Central Asia Events & Festivals for 2019
Central Asia has some of the unique festivals and events that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Our list includes events that can be interesting to travelers visiting this region, events that showcase the cultural heritage of Central Asia during major tourist season. Thus, our Central Asia Events & Festival for 2019 covers the period between July and October. Enjoy the celebrations and let us know how was your Central Asia trip.
Events & Festivals for July
Capital City Day, Nur-sultan, Kazakhstan
On July 6, 1994, it was decided that Astana will become the new capital of the independent Kazakh Republic. In 1998 Akmola was renamed to Astana, which in Kazakh means capital. In 2019, Astana was renamed to Nur-Sultan. There will be also some celebratory events at the shopping malls and public places.
When: July 6, 2019
Where: Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Spirit of Eurasia, Kazakhstan
Open Air Contemporary Ethnic Music Festival will take place on the EXPO territory.
When: July 5-5, 2019
Where: Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Website: http://tengrifest.com/en/eurasia
Ethno-Fest South Shore, Kyrgyzstan
Local festival that showcases Kyrgyz culture. The program includes a folklore show, exhibitions of local masters of handicrafts, demonstration of ethnic horse games, and cooking master class. It will start in the morning at around 9.30 with the registration of the guests and the closing ceremony is planned for 16.30 in the evening.
When: July 15, 2019, 09:30 -16:30
Where: Ton Village, House of Manaschi
More information available at https://southshorekg.com/festivals/
International Salbuurun Festival, Kyrgyzstan
This is a unique festival concentrated on traditional types of hunting that were practiced by the nomad people. There will be a demonstration of eagle hunting, archery competitions among boys and girls, as well as an exhibition of Kyrgyz Taigan or greyhound dogs.
When: August 16-17, 2019
Where: South Shore of Issyk Kul region, near Bokonbaevo
Website:https://destinationkarakol.com/events/salbuurun-festival-2019/
Mountain Travel festival
Demonstration of traditional horse games and traditions of southern Kyrgyzstan. For more entertainment, there will be a folklore show with traditional singing, dancing and cooking.
When: July 20, 2019
Where: Peak Lenin Basecamp
National Horse Games Festival, Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Watch the demonstration of national horse games and enjoy national songs, dance performance and try local specialties of Kyrgyz cuisine. If you must choose one festival to visit, go to Song Kul. It is a spectacular lake of unusual beauty at an altitude of around 3000 meters above sea level. Beautiful mountains, yurts and traditional games…
When: July 25, 2019
Where: North-eastern shore of Song-Kul Lake, Batai-Aral Yurt Camp
Website: http://cbtkyrgyzstan.kg/event/national-horse-games-festival-by-cbt-kochkor/
Horse Games Festival, Kyzyl Oi, Kyrgyzstan
Enjoy national horse games and traditional folklore show at gorgeous Suusamyr valley. It is just around 4 hours drive from the capital city, Bishkek.
When: 28 July, 2019, 9:00 – 19:00
Where: Kyzyl Oi village, Suusamyr Valley
Website: http://cbtkyrgyzstan.kg/event/national-horse-games-festival-by-cbt-kyzyl-oi/
Birds of Prey Festival, Kyrgyzstan
Watch an impressive demonstration of traditional hunting with the help of an eagle. The show will be followed by numerous folklore shows, dances and songs. There will be also an exhibition of traditional handicrafts and art objects. You can also learn some moves from traditional dance Kara Jorgo and watch how the traditional felt carpets are made.
When: August 10, 2019
Where: Jaichy Yurt Camp, Kok Say village near Bokonbaevo
Website: http://cbtkyrgyzstan.kg/event/birds-of-prey-festival-by-cbt-bokonbaevo/
International Festival of Eco-Ethno Orientation, Kazakhstan
FourE – is an open-air festival that revolves around 4 themes that start with a letter E- Eco, Ethno, Emotion & Evolution. These broad concepts include indeed various music, workshops and cultural events. Unlike other open-air festivals, it forbids use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, so it is kind of an open air that stresses more on its spiritual side of having fun.
Where: Almaty Region, 35 km from Almaty city
When: August 15-18, 2019
Website: https://x.4e.kz/
Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan
When: August 31, 2019
Where: Main public squares in all cities of Kyrgyzstan
Independence Day of Uzbekistan
Big celebrations at main city squares and folk concerts and traditional food.
When: September 1, 2019 Where: In all cities of Uzbekistan
Independence Day of Tajikistan
When: September 9, 2019
Where: Public Squares in major cities of Tajikistan
Before attending events, please double-check with their official websites or their social media accounts, since there can be changes on short notice. Keep in mind that you will need to register or buy tickets to be able to attend the festivals.