×

Kazakhstan🇰🇿 | festivalsAstana Daycity parades, modern architecture, fireworks | things to do and best time to go

Explore ZhetisayExplore Nauryz

Backpacking in Astana Day
👌 Worth visitingfestival ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated June 4, 2026

Bass thumps through the concrete, fireworks crackle over the river, and you’re shoulder to shoulder with teenagers in LED sneakers and families waving little blue Kazakh flags while a drone show sketches patterns above the skyline. This is Astana Day in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, up on the northern steppe. The festival runs around early July and feels like a city-wide birthday party: big pop concerts, patriotic speeches, folk performances, and EDM-heavy night stages that pull in students, young professionals, and curious travelers. It’s loud, polished, and a bit nationalistic, more urban spectacle than gritty backpacker gathering. Worth it if you like huge crowds, free shows, and late-night wandering between stages; skip it if you hate noise, queues, and security checks.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Kazakhstan Travel Guide.


Get your Kazakhstan guide
118 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (445 pages)
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL
💡 Help me find the best route

✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 festival in KazakhstanReasons people choose to celebrate the here

Backpackers flock to Astana Day in Kazakhstan for a jolt of social energy that transforms the city into a vibrant playground. This festival isn’t just a celebration; it’s a temporary community where locals and travelers mingle, sharing stories and laughter. The cultural immersion is palpable—traditional music, dance, and food create a feast for the senses. Plus, compared to similar events worldwide, it’s affordable, allowing you to splurge on experiences rather than just tickets.

Planning your route around Astana Day means weaving this lively event into your broader travel narrative. It’s a perfect pit stop that fuels your journey, giving you a taste of Kazakhstan’s heart while preserving your energy and budget for the adventures that lie ahead. Embrace the challenge; the rewards are waiting!
Want to include Astana Day in your Kazakhstan route?
Create a personalized Kazakhstan itinerary that includes Astana Day and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while celebrating the Astana Day

  • Skyline fireworks and light shows — Astana’s futuristic towers become the backdrop for big, choreographed light displays and fireworks that feel extra cinematic because you’re watching modern glass-and-steel architecture glow and shimmer instead of an old cathedral or square. It’s a city-celebration vibe: loud, bright, and oddly photogenic at 2 a.m.
  • Open-air concerts blending pop with traditional music — Nightly stages mix modern Kazakh pop, electronic sets and throatier traditional instruments and singers. The contrast between heavy beats and the dombra or kobyz makes the music feel like a conversation between old and new Kazakhstan.
  • Yurt camps, crafts and street food — Temporary yurt villages pop up with artisans, felt-makers and food stalls selling plov, beshbarmak-style snacks, and
… read more 👉
  • Skyline fireworks and light shows — Astana’s futuristic towers become the backdrop for big, choreographed light displays and fireworks that feel extra cinematic because you’re watching modern glass-and-steel architecture glow and shimmer instead of an old cathedral or square. It’s a city-celebration vibe: loud, bright, and oddly photogenic at 2 a.m.
  • Open-air concerts blending pop with traditional music — Nightly stages mix modern Kazakh pop, electronic sets and throatier traditional instruments and singers. The contrast between heavy beats and the dombra or kobyz makes the music feel like a conversation between old and new Kazakhstan.
  • Yurt camps, crafts and street food — Temporary yurt villages pop up with artisans, felt-makers and food stalls selling plov, beshbarmak-style snacks, and sweet baked treats. It’s the best place to try handcrafted souvenirs, taste local flavors, and see nomadic culture presented in a friendly, accessible way.
  • Equestrian shows and national sports demonstrations — Riders, mounted acrobatics and traditional games (think scaled-down kokpar demos and skill contests) put horsemanship front and center. It’s a visceral reminder of Kazakhstan’s nomadic roots—fast, gritty and surprisingly entertaining for city folks.
  • Parades, riverfront hangouts and the communal buzz — From marches and colorful processions to picnics along the Ishim River and crowds clustered around Bayterek and Nurzhol Boulevard, the whole city feels open and celebratory. The social atmosphere—families, street performers, impromptu dances—makes Astana Day less like a single event and more like the whole place throwing a block party.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Astana Day

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

5.0(106)
✓ Free cancellation
From €133
per personViator
Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

5.0(92)
✓ Free cancellation
From €222
per personViator
Private Half-Day City Tour of Astana in Comfort

Private Half-Day City Tour of Astana in Comfort

5.0(59)
✓ Free cancellation
From €71
per personViator
Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

5.0(23)
✓ Free cancellation
From €177
per personViator
Astana City Tour: Old and Modern City Tour

Astana City Tour: Old and Modern City Tour

4.9(24)
✓ Free cancellation
From €133
per personViator
Half-Day Tour ( 4 hours)

Half-Day Tour ( 4 hours)

4.8(25)
✓ Free cancellation
From €85
per personViator
Private Yurt Tour with Horses: Immerse into Kazakh Culture

Private Yurt Tour with Horses: Immerse into Kazakh Culture

4.9(16)
✓ Free cancellation
From €177
per personViator
Guided Night Time Tour of Astana in a Private Car

Guided Night Time Tour of Astana in a Private Car

5.0(14)
✓ Free cancellation
From €57
per personViator
Astana: A Private City Comfort tour with Lunch

Astana: A Private City Comfort tour with Lunch

4.9(15)
✓ Free cancellation
From €159
per personViator
Astana: Burabay Oasis National Park Unforgettable Adventure

Astana: Burabay Oasis National Park Unforgettable Adventure

4.6(14)
✓ Free cancellation
From €222
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
Stop researching. Start exploring.
Discover all 118 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.

Get instant access

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Astana Day?


  • Topic: Weather – Late July is prime time. Expect warm days around 25-30°C (77-86°F), perfect for pounding the pavement without overheating. Nights cool off to a comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F), so pack a light jacket.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Long summer days stretch well into the evening, giving you more daylight to soak in the festival’s energy and city sights without rushing.

  • Topic: Crowds – Astana Day draws locals and tourists alike, so expect lively crowds. Arriving early in the festival week helps dodge the weekend surge and secures better accommodation rates.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Summer unlocks outdoor concerts, street food stalls, and riverfront events. These pop up only during this window, making the festival’s vibe electric and diverse.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations –
… read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather – Late July is prime time. Expect warm days around 25-30°C (77-86°F), perfect for pounding the pavement without overheating. Nights cool off to a comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F), so pack a light jacket.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Long summer days stretch well into the evening, giving you more daylight to soak in the festival’s energy and city sights without rushing.

  • Topic: Crowds – Astana Day draws locals and tourists alike, so expect lively crowds. Arriving early in the festival week helps dodge the weekend surge and secures better accommodation rates.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – Summer unlocks outdoor concerts, street food stalls, and riverfront events. These pop up only during this window, making the festival’s vibe electric and diverse.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Accommodation and flights spike during the festival’s peak days. Book at least two months ahead to lock in reasonable rates and avoid last-minute price gouging.


Pro-tip: Time your visit for early festival days to catch the buzz without the crush—your energy and wallet will thank you.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutKazakhstan Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
The digital guide (445 pages) contains:
✅ 118 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.


By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Astana Day is a vibrant celebration, and you’ll want to be right in the thick of it. Head to the city center, where the energy crackles. This area is packed with budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. You’ll find a mix of locals and backpackers, creating a lively atmosphere.

Look for spots near the Bayterek Tower. It’s not just iconic; it’s a hub for festivities. Staying here means you’re steps away from parades, concerts, and street food stalls.

Another solid choice is the Old Town area. It’s a bit quieter but still close enough to the action. You’ll … read more 👉
Astana Day is a vibrant celebration, and you’ll want to be right in the thick of it. Head to the city center, where the energy crackles. This area is packed with budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. You’ll find a mix of locals and backpackers, creating a lively atmosphere.

Look for spots near the Bayterek Tower. It’s not just iconic; it’s a hub for festivities. Staying here means you’re steps away from parades, concerts, and street food stalls.

Another solid choice is the Old Town area. It’s a bit quieter but still close enough to the action. You’ll enjoy charming cafes and parks, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Avoid the outskirts; they can feel isolated and lack the social buzz. Stick to these central areas, and you’ll keep your energy high and your budget intact for the experiences that truly matter.
Best hostels in Kazakhstan


Best quality hotels in Kazakhstan

👛 Costs (as of 23 December 2024)Typical daily expenses

Astana Day in Kazakhstan is a vibrant celebration, but navigating the costs can be tricky. Here’s how to budget effectively so you can focus on the fun.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around €10 to €30 ($11 to $33) for entry. Prices can vary based on the events you want to attend, so check the lineup early. Some activities might be free, but premium events will cost more.
  • Accommodation: Budget options start at about €15 to €30 ($17 to $33) per night for hostels. Mid-range hotels will set you back €40 to €80 ($44 to $88). Book in advance to snag the best deals, especially during the festival.
  • Local Transport: Public transport is your friend. A single bus or tram ticket costs around €0.30 ($0.35). If you’re planning to use taxis, budget €5 to €15 ($6 to $17) for short rides. Ride-sharing apps
… read more 👉
Astana Day in Kazakhstan is a vibrant celebration, but navigating the costs can be tricky. Here’s how to budget effectively so you can focus on the fun.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around €10 to €30 ($11 to $33) for entry. Prices can vary based on the events you want to attend, so check the lineup early. Some activities might be free, but premium events will cost more.
  • Accommodation: Budget options start at about €15 to €30 ($17 to $33) per night for hostels. Mid-range hotels will set you back €40 to €80 ($44 to $88). Book in advance to snag the best deals, especially during the festival.
  • Local Transport: Public transport is your friend. A single bus or tram ticket costs around €0.30 ($0.35). If you’re planning to use taxis, budget €5 to €15 ($6 to $17) for short rides. Ride-sharing apps are also available and can be a convenient option.
  • Food & Drinks: Street food is a must-try and costs about €2 to €5 ($2.20 to $5.50) per meal. Dining in a mid-range restaurant will run you €10 to €20 ($11 to $22) for a decent meal. Don’t forget to sample local drinks, which are usually affordable.
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: Set aside €5 to €15 ($6 to $17) for souvenirs or unexpected costs. This could include anything from festival merchandise to tips for local guides.

By keeping these costs in mind, you’ll preserve your energy and budget for the experiences that truly matter. Enjoy the festival!
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

At **Astana Day**, the air buzzes with the aroma of **beshbarmak**, a hearty dish of boiled meat served over pasta, drizzled with rich broth. Don’t miss out on **kazy**, a flavorful horse meat sausage that’s a local favorite. Stalls overflow with **baursaks**, fluffy fried dough balls that are perfect for snacking as you wander.

When it comes to drinks, grab a cup of **kymyz**, fermented mare’s milk, for a taste of tradition. It’s tangy and refreshing, a true local experience.

Be ready to share your food; it’s part of the culture. Lines can get long, so patience is key. Cash is king here, so keep some tenge handy. Serving sizes can be generous, so pace yourself—there’s plenty to explore! Embrace the vibrant atmosphere, and let the flavors of Kazakhstan fuel your adventure.

Other Kazakhstani festivals near Astana Day

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Kazakhstan including Astana Day and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all festivals

Or checkout all Kazakhstan has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Kazakhstan
Country photo of Kazakhstan
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Astana Day is electric. The energy pulses through the streets, especially during the parades. You’ll be swept up in the celebrations, but watch out for the crowds—they can drain your stamina. The best surprise? The local food stalls. Dive into the plov and shashlik; they’re worth every tenge. Embrace the chaos; it’s all part of the adventure.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Kazakhstan. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story
Get full Kazakhstan guide •
Instant download • 118 highlights • Full Offline guide