The cultural and economic powerhouse of the south of Kazakhstan, Almaty, also the country’s biggest city, celebrates City Day on the third Sunday of every September, meaning that the streets are a wash of colour this weekend.
This year sees festivities held over the whole weekend of 19-20 September, although in 2026, the official day is recognised on 20th.
Town squares are set aside for gatherings, parades take place and the evening is often when people go to a concert or simply out for a meal with family.
The intention is for Almaty Day to offer something for people of all ages. Some companies offer gifts, such as Mangal Doner, in association with Visit Almaty, but even for those not taking the offers, they can stroll the decorated streets in the sunshine, and have an enormous range of things to choose from.
According to WEProject Media, the whole weekend has already turned into a celebration for many of the city’s two million inhabitants, with 300 events shared across Almaty’s eight districts.
Alma Qala Fest is a fair dedicated to apples, a fruit said to have originated in this region. It will be for the whole weekend in the pedestrian area of Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy Streets. Over 50 farms have brought in a variety of apples available for tasting.
There are zones for kids, digital zones with AI models showing the city’s history, ethno- and eco-zones for those more inclined to the traditional, and for people who are interested in environmental protection.
Cinemas will screen films and invite the audience to meet some of the actors once finished, and a full concert programme takes place with not only Kazakh music but a range to suit all tastes.
Astana Square will be given over to a concert featuring artists such as Otyrar Sazy, MuzartLIFE, Raiym Uayys, the duet Ademi Ai, Kudaibergen Bekish, and Erkebulan Kumarov. Others will perform on smaller stages, too.
Add to that a book fair, traditional art displays, folk music, circus acts, and a puppet theatre, and it is clear how seriously the city and its administration takes this day.
Singer, Yerzhan Nurgaliyev, spent many years living in Almaty and although his career led him elsewhere, he still regards it his favourite city.
“For me, Almaty is truly the centre of the Earth. That’s what the song says, and I absolutely agree. I’ve been living away from Kazakhstan for over ten years. But do you know what that changes? Absolutely nothing. In my heart, Almaty remains the place I always want to return to. It’s my home, my spring, my air.
“Happy birthday, my beloved city! Prosper, live, and inspire.”
