Almaty, Kazakhstan's cultural and financial hub, boasts a energetic annual events calendar that reflects its overlap of Central Asian heritage and modern cosmopolitan energy. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan mountains, the city's festivals and celebrations are shaped by its distinct seasons, from snowy winters to lush summers. The calendar is a layered history of international film and music festivals, traditional Nauryz celebrations, high-altitude sports competitions, and lively food markets. Whether you're drawn to classical arts, alpine skiing, or the warmth of local hospitality, Almaty's events offer an authentic and dynamic window into the soul of Kazakhstan.
January
⚽Almaty Ice Hockey Open
A popular amateur and youth ice hockey tournament held during the peak of winter. Teams from across Kazakhstan compete, with games open for public viewing, showcasing local sports passion.
🙏Almaty International Festival of Orthodox Music
Coinciding with Orthodox Christmas, this festival brings together church choirs from Kazakhstan, Russia, and beyond for concerts of sacred music in Almaty's historic cathedrals and concert halls.
February
🎉Kok-Tobe Snow Festival
A winter wonderland event on Kok-Tobe hill featuring impressive snow and ice sculptures created by local and international artists, winter games, slides, and hot food and drink stalls.
March
🎊Nauryz Meyrami
The most important national holiday celebrating the Persian New Year and spring equinox. City-wide festivities include traditional games, concerts, yurt villages, and the preparation of the symbolic dish Nauryz Kozhe.
🎊International Women's Day Concerts
A major public holiday celebrated with concerts, theatrical performances, and special events across the city. Men honor women with flowers and gifts, creating a festive, floral atmosphere in parks and squares.
April
🛒Spring Bazaar at Kok-Tobe
A seasonal market on the city's iconic hill, celebrating spring. Features local artisans selling crafts, souvenirs, spring produce, and traditional snacks, alongside stunning panoramic views of the blooming city.
🙏Eid al-Fitr (Oraza Ait / Uraza Bayram)
The festival marking the end of Ramadan. Muslims attend morning prayers at mosques, visit family and friends, share festive meals, and give to charity. A day of joy, forgiveness, and community.
May
⚽Almaty Bike Fest & Cycle Show
A celebration of cycling culture with group rides for all levels, BMX and mountain bike stunt shows, exhibitions of the latest bikes and gear, and workshops on bike maintenance and safety.
June
🍽️Almaty Gastronomy Festival
A showcase of Kazakhstan's evolving culinary scene. Top local and guest chefs present masterclasses, innovative takes on national dishes, and gourmet food stalls, paired with local wines and craft beverages.
🎭Shabyt International Creativity Festival
A prestigious festival for young artists in music, theater, and visual arts, organized by the Kazakh National University of Arts. Features competitions, exhibitions, and gala concerts by talented emerging artists.
July
🎭Eurasia International Film Festival
A major competitive film festival focusing on cinema from Asia and Europe. Features premieres, meetings with filmmakers, workshops, and an awards ceremony, showcasing both arthouse and mainstream works.
🛒Almaty Summer Night Market
A colorful weekly evening market held throughout the summer. Features food trucks, local craft beer, handmade goods, live acoustic music, and a lively, social atmosphere perfect for warm summer nights.
August
🎵Voice of Asia Music Festival
A historic pop music festival and competition for young singers from across Asia. Held in an open-air format, it features performances by popular Kazakh and international stars alongside the competitors.
September
⚽Almaty Marathon
Kazakhstan's largest charity running event, attracting thousands of local and international participants. Offers full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and family-friendly race categories through the city's scenic streets.
🍽️Almaty Apple Festival (Alma Fest)
A celebration of Almaty's namesake fruit ('alma' means apple). Features farmers' markets with rare apple varieties, apple-based dishes and drinks, cooking masterclasses, folk music, and family activities.
🎉City Day (Almaty City Birthday)
A weekend of celebrations marking the founding of Almaty. The city comes alive with street concerts, parades, exhibitions, sports competitions, craft fairs, and spectacular evening fireworks.
October
🎭Almaty International Theatre Festival
A gathering of innovative theatre troupes from Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Europe. The program includes contemporary plays, physical theatre, experimental performances, and post-show discussions.
November
🍽️Almaty Bar Show
A professional exhibition and competition for the bar and beverage industry, featuring masterclasses from world-class mixologists, seminars, and a lively cocktail competition with creative local bartenders.
December
🎉Almaty New Year's Eve Celebration
A massive public celebration centered around the New Year's Tree on Republic Square. Features live music, ice skating, festive lights, food stalls, and a grand fireworks display at midnight to ring in the new year.
🎵Winter Jazz Festival
A cozy, atmospheric festival bringing together renowned Kazakh and international jazz musicians. Held in intimate venues, it's a highlight for music lovers during the festive season.
🎊Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
Celebrates Kazakhstan's Independence Day with a solemn flag-raising ceremony, a grand patriotic concert featuring national artists, and a magnificent fireworks display over Republic Square.
🛒Christmas Fair at the Cathedral
A traditional European-style Christmas market set in Panfilov Park next to the iconic Ascension Cathedral. Features wooden stalls selling handicrafts, mulled wine, festive foods, and holiday decorations.
Tips for Attending Events
Dress for the Season & Microclimates: Almaty's weather is extreme. Summers are hot, but Medeu and Shymbulak are cool. Winters are frigid. Always check the forecast and layer clothing, especially for mountain events.
Navigate Crowds with Public Transport: During major events (Nauryz, City Day), central roads close and traffic is gridlocked. Use the efficient, cheap Almaty Metro and buses. Taxis will be surge-priced and slow.
Book Early for Premier Events: Tickets for international film festivals, popular theater shows, jazz concerts, and gourmet festivals sell out weeks or months in advance. Plan and purchase online as soon as schedules are released.
Carry Cash (Tenge) at Markets & Local Events: While cards are widely accepted in malls and restaurants, many market stalls, food trucks, and smaller festival vendors operate on cash-only basis.
Learn Basic Russian/Kazakh Phrases: While English is spoken in tourist hubs, knowing simple greetings, numbers, and 'thank you' (Rahmet/Spasibo) at local festivals and markets greatly enhances your experience and interaction.
Respect Local Customs: At religious events, dress modestly. During national holidays, observe respectfully. Always ask before taking photos of people, especially at traditional ceremonies.
Event Categories
Major public festivals and celebrations, often city-wide, involving multiple activities and large crowds.
Events focused on arts, theater, film, and high culture, including exhibitions, performances, and competitions.
Sporting events, competitions, and tournaments, both amateur and professional, for participants and spectators.
Observances of official national and regional public holidays, often marked by ceremonies, concerts, and closures.
Seasonal markets, night markets, and bazaars focusing on local crafts, food, and seasonal goods.
Observances and festivals tied to religious traditions, including Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and others.
Music festivals, concert series, and competitive events covering various genres from classical to jazz and pop.
Food festivals, culinary competitions, and events centered on gastronomy, local produce, and drinks.