Event Tourism in Almaty

Almaty rightfully holds the title of the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, as it constantly hosts vibrant celebrations and international-level festivals. Before visiting, make sure to check the city’s event calendar—you might witness a colorful folk celebration or an exciting music festival.

One of the most significant celebrations in the Muslim world is Nauryz, the spring festival. Nauryz is celebrated on March 21, marking the Spring Equinox. In Almaty, the event is a large-scale public festivity with performances by Kazakh artists, culinary contests featuring dishes like pilaf and other national delicacies, and tournaments in traditional sports. Ethnic villages (ethnoauls) are set up in public squares, offering guests traditional sweets, while farmers’ markets and exhibitions of decorative and applied arts are also a key part of the celebrations.

The Wings of Alakol Birdwatching Festival takes place on the shores of Lake Alakol in the Almaty region at the beginning of May. During the spring migration, up to 5 million birds stop at the lake. Participants of the festival enjoy guided tours along the lake’s shores to observe pink pelicans, grey herons, swans, and relic gulls.

The Spirit of Tengri festival of contemporary ethnic music kicks off Almaty’s summer festival season. Musicians from several dozen countries, including Kazakh ethnic bands, perform on stage. Attendance at the festival is free of charge, making it accessible to all.

The FourE Eco-Ethno Festival is dedicated to spiritual culture and focuses on the four “E”s: ecology, ethnicity, evolution, and emotions. Held under the open sky in mid-August, this festival attracts spiritual practitioners, musicians, and artists. Participants pitch colorful tents and don traditional costumes. In the evenings, musicians from Kazakhstan and other countries take to the stage, adding a magical ambiance to the event.

Apple Fest, which celebrates the harvest and Almaty’s City Day, has no connection to smartphones. Instead, the festival honors the city’s name, as “Alma” means “apple” in Kazakh. At the festival, visitors can taste a variety of apple types, including the renowned local aport variety. Folk music orchestras perform in open-air settings, and Kazakh pop stars delight the crowd with live performances.

The Toikazan Almaty National Cuisine Festival, held in October, showcases the culinary traditions of Kazakhstan’s diverse ethnic groups. The festival’s name, which translates to “festive cauldron,” reflects the focus on national cuisine. Guests can taste a wide range of Kazakh dishes while watching cooking competitions. The event also features equestrian sports, yurt assembly competitions, and demonstrations of traditional Kazakh costumes, adding a cultural richness to the culinary experience.