Development of provincial leisure culture at the late XIXth – the beginning of the XXth centuries

The evolution of leisure sphere of the Russian province at the late XIXth – the beginning of the XXth centuries is analyzed at the example of the Saratov province. The key forms of leisure organization (theatrical performances, circus performances, cinematograph and the activity of cultural and educational societies) are considered. On the basis of analysis of memorial literature, the materials of the local periodical press and the archive documents it is concluded about the democratization of leisure, its commercialization and the development of unique cultural environment in Saratov, allowing the city to obtain the unofficial status of the “cultural capital” of the Volga region.