As March draws to a close, more and more land is claimed by Spring. For Astana, this is the first weekend without a white background in a while, and city residents can look forward to a cozy deep dive into the world of Demon Slayer or contemplate their day over art evoking deep-seated issues surrounding society. In Almaty, the local DJ scene has prepared a day-long party for all those craving everything there is in electronic music. And, if you’re looking for something chill with a dash of historical curiosity, the city hosts an exhibition exploring the Lithuanian folk art of paper cutting.
Discover these and more events in the compilation by QazMonitor below.
Astana
Super Kyz (Супер Қыз) book presentation and brunch with publisher Adel Shaikhova
Checking behind the scenes of a project is always a treat, and this Saturday, the publisher of Super Kyz, Adel Shaikhova, will reveal how this vibrant aquamarine encyclopedia for kids was put together. Each spread tells the story of a woman who left her mark on Kazakh history. Attendees can expect stories that came from writing the book, a Q&A session, and a chance to win a copy, one in Kazakh and one in Russian, with an autograph by the book’s creator, Dinara Gaplan.
Date: March 30, 1:00 p.m.
Address: Oqy bookshop, Turan Avenue 34A
Entrance: Free
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (봄여름가을겨울 그리고 봄, dir. Kim Ki-duk) screening and discussion with filmmaker Aigerim Yelzhan
A temple floats on a lake. Surrounding it is wilderness with no human presence in sight. Its inhabitants are an old monk and a young apprentice, to whom the former tries to impart the wisdom of bhavacakra, the wheel of life. One day, many years later, the two will switch places.
NOTE: Please sign up through Oqy bookshop’s DMs to attend the event.
Date: March 30, 6:00 p.m.
Address: Oqy bookshop, Turan Avenue 34A
Entrance: ₸3,000 (as of March 28, 2024, $6.66)
"Kimetsu no Yaiba: Uncovering The Hidden Symbols" lecture by the Japanese studies scholar Medina Kumisbek
Set in Taisho era Japan, Kimetsu no Yaiba takes from the 1910s more than just how it looked, as Koyoharu Gotouge created a story deeply interwoven with the historical context. Japanese studies scholar Medina Kumisbek will untangle for her audience how architecture, clothing, and customs tell a story parallel to the plot of insatiable demons.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian. Please sign up through Concept Art’s DMs to attend the event.
Date: March 31, 5:30 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, entrance 3, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000 ($6.66)
"[not] Enough" exhibition of digital art by Malika Igibayeva
Each work in Malika Igibayeva’s debut exhibition carries the idea of insufficiency. Social vows that go unheard, environmental issues left unseen. Bright and colorful or dark and moody, each piece tries to invite viewers to a dialogue, a much-needed contemplation on what surrounds our society.
Date: Until April 11
Address: Sal Seri gallery, Heydar Aliyev Street 10/1
Entrance: Free
Almaty
"Jazz Fusion Odyssey" concert by Electrio band
Electric guitar, bass, and drums are a good jazz-rock combo for ol’ Herbie Hancock and his Cantaloupe Island. The Almaty-based Electrio band will treat the Southern Capital audience to a bop repertoire, as Eric Johnson, Guthrie Govan, and others will lend their groove for a night of smooth, smooth jazz.
Date: March 29, 10:00 p.m.
Address: EverJazz club, Zenkov Street 24
Entrance: ₸2,000–₸6,000 ($4.44–$13.33)
Raving Steppe party
This Saturday, the day is reserved for house and disco over a warm pool, and the night is for raving to a wild DJ set. This is Raving Steppe, the day-to-night dive that will have names from all over Central Asia, ready to surprise with their sound and rhythm, from 3Anova’s sci-fi ambiance to Deeva’s dark techno mix.
Date: March 30, 2:00 p.m.
Address: Agayin amenity area, Ainabulak 4 Microdistrict, 172G/1
Entrance: ₸7,500 ($16.66)
"Pages" (Страницы) exhibition by Georgiy Makarov
A retrospective, “Pages” presents Georgiy Makarov’s notes on experiences and stories from the past twenty years. In the artist’s words, while some fill these ‘pages’ easily, for others it comes with difficulty, constant rewrites and corrections. In Makarov’s case, his still life art style transforms these reflections into metaphorical landscapes.
Date: Until April 7
Address: Abylkhan Kasteyev Museum of Arts, Koktem-3 Microdistrict, 22/1
Entrance: ₸200–₸500 ($0.44–$1.11)
Cut paper art exhibition by Klaidas Navickas
With each piece presenting a full, complete story, Klaidas Navickas's paper art speaks volumes about folk culture and the mood that Lithuanian small-town scenery can invoke. The craftsman brought fifty-six of his works to Kazakhstan, some depicting Vilnius and its long history, while others showcase the freedom and grace of Lithuania’s feathered inhabitants.
Date: Until April 10
Address: Abylkhan Kasteyev Museum of Arts, Koktem-3 Microdistrict, 22/1
Entrance: ₸200–₸500 ($0.44–$1.11)