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
A grape-harvest fair in the village of Zarkent, Parkent district, Tashkent Region, scheduled for 21–22 August 2026.
The Uzum sayli (grape festival) was scheduled for 21–22 August 2026 in the village of Zarkent in Parkent district, Tashkent Region. Late August is the height of the grape season, and the fair celebrates the new harvest.
Parkent lies east of Tashkent in the foothills, an easy day trip from the capital. Pick up freshly cut grapes and raisins at the local market while you are there.
7Nov
Every year in early November; 2026: 7–8 November
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
21Mar
Every year on 21 March and the following days
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
An international paragliding festival in the Andak area of the Urgut mountains — colourful canopies and competitions every May since 2025.
Samarkand