Major Events & Festivals in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

1. Naadam Festival

A traditional Mongolian festival showcasing horse racing, archery, and wrestling.
  • Authentic Cultural Experience: Get a glimpse of Mongolia's rich cultural heritage.
  • Local Participation: Witness local participation and enthusiasm for this national event.
  • Unique Sports Events: Experience the unique blend of sports in Mongolia's most celebrated festival.

2. Ulaanbaatar Marathon

An annual marathon event held in Ulaanbaatar offering various distances.
  • Scenic Route: Run through Ulaanbaatar's beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks.
  • International Participation: Meet runners from around the world and compete in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Variety of Distances: Choose from various distances to suit your running abilities.

3. Winter Camel Festival

A celebration of Mongolia's camel herding culture during the winter season.
  • Camel Racing: Watch thrilling camel races and experience their unique speed.
  • Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and other performances.
  • Ice Sculptures: Marvel at impressive ice sculptures created by skilled artists.

4. White Naiman Nature Festival

A celebration of the White Naiman River and its surrounding nature.
  • Nature Activities: Participate in activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
  • Traditional Games: Play traditional Mongolian games like ankles and tug-of-war.
  • Local Cuisine: Taste local dishes prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, local ingredients.

5. Ulaanbaatar Jazz Festival

A music festival showcasing both local and international jazz artists.
  • Variety of Artists: Enjoy performances from various jazz artists, both local and international.
  • Unique Venues: Experience jazz in unique venues such as theaters and open-air stages.
  • Workshops: Attend workshops to learn more about jazz music and improvisation.

6. Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)

Mongolia's Lunar New Year celebration featuring family gatherings and traditional activities.
  • Family Gatherings: Join local families in their homes to experience the warmth of Mongolian hospitality.
  • Traditional Activities: Participate in traditional activities such as mongolicoo (kumys milking ceremony) and Bichig (Mongolian calligraphy).
  • Visiting the Elderly: Visit local elderly family members to show respect and receive blessings for the new year.

7. Ulaanbaatar Rock Festival

A rock music festival featuring both local and international artists.
  • Variety of Artists: Enjoy performances from various rock artists, both local and international.
  • Unique Venues: Experience rock music in unique venues such as open-air stages and music parks.
  • Workshops: Attend workshops to learn more about rock music and instrument techniques.

8. Ulaanbaatar Folk Music Festival

A festival dedicated to traditional Mongolian folk music.
  • Authentic Cultural Experience: Experience the richness of Mongolia's cultural heritage through traditional music.
  • Variety of Musicians: Enjoy performances from various folk musicians, showcasing different styles and regions.
  • Traditional Instruments: Learn about traditional Mongolian instruments like the Morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and Tumur khuur (Mongolian flute).

9. Ulaanbaatar Dance Festival

A festival showcasing various forms of traditional Mongolian dance.
  • Authentic Cultural Experience: Experience the richness of Mongolia's cultural heritage through traditional dance.
  • Variety of Dances: Enjoy performances from various dance groups showcasing different styles and regions.
  • Participation Opportunities: Join workshops to learn traditional Mongolian dances yourself.

10. Ulaanbaatar Theater Festival

A festival featuring various forms of theater performances, including traditional and modern plays.
  • Cultural Diversity: Enjoy a diverse range of cultural performances, both traditional and contemporary.
  • Local Talent: Support local talent by attending their theatrical performances.
  • Interactive Workshops: Attend workshops to learn more about theater, acting, and playwriting.

11. Ulaanbaatar Film Festival

A film festival featuring Mongolian and international films.
  • Cultural Insights: Gain insights into Mongolia's culture through films.
  • Film Discussions: Attend discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet other film enthusiasts, directors, and producers in the Mongolian film industry.

12. Ulaanbaatar Art Festival

A festival celebrating various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, and performance art.
  • Cultural Exchange: Explore Mongolia's rich artistic heritage and learn about other cultures through art.
  • Artistic Diversity: Experience a diverse range of artistic styles, both traditional and contemporary.
  • Interactive Workshops: Attend workshops to learn more about various art forms and techniques.

13. Ulaanbaatar Photography Festival

A festival showcasing Mongolian and international photographers' works.
  • Cultural Exploration: Explore Mongolia's culture through the lens of talented photographers.
  • Artistic Diversity: Experience a diverse range of artistic styles, both traditional and contemporary.
  • Photography Workshops: Attend workshops to learn more about photography and improve your skills.

14. Ulaanbaatar Craft Festival

A festival showcasing traditional Mongolian crafts such as felt making, metalworking, and leatherwork.
  • Cultural Preservation: Support the preservation of Mongolia's cultural traditions by purchasing handmade crafts.
  • Artisan Interactions: Interact with skilled artisans and learn about their craftsmanship.
  • Workshops and Demonstrations: Attend workshops and demonstrations to learn traditional Mongolian crafts yourself.

15. Ulaanbaatar Food Festival

A festival celebrating Mongolia's rich culinary traditions and diverse flavors.
  • Culinary Exploration: Experience a variety of traditional Mongolian dishes and flavors.
  • Local Delicacies: Taste local delicacies such as buuz (dumplings) and khorkhog (mutton barbecue).
  • Cooking Workshops: Attend cooking workshops to learn how to prepare traditional Mongolian dishes.