7Nov
Every year in early November; 2026: 7–8 November
Samarkand Marathon
An international charity run starting by the Registan every autumn: marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km, plus children’s and inclusive races.
Samarkand
Events
Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival
A UNESCO-supported festival of the world’s traditional music, held in Samarkand every two years since 1997.
About the festival
Sharq Taronalari (‘Melodies of the East’) is one of Central Asia’s largest music and cultural festivals. Held in Samarkand every two years since 1997, it traditionally takes place on an open-air stage on the Registan, in front of the three madrasas. Singers, musicians and dancers from around the world compete in a traditional-music contest over a week that also includes exhibitions, an academic conference and a closing gala concert.
The festival was established by a government resolution of 11 March 1997. After a five-year pause caused by the pandemic, the 13th edition took place on 26–30 August 2024 at the Eternal City complex, with more than 300 performers from over 70 countries; the Grand Prix is worth US$10,000. The Ministry of Culture announces each edition’s dates and venue separately, and hotels fill quickly during festival week.
21Mar
Every year on 21 March and the following days
Navruz fairs
Spring fairs across the country on 21 March and the days that follow: cauldrons of sumalak, concerts, kurash, kupkari and markets.
April
Every two years, usually in April; the 2027 venue and dates have not been announced
International Festival of Bakhshi Art
A biennial festival of epic singers that moves to a new region each time: Termez 2019, Karakalpakstan 2021, Syrdarya 2023, Khiva 2025.
Surkhandarya, Karakalpakstan +2
April
Every spring, in April (2026: 17–19 April); next date not yet announced
International Embroidery Festival (Samarkand)
A celebration of embroidery in Samarkand’s historic centre: suzani exhibitions, masterclasses, a souvenir fair and folk performances.
Samarkand
April
Every two years, 25–30 April (2022, 2024, 2026); next expected in 2028
Lazgi International Dance Festival
Khiva’s biennial celebration of Khorezm dance: an international competition, an academic conference, masterclasses and concerts; 2026 saw the third edition.
Khorezm
May
Every spring, in early May (2026: 1–7 May, 13th edition)
Boysun Bahori International Folklore Festival
A spring folklore festival at the foot of the Baysun mountains: folk ensembles from around the world, a yurt camp, kurash, kupkari, tightrope walkers and craftspeople.
Surkhandarya
May
May 2026 (exact date not announced in advance)
International Kupkari Festival (Syrdarya)
An international kupkari tournament held in spring in Syrdarya district, Syrdarya Region: hundreds of riders and thousands of spectators.
Syrdarya
May
Every year in May (2025: 10–11 May; 2026: 6–10 May)
Urgut International Paragliding Festival
An international paragliding festival in the Andak area of the Urgut mountains — colourful canopies and competitions every May since 2025.
Samarkand