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
International Maqom Art Forum
An international gathering of maqom performers and musicologists: the first was held in Shahrisabz in September 2018, the third in Andijan on 23–26 June 2026.
Photo: Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi Prezidenti matbuot xizmati · © president.uz · President.uz
About the forum
The International Maqom Art Forum is devoted to preserving and promoting maqom, the classical music of Central Asia and the wider East. Performers from many countries compete, musicologists present papers at an academic conference, and there are concerts. The first forum took place in Shahrisabz in September 2018.
The third forum was held under UNESCO patronage in Andijan on 23–26 June 2026; the date and venue of the next have not been announced. For the music itself, see our ‘Shashmaqom and the maqom tradition’ entry.
Sources (3)
Photos
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