A Large-Scale Two-Day Book Festival KitapFest-2026 Concluded in Almaty

Today, the second day of the KitapFest-2026 book festival took place on the pedestrian Arbat zone in Almaty, marking the successful conclusion of the event held in celebration of Nauryz.

Over the two days, the festival attracted around 40,000 visitors, with more than 15,000 books sold.

More than 40 publishing houses from across the country participated in the festival, offering readers a wide selection of works – from classical literature to modern bestsellers. AR books sparked particular interest, becoming one of the key highlights of the fair.

As part of the cultural program, literary meetings were held with poets, writers, and public figures, including Bayakhmet Zhumabayuly, Bigeldy Gabdullin, Maraltai Raiymbekuly, Asyly Osman, and Beibit Sarybai. Presentations of new books also took place.

The main innovation of KitapFest-2026 was the interactive “Smart Yurt” platform, which combined modern technologies with national traditions. In this unique digital space, residents and guests were introduced to self-service stations and a rich exhibition of rare and valuable books. Visitors could observe the live restoration process of antique editions and learn about the stages of their preservation. In addition, guests of the “Smart Yurt” experienced virtual tours of leading libraries around the world using VR headsets and captured memorable moments in a special AI photo booth.

As part of the festival, the mobile application of Almaty Libraries was presented for the first time, opening up new opportunities for readers. Library services are now even more accessible – users can access them anytime by downloading the app on their mobile devices.

Special attention during the event was given to national and traditional arts. Workshops by artisans were organized for residents and visitors, while performers portraying “live” literary characters drew great interest from the audience. The festival was accompanied by a festive concert program, and the sound of traditional songs and the dombra created a unique atmosphere.

Over the course of two days, KitapFest-2026 became a significant event in the cultural life of the city, successfully combining tradition and modern technology. Interactive zones, meetings with writers, and innovative digital solutions created a unified cultural space, inspired residents, and contributed to the development of Almaty’s cultural environment.