公共交通还是步行到达都非常方便。在这条街上散步将带来无尽的惊喜，从鲜艳的涂鸦到宁静的小巷，你可以拍摄美丽的照片，尽情享受自由和创造力的氛围。

为什么值得参观十月街
明斯克的十月街 是一个让每个人都能找到自己所爱之处的地方。博主、摄影师、街头艺术爱好者和美食家都会欣赏这里丰富的咖啡馆和餐厅、独特的装置和涂鸦，以及街道上弥漫的创造力和自由的氛围。

对于明斯克人和游客来说，这里是城市的一大吸引力点，值得一游，以看到工业街道如何从工厂和综合体转变为明斯克文化和创意生活的中心。任何季节都可以来这里——这条街道总是充满活力，提供新的体验。