ASTANA – Spend the weekend exploring cultural events, live performances and exciting sports competitions across Kazakhstan’s two largest cities. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a list of events you can attend with friends and family.
Photo credit: AI-generated image/ The Astana Times
Astana
Comic Con, Aug. 6-9
Experience the city’s largest pop culture festival featuring an international cosplay competition, interactive activities, master classes, panel discussions and meet-and-greets with actors, bloggers and renowned cosplayers.
Photo credit: Comic Con Astana.
Venue: Barys Arena; 57 Turan Avenue. Tickets are available here.
White Fest, Aug. 8
Dance the night away at this open-air music festival featuring live performances, vibrant energy and a summer party atmosphere that keeps the celebrations going into the early hours.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Venue: White Lounge & Club; 6/4 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue. Tickets are available here.
“From Athens to Astana” exhibition, Aug. 5 – Sept. 30
Explore the history of the Olympic Games through Olympic Relics from the Vladimir Potanin’s Collection, featuring rare artifacts, memorabilia and stories that celebrate the legacy and spirit of international sport.
Photo credit: rs.gov
Venue: National Museum of Kazakhstan; 54 Tauelsizdik Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Phygital Football, Aug. 8
Experience a new take on football as digital gaming and traditional sport come together in an interactive competition that blends virtual and real-world action.
Photo credit: WPC
Venue: Qazaqstan Athletics Sports Complex; 59 Turan Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Football match, Aug. 9
Cheer on FC Astana as they return to Premier League action for a home match against FC Okzhetpes in what promises to be another exciting contest for football fans.
Photo credit: Astana Football club
Venue: Astana Arena; 48 Turan Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Freedom Fest, Aug. 9
Celebrate the spirit of a classic American block party at this free, family-friendly festival featuring running races, youth sports, live music, country line dancing, interactive games and activities for all ages, while marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and celebrating U.S.- Kazakhstan community ties.
Photo credit: Jacob Dunlap
Venue: Arkar Bridge Sports Area and Triathlon Park; Entry is free. Registration starts at 8:30.
Almaty
FIDE World Chess Championship, Aug. 6-9
Watch rising chess talents from around the world compete in an international team championship, demonstrating strategy, skill and concentration at the highest level.
Photo credit: FIDE.
Venue: Farabi Hub; 71 k20 Al-Farabi Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Circus Festival, Aug. 8-23
Experience breathtaking acrobatics, aerial performances and award-winning acts as artists from different countries come together for the festival’s grand gala.
Photo credit: circusalmaty.kz
Venue: Almaty Circus; 50 Abay Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Central Asia Drift show, Aug. 8-9
Feel the adrenaline as top drivers battle through another round of high-speed drifting, showcasing precision driving, powerful cars and spectacular track action.
Photo credit:kolesa.kz
Venue: ASP Arena; Tickets are available here.
Neo Ethno Folk Concert, Aug. 8
Discover a fresh interpretation of traditional music as contemporary sounds blend with folk instruments, creating a unique concert inspired by Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
Photo credit: dombyradastan.kz
Venue: Muzcafe; 117 Abay Avenue. Tickets are available here.
Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert, Aug. 9
Enjoy timeless classics from Frank Sinatra performed live, celebrating the legendary singer’s unforgettable voice and the elegance of the swing era.
Photo credit: EverJazz
Venue: Muzcafe; 117 Abay Avenue. Tickets are available here.
