8 Unique Mongolian Events & Festivals You Need to See

Imagine riding a horse across the vast Mongolian steppes, with the wind rushing past you and the fresh scent of grass in the air. For many Mongolians, that’s the ultimate feeling of freedom. While horseback riding is still the classic symbol of freedom here, nowadays, some people have swapped horses for motorcycles to express that same sense of liberation.

For local riders, this festival isn’t just about showing off their bikes—it’s a celebration of freedom, camaraderie, and the open road. With Mongolia’s harsh winters limiting the biking season to just four months, the festival marks the long-awaited return to the road. What started as a small event now attracts riders from across the world, including China, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and even the US.

Compared to the long history of biking in places like the US, Mongolia’s moto culture is still in its infancy, having gained traction over the last three decades. It all began in the mid-1990s, when a small group of enthusiasts started modifying chopper motorcycles and taking to the open roads. What started as a niche hobby has since evolved into a thriving community of bikers, motocross riders, and chopper lovers.

By 2003, the first motorcycle clubs emerged, hosting seasonal rides to mark the start and end of Mongolia’s short biking season. Then, in 2005, the group “Mongolian Choppers” was founded, later becoming an officially registered organization in 2012. A few years later, in 2015, they launched the Steppe Wind Moto Festival—an event that has since become Mongolia’s largest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts.

One of the festival’s biggest highlights? The opening parade. Picture this: hundreds of bikers revving their engines in unison, rolling through Ulaanbaatar’s central square before cruising towards the colossal Genghis Khan statue just outside the city. It’s an unforgettable sight, embodying the raw energy and growing passion for Mongolia’s moto culture.

So, if you’re an adventure lover, motorcycle enthusiast, or just someone looking to experience a different side of Mongolia, the Steppe Wind Moto Festival is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.

If music is your way to escape,  then Playtime Festival in Mongolia is an absolute must. But hold up—this isn’t just another music festival. It’s a full-on cultural explosion, where music, fashion, nature, and freedom collide in the best way possible.

Playtime has been peioneering the music scene for 22 years with unforgettable performances, wild energy, and incredible vibes. What started as a small gathering of local rock bands has blown up into Mongolia’s biggest and longest-running music festival, featuring over 800 bands from 20+ countries! Think rock, indie, electronic, experimental—you name it. No genre gets left behind, so whether you’re headbanging, dancing, or just vibing under the open sky, there’s something for you.

If you happen to be in Ulaanbaatar in late May, there’s one event you can’t miss—the Ulaanbaatar Marathon! it’s a full-on city-wide festival where the streets come alive with music, food, and high-energy vibes. It has been organized every year since 2014, and it has become one of the most anticipated event of UB-ers(Ulaanbaatar citizens). With 20,000+ participants from 34 countries, the Ulaanbaatar Marathon is truly a global event with a Mongolian heart. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking up the energy, it’s one of the best ways to experience Ulaanbaatar in action.

Can everyone join the marathon? Seriously, you don’t have to be a pro runner to take part. The marathon has:

• Full Marathon (42 km) – For the hardcore athletes.
• Half Marathon (21 km) – Challenging but doable!
•  10 km & 5 km Runs – Perfect for casual runners.
• 1.5 km Family Run – Fun, easy, and great for kids!
• Special Categories – For wheelchair users and visually impaired runners.

🏃‍♂️Want to register, go check the official website for more information: https://ubmarathon.hipay.mn/

If the idea of running through busy streets doesn’t excite you, how about racing across the rugged, untouched landscapes of Khuvsgul?

Since 1998, the “Between Two Suns” International Marathon has been held in Khovsgol National Park area, aiming to protect Khuvsgul’s pristine nature. Every year, runners from around the world take on this high-altitude challenge, with all proceeds going toward environmental conservation efforts.

Khovsgol Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which give the lake its stunning blue hue, earning it the name “Blue Pearl.” Revered as the “Mother Lake,” it contains more than 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water resources and is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Run With a Cause

Every step taken by participants directly contributes to funding local conservation projects aimed at preserving the fragile environment of the Khuvsgul region. In addition, part of the proceeds go to waste management initiatives in protected areas, ensuring that the natural landscape is kept pristine for generations to come. Another standout feature of this marathon is its community-driven nature. It is designed to benefit local residents, including herders, horsemen, cooks, and doctors, who are actively involved in the race. These individuals play crucial roles in organizing and supporting the event, providing essential services like food, medical assistance, and transportation, while also offering a genuine, warm welcome to runners. The marathon helps uplift the community economically and ensures that they are involved in the growth and success of the event.

Learn more about their commitments and projects, and register for the marathon on their website: https://ms2s.dk/

📅 When – Every Autumn around Late August or Early September, dates may vary every year

📍Where- Toilogt Tourist Camp,Khatgal soum, Khentii province- Approx 580kms north from Ulaanbaatar.

Have you ever thought about what you could do in just 10 seconds?

For Mongolian mounted archers, that’s enough time to race 150 meters on horseback while firing arrows at multiple targets—and hitting them! Pretty amazing, right?

You can’t talk about Mongolia’s history without mentioning horses and archery. For centuries, these skills were a way of life—used for hunting, warfare, and survival. Today, they live on not just as a sport but as a deep cultural tradition. That’s exactly what the Spirit Horseback Archery Festival is all about.

About The Festival

This festival was first launched in 2019 to keep Mongolia’s mounted archery traditions alive and bring archers from all over the world together. Every September, around 100 archers from more than 20 countries gather on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar to compete in different styles of horseback archery.

One of the coolest parts? In 2023, the festival helped make Bombog Namnaa (Ball Shooting) an official category in the World Championship. This is a traditional Mongolian archery game that dates back to the Xiongnu and Khitan eras—so you’re literally watching an ancient warrior tradition in action!

Did you know that Mongolia has more horses than people? It’s no surprise that horses hold a sacred place in Mongolian culture, and there are festivals dedicated entirely to them! One of the most spectacular events is the Steppe’s Thousand Horse Festival, held every November in Batnorov, Khentii Province—an area known for having the highest number of horses in the region.

This festival is about honoring Mongolia’s deep equestrian heritage and passing down traditions to younger generations. Over 2,000–3,000 horses participate, making it one of the largest gatherings of horses in the world.

For travelers who want to understand Mongolia beyond the tourist hotspots, this festival offers a raw and immersive cultural experience. If you love horses, adventure, or photography, this is a must-see event!

“The desert is a place for dreaming without distractions.”

Have you ever imagined experiencing electronic music and contemporary art in the middle of the vast Gobi Desert? That’s exactly what Spirit of Gobi offers—a festival that blends Mongolia’s deep cultural roots with modern artistic expression, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gobi’s dramatic landscapes.

First held in 2020, this annual festival happens in mid-August, though the exact location can vary. Whether it’s the striking cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga or the endless dunes of the southern Gobi, the setting always enhances the experience. The festival isn’t just about music and art—it’s about creating a sustainable way to bring people to this remote and beautiful region while celebrating Mongolian heritage and creativity.

It’s a one-of-a-kind fusion of tradition and innovation. You’ll hear the haunting melodies of Mongolian urtiin duu (long song) blending with electronic beats, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. Visual artists, performers, and musicians from Mongolia and around the world come together to create an immersive experience that is as much about self-exploration as it is about entertainment.

Did you know that 100 years ago, we didn’t know that dinosaurs lay eggs?

Yes! Before the 1920s, scientists had no definitive proof that dinosaurs laid eggs. That changed in 1923, when the American Museum of Natural History’s Central Asiatic Expedition discovered the first known dinosaur eggs in the Flaming Cliffs of Mongolia (also known as Bayanzag). In honor of this historical event, Dinosaur Festival was initiated in 2023, t’s the first major international event of its kind in Mongolia, bringing together scientists, explorers, and travelers who are fascinated by the ancient world.

The Dinosaur Festival is Mongolia’s first large-scale international event dedicated to paleontology, initiated by the Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

If you’ve ever dreamed of uncovering fossils, learning from top paleontologists, or just soaking in the surreal beauty of the Gobi, this is the place to be.

⛺ The Ultimate Gobi Camping Experience

One of the best parts of the festival is remote luxury camping against the stunning Flaming Cliffs backdrop. While most visitors stay in nearby ger camps or hotels, those looking for a true expedition experience can opt for VIP camping. Imagine enjoying a gourmet dinner as the sun sets over the rust-colored cliffs, surrounded by the vast, open Gobi—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Above is the sneak peak of our “Oviraptor Vip Camp” at the Flaming Cliffs.

With every new fossil discovery, the picture of Mongolia’s prehistoric past becomes clearer. That’s what makes the Dinosaur Festival so exciting—you’re literally walking in the footsteps of ancient giants.