In this article El.kz reviews the highlights of the BaiQymyz 2026 intl gastronomy festival in Astana.
From the early hours of the morning, visitors gathered around the koumiss pavilions, with demand remaining consistently high throughout the day. Some guests sampled the traditional beverage for the first time, while others purchased several bottles after tasting. Alongside a vibrant concert programme, visitors enjoyed equestrian performances as producers introduced the distinctive characteristics of koumiss from different regions of Kazakhstan.
This year’s BaiQymyz 2026 International Gastronomy Festival brought together dozens of producers of Kazakhstan’s traditional national beverage.
Festival participants exchanged production techniques, offered freshly prepared koumiss for tasting, while families explored the venue and children interacted with horses. The event welcomed producers from across Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. For many exhibitors, participation has become an annual tradition, while others made their festival debut this year.
Among the visitors was Kulyash Baimukhanova, who attended the festival with a family member and explained that they deliberately chose to visit on the opening day.
“Last year we came on the second day, when most of the koumiss had already sold out and the queues were very long. This time we arrived on the first day, sampled different varieties and have already purchased two bottles,” she said.
Following the tasting sessions, the visitors attended the concert programme, explored the exhibition areas and visited the artisans’ marketplace.
“Everything has been organised exceptionally well. Despite the hot weather, the pavilions are conveniently arranged. We enjoyed the performances and saw horses, camels and many other attractions. Even in the heat, the festival has attracted a remarkable number of visitors. Families are spending time together, smiling and enjoying the atmosphere,” Baimukhanova noted.
Nearby, visitors were welcomed by exhibitor Aliya from Shymkent, who, together with her son, presented homemade koumiss and qurt, a traditional dried dairy product. This marked their family’s first participation in BaiQymyz.
“We are proud to represent our city before such a large audience. Whether we receive an award or not is secondary. Our main goal was to meet people and showcase our products. We certainly hope to participate again next year,” she said.
The family brought 1,100 litres of koumiss to the festival. According to Aliya, many visitors returned after their initial tasting.
“People taste the koumiss and then purchase several litres at once. Many also ask for our business cards and Instagram page so they can contact us later. Such interest has been a very pleasant surprise,” she added.
Growing interest in koumiss among young people
Another pavilion featured Oryntai Orazbekkyzy from the Akmola region, assisted by her grandson Dauit. She said she has been producing koumiss for nearly five decades and is participating in the festival for the second consecutive year.
“I have lived as a daughter-in-law in the village of Otautusken for almost 50 years, and I have been making koumiss ever since. I’ve been on my feet since early morning today, but I don’t feel tired at all. The festival is full of positive energy and warm encounters,” she said.
During the interview, several young visitors approached the stand, with some purchasing bottles and others tasting koumiss for the first time.
“I have noticed that more young people are becoming interested in koumiss. Even children drink it with pleasure. That is the greatest satisfaction for me,” Orazbekkyzy noted.
The festival also features dedicated family-friendly areas. Visitors can practise traditional archery, participate in panna football and target football, explore interactive play zones, ride the traditional altybakan swing and watch the BaiQymyz Qoshaqan children’s rodeo. Young guests can also enjoy show jumping competitions, children’s art exhibitions and displays of traditional handicrafts, making the festival a full-day destination for families.
Festival unites producers
This year, 59 producers from various regions of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation are participating in BaiQymyz. Together they presented a record 56 tonnes of koumiss, an achievement officially entered into the KInES Book of Records.
Competition winners will be announced in the BaiQymyz 2026, Em Qymyz (“Therapeutic Koumiss”) and People’s Choice categories. The total prize fund amounts to KZT 45 million, while the Grand Prix winner will receive a car.
According to Zhumazhan Kaltayev, the project’s author, the decision to launch the festival on International Horse Day was symbolic.
“For six thousand years, our people have ridden horses and consumed koumiss. Our ancestors preserved this land thanks to the horse. We must continue to celebrate and promote this shared heritage together,” he said.
Throughout the day, the hippodrome hosted competitions in kokpar, audaryspak and other traditional equestrian sports. Visitors also explored craft exhibitions, art displays and gastronomic zones. On the festival’s second day, the winners of the Best Koumiss competition will be announced, followed by the official awards ceremony.
