If you’re in Almaty at the beginning of June, don’t miss The Spirit of Tengri — an annual open-air folk music festival that brings the city center to life. Held right in the heart of Almaty, this festival has been running for nearly a decade and has become a summer ritual for many locals, including me.
What makes The Spirit of Tengri truly special is its incredible lineup of folk and ethnic musicians from across Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, and even Finland. You’ll hear everything from traditional Kazakh melodies to powerful throat singing — my personal favorite. It’s not just about famous names; the festival also introduces you to lesser-known but deeply talented artists, making every year a new discovery.
Even if it rains (and it often does), the atmosphere is still electric. People stay, dance, and soak in the rhythms under umbrellas or the open sky. Best of all? It’s completely free. So if you're around in June, now you know where to be.
Dostyk street, 56
KZT
free
Find your way with 66 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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Karavan Saray is a one-stop shop that captures the spirit of Kazakhstan in a very accessible way. Look around for gifts or meaningful reminders of the trip!
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I adore postcards and tiny gifts of meaning. At Happy Place, you'll find retro Hotel Almaty cards, seed-planting ones, even embroidered gems. Have a look around!
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66 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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