On July 10–11, Kazakhstan’s Katon-Karagay District is hosting the international music festival “Altay – The Golden Cradle of the Turkic World.” The event brings together participants from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Hungary, Russia, and Türkiye.

People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Dimash Qudaibergen arrived in Ust-Kamenogorsk ahead of his highly anticipated festival performance.

The opening day is taking place at the Patshalar Zhazygy Historical and Cultural Complex in the Valley of the Kings near the village of Berel. Festival guests are being welcomed by creative ensembles from the East Kazakhstan Regional Philharmonic, the national poetry festival “Tor Altay Aqtandy Zhyrlaidy,” and a memorial evening dedicated to poet Aktan Nurbayev.

On July 11, the program will continue with Altay Fest-2026, an ethnovillage showcasing the traditional cultures of the Altay peoples, as well as the national “Aqtanymyn Altaydyn” aitys competition featuring 12 renowned Kazakh akyns (traditional improvisational poets).

The festival will conclude with a gala concert at the Katon-Karagay Hippodrome, where artists from several countries will take the stage. Dimash Qudaibergen will headline the evening with a special performance.