From Swan Lake in Bishkek to the Barbecue Festival in Shamakhi, Maker Faire in Tashkent, and Tokyo Drift Azerbaijan, this week is packed with variety. Highlights also include the Chuseok cultural celebration, Chris Gardner’s talk in Almaty, and candlelit concerts of Vivaldi and Piazzolla — a vibrant mix of culture, music, and inspiration across the region.
Kazakhstan
Time of Strings — Concert of Classical Music
When: September 29
Where: Almaty
Join Time of Strings for an enchanting evening of classical music. Expect beautiful string performances, a refined program, and an intimate atmosphere that will appeal to lovers of chamber and orchestral music alike.
A World-Legend for the First Time in Kazakhstan — Chris Gardner
When: October 2
Where: Almaty
Legendary artist Chris Gardner comes to Kazakhstan for the first time! Expect an iconic performance filled with classic hits, powerful vocals, and an immersive concert experience. A milestone event for all music fans.
Rigoletto
When: October 3-5
Where: Astana
Experience Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless masterpiece Rigoletto at the Astana Opera. This dramatic opera in three acts tells the powerful story of love, betrayal, and revenge, brought to life with magnificent staging, breathtaking music, and emotional performances. Audiences will be captivated by Verdi’s unforgettable arias and the grand artistry of the Astana Opera production.
TyndaMusic — Soundtracks of Legendary Films
When: October 4
Where: Almaty
Join TyndaMusic for an unforgettable evening of film music! Expect a magnificent concert featuring iconic soundtracks from legendary movies, performed live by talented musicians in a grand concert setting.
Reptiland in Almaty
When: October 4-5
Where: Almaty
Come to Reptiland — an exotic animal & reptile fair featuring reptiles, amphibians, terrarium equipment, and more. Explore the world of snakes, lizards, and other fascinating creatures, attend lectures for VIP ticket holders, and enjoy a unique, family-friendly experience.
Candlelight Concert “Vivaldi & Piazzolla”
When: October 5
Where: Almaty
Join a magical evening by candlelight featuring the timeless music of Antonio Vivaldi and Astor Piazzolla. Experience chamber arrangements that weave together baroque elegance and the passion of tango, all in an intimate, atmospheric concert setting.
Kyrgyzstan
Oktober Fest 2025 by Abdysh Ata
When: October 3
Get ready for the ultimate autumn festival in Bishkek! Join Oktoberfest 2025 by Abdysh Ata for an evening filled with music, fun, and a festive spirit.
NASA Space Apps Challenge
When: October 4-5
Where: Bishkek
Take part in the NASA Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest 48-hour hackathon that unites innovators, developers, designers, and enthusiasts to tackle real challenges using NASA’s open data. Over two days, teams collaborate on creative projects across fields like Earth science, space exploration, data analysis, and visualization. Participants will pitch their ideas, build prototypes, and compete for the chance to be recognized on a global stage.
Ballet: Swan Lake
When: October 5
Where: Bishkek
Experience Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece Swan Lake, a symbol of classical ballet. The performance combines elegant choreography, emotional music, and dramatic storytelling, portraying the fateful romance between Prince Siegfried and Odette, the swan princess under an evil spell.
Uzbekistan
Exhibition: CAEx HoReCa & UzFPT 2025
When: October 2-4
Where: Tashkent
Join the major international trade exposition focusing on food products, packaging, processing technologies, and the HoReCa sector. Expect to see new industry innovations, meet with professionals and decision-makers, discover business opportunities, and engage in a rich program of forums and discussions around sustainability, export growth, and modern trends in food and hospitality.
Exhibition: Bespoke Education
When: October 4
Where: Tashkent
Visit the Bespoke Education exhibition for a hands-on look at UK schools and programs. You’ll be able to consult directly with school representatives, get personalized guidance about choosing and applying for schooling, attend useful masterclasses for parents and students, and learn everything about scholarships and study programs abroad.
Festival: Chuseok 2025 — Festival of Unity & Korean Culture
When: October 4
Where: Tashkent
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Chuseok 2025, a celebration that brings together tradition, creativity, and community. This annual harvest festival will transform Tashkent into a lively hub of Korean culture, featuring dazzling dance and music performances, from classical stages to modern K-POP.
Festival: Maker Faire Tashkent 2025
When: October 4-5
Where: Tashkent
Maker Faire Tashkent 2025 is a dynamic celebration of creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. The festival unites inventors, engineers, designers, and artists who showcase projects ranging from robotics and electronics to 3D printing, crafts, and virtual reality. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch live demonstrations, and connect with a vibrant community of makers. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a curious student, or simply love creativity, Maker Faire offers an inspiring space where ideas come to life.
Azerbaijan
Festival: First International Barbecue Festival in Shamakhi
When: October 4
Where: Shamakhi
Get ready to fire up your taste buds! The First International Barbecue Festival in Shamakhi brings together grill masters, foodies, and families for a full weekend of smoky flavors and culinary delights.
Tokyo Drift Azerbaijan
When: October 5
Where: Baku
Get ready for Tokyo Drift Azerbaijan — a high-octane show bringing Japan’s street-racing vibe right into Baku. Think drifting cars, roaring engines, smoke, and a specially designed show program set in the Sea Breeze parking area.