Top 17 Festivals and Events in Almaty 2024: Year-Round Celebrations

Picture this: you’re walking through Almaty’s streets during the Nauryz Festival, with colorful decorations everywhere and people dressed in traditional clothes. Or imagine joining the Almaty Marathon, running through beautiful cityscapes with people from all over the world. Each event is a burst of joy and a chance to see Almaty at its best.  Visiting these places is one of the top Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan.

The Almaty Apple Festival is a sweet treat, with the smell of fresh apples filling the air and delicious apple pies to taste. The Medeu Skating Rink is the place to be in winter, with fun ice skating shows surrounded by snowy mountains.  There are some of the best resorts in Almaty nearby. And don’t forget the Almaty Jazz Festival, where the city swings to cool tunes from top musicians. These are some of the best places to visit in Almaty during your visit. 

These festivals and events are about more than just fun activities. They’re about bringing people together, sharing laughter, and creating happy memories. Whether you’re into music, sports, or movies, or just love exploring new things, Almaty’s festivals have something for you. So come and join the celebrations, and see why festivals and events in Almaty are truly magical with our Almaty Tour Packages!

Top 17 Festivals and Events in Almaty

• Nauryz Meyrami
• Almaty Marathon 
• Almaty Apple Festival 
• Medeu Skating Rink events 
• Almaty Jazz Festival 
• Kok-Tobe Summer Fest 
• Almaty International Film Festival 
• Almaty Book Festival 
• Kazakhstan’s Independence Day 
• Alma-Ata Autumn Festival 
• Almaty Fashion Week 
• Navruz Bayram 
• Almaty Symphony Orchestra concerts 
• Almaty Folk Music Festival 
• Almaty Christmas Fair 
• Eco-Ethno festival FourE 
• Almaty Mount Fest

1. Nauryz Meyrami

Streets are decorated with colorful ornaments, and people wear traditional Kazakh costumes. Families gather to prepare and enjoy Nauryz kozhe, a special dish made from seven ingredients symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Public squares and parks host concerts, traditional dances, and various cultural performances. The festival also features sports competitions, including traditional games like “Kyz Kuu” and “Audaryspak.” It is among the best Festivals and events in Almaty. 

2. Almaty Marathon

The scenic route takes participants through the city’s landmarks, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the urban landscape. The event fosters a sense of community and encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate. Proceeds from the marathon are often donated to local charities, making it a meaningful event for both participants and the community. Explore some of the best cafes in Almaty for replenishing after the marathon. 

3. Almaty Apple Festival

The festival features apple-themed activities, including apple tasting, cooking competitions, and exhibitions showcasing various apple products. Local farmers and producers display their best apples, and visitors can enjoy freshly made apple pies, juices, and other delicacies. The festival also includes live music, folk dances, and children’s activities, making it a fun-filled event for families. It is among the best Festivals and events in Almaty.

4. Medeu Skating Rink Events

From December to February, the Medeu Skating Rink hosts ice skating shows, hockey matches, and figure skating competitions. The picturesque setting, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, adds to the magical atmosphere of these events. Visitors can also enjoy recreational skating and other winter sports activities, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

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5. Almaty Jazz Festival

The festival features concerts, workshops, and jam sessions, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talent. The vibrant atmosphere and the blend of different jazz styles create a unique musical experience for attendees. The Almaty Jazz Festival is a must-visit event for music lovers and jazz enthusiasts. There are some of the best restaurants in Almaty nearby.

6. Kok-Tobe Summer Fest

Visitors can enjoy open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and food stalls offering delicious local cuisine. The festival also features funfair rides, sports tournaments, and children’s entertainment, making it a perfect destination for families. The stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains add to the charm of the Kok-Tobe Summer Fest. You must explore the shopping in Almaty after attending the fest. It is among the best Festivals and events in Almaty.

7. Almaty International Film Festival

The event provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences through screenings, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. The Almaty International Film Festival also includes awards ceremonies, honoring outstanding achievements in various categories. It is a significant cultural event that contributes to the growth of the film industry in Kazakhstan.

8. Almaty Book Festival

Visitors can explore a wide range of books, from fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature and academic works. The festival also includes workshops, storytelling sessions, and activities for children, making it an engaging event for all ages. The Almaty Book Festival promotes a love for reading and supports the literary community in Kazakhstan. Do follow our travel tips in Almaty for a breezy travel

9. Independence Day Celebrations

The celebrations include military parades, concerts, and fireworks displays. Public buildings and streets are adorned with the national flag and decorations. Cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, highlight the rich heritage of Kazakhstan. Independence Day is a time for reflection and pride, bringing the community together in celebration.

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10. Alma-Ata Autumn Festival

Visitors can enjoy seasonal foods, craft markets, and live entertainment. The festival also includes environmental awareness programs, promoting conservation and the appreciation of nature. The vibrant fall foliage and the pleasant weather make the Alma-Ata Autumn Festival a delightful event for nature lovers.

11. Almaty Fashion Week

Fashion shows, exhibitions, and workshops provide a platform for designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts to network and collaborate. Almaty Fashion Week highlights the creativity and talent within the fashion industry, contributing to its growth and development. The event attracts media attention and significantly promotes Kazakhstan’s fashion scene on a global stage.

12. Navruz Bayram

During Navruz, families clean their homes, prepare special meals, and visit friends and relatives. Public celebrations include performances of traditional music and dance, sports competitions, and games. The festival fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride, connecting people with their heritage and each other.

 13. Almaty Symphony Orchestra Concerts

The orchestra’s performances take place in various venues, including the Abay Opera House and the Central Concert Hall. The concerts provide an opportunity for music lovers to enjoy high-quality performances and appreciate the talent of the musicians. The Almaty Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, enriching the community through its music.

14. Almaty Folk Music Festival

Performances include traditional songs, dances, and storytelling, providing a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. The festival also features workshops and interactive sessions, allowing attendees to learn about the history and techniques of folk music. The Almaty Folk Music Festival is a vibrant and educational event that preserves and promotes the country’s musical traditions.

15. Almaty Christmas Fair

Visitors can enjoy live music, carol singing, and performances by local artists. The fair also includes activities for children, such as Santa’s Grotto and craft workshops. The Almaty Christmas Fair creates a joyful atmosphere, allowing people to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones.

16. Eco-ethno festival FourE

The festival is a jam-packed music event covering a wide range of genres, starting with ethnic music and ending with advanced trends in electronic music. Here, you will find dozens of creative spaces and places where you can attend educational lectures on a wide range of topics. The organizers are trying to combine varieties of world traditions, including music, dance, legends, and fairy tales, as well as traditional national costumes, on one platform. Masters of various spiritual practices, yogis, and psychologists gather here.

17. Almaty Mount Fest

The annual Almaty Mount Fest brings together mountain hikers from all over the world. It takes place for four days in the fall, and its program includes “alpiniada” (conquering the Molodezhny peak), “sky running”, “downhill” (mountain bike racing), and “turiada” (a mass mountain hike with the participation of several hundred people). The main locations are the high mountain sports complex “Medeu” and “Shymbulak”, where thematic master classes, dynamic DJ sets, competitions, sweepstakes, and photo exhibitions are organized in the conventional festival area.