Republic Day Weekend: What to See and Do in Astana and Almaty

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world.

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan prepares to celebrate Republic Day on Oct. 25, Astana and Almaty are offering a packed weekend of cultural events, from theater performances and concerts to art exhibitions. The Astana Times has rounded up some of the highlights to help readers make the most of the long holiday weekend.

Astana

Ethno Festival, Oct. 24

Spend time immersed in Kazakh traditions with horseback shows, kokpar, traditional games and local food. Visitors can also explore craft stalls and a market featuring national products, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage with family and friends.

Venue: BalQaragai recreation area. Tickets are available here. 

“Heritage of the Great Steppe” concert, Oct. 24

Celebrate the beauty of Kazakh dance through a program of folk choreography created by Aigul Tati. The performance brings together expressive movements, colourful costumes and traditional music, highlighting the richness of Kazakhstan’s dance heritage.

Venue: Astana Ballet; 43 Uly Dala Avenue. Tickets are available here. 

“Swan Lake,” Oct. 24

Enjoy “Swan Lake,” one of the best-known works of classical ballet, set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. The story of love, magic and the struggle between good and evil unfolds through graceful choreography and expressive dance.

Venue:  Zhastar Palace; 34 Republic Avenue. Tickets are available here. 

“Abai-Togzhan” musical drama, Oct. 25 

Explore the early life of Abai through a musical drama about his first love, Togzhan, and the experiences that shaped his worldview. Inspired by Mukhtar Auezov’s work, the production brings together romance, poetry and Kazakh cultural traditions.

Venue: 47B Zhakyp Omarov Street; Musical Theater of Young Spectators. Tickets are available here.

“Living Paintings” exhibition, Oct. 24-26

Discover the famous seascapes of Ivan Aivazovsky through a multimedia exhibition that combines classic art with immersive visual technology.

Venue: Lumiere-Hall Multimedia Museum; 8 Abay Avenue. Tickets are available here. 

Almaty 

Almaty Open, Oct. 24-25

Tennis fans can watch top international players compete in the ATP 250 tournament. Beyond the matches, the event offers live music, entertainment and interactive activities, creating a lively atmosphere for sports fans and visitors alike.

Venue: Almaty Arena; 7 Nurkent Microdistrict. Tickets are available here. 

Outlandish concert, Oct. 25

Relive the sounds of the 2000s with the Danish group behind popular hits such as “Aicha,” “Guantanamo” and “Callin’ U.” The concert offers a chance to hear familiar songs live and revisit the music that defined an era for many listeners. 

Venue: Bla Bla Bar; 1A Satpayev Street. Tickets are available here. 

Layla Qobyz Live concert, Oct. 25 

Experience the distinctive sound of the qobyz in a live musical performance. With its rich, expressive tone and deep roots, the instrument offers a memorable way to connect with the country’s cultural heritage.

Venue: Caspian University; 85A Dostyk Avenue. Tickets are available here. 

“Marc Chagall: Beyond Gravity” lecture, Oct. 24

Step into the imaginative world of Marc Chagall through a lecture exploring the artist’s life, inspirations and distinctive style. Discover the stories behind his colourful imagery, his relationship with his muse Bella and his place in 20th-century art. The program also includes a visit to the exhibition dedicated to his work.

Venue: Oylau Space; 15 Gogol Street. Tickets are available here. 

Ethno-cultural tour, Oct. 24 – Nov. 30

Discover the traditions and lifestyle of the Kazakh nomads through an immersive cultural experience. The tour offers an opportunity to learn more about the country’s heritage and explore customs that have shaped life on the steppe.

Meeting place: 100 Baityrsynov Street. Tickets are available here. 

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