
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.