🎤 Jennifer Lopez Tashkent Concert, Stihia Festival, Uzbekistan's Fast & Furious + Children's Events

Jennifer Lopez Concert Confirmed

Yes, you read that correctly.

International A list celebrity J Lo will be performing her Up All Night - Live in 2025 tour on August 7th at Bunyodkor Stadium.

The concert has been confirmed by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and tickets will be available on itickets.uz.

The concert will be her first performance in Uzbekistan (and probably the biggest Western pop act to ever come to here).

There isn’t a huge amount of info yet as it was only announced yesterday. We’ll share more information about tickets and full lineup when available.

Stihia Festival, May 29-31

Stihia Festival is an electronic music festival that takes place in the Aral Sea's 'Ship Graveyard' in Moynak, Karakalpakstan. It's a surreal place where purple-haired techno-goths meet bemused locals in traditional dress, in a location that looks very much like you've reached the edge of the world.

If you're not familiar with this area, the drying of the Aral Sea is regarded as one of the world's biggest man-made ecological disasters. What was once a bustling fishing town, reliant on the sea for its economy, is now the starting point of the world's newest desert, the Aralkum, with little trade remaining and a series of health issues affecting locals.

More than just a music festival, Stihia uses music, art, and science in an attempt to contribute to the restoration of the region. Beyond the festival itself, the organisers are involved in educational projects in the area.

The last batch of tickets are still available at 750,000 UZS for 3 days. Accommodation in Moynak is very limited, so you'll probably want to bring a tent and rent a camping space for an extra 150,000 UZS.

More info and tickets here

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 Uzbekistan’s Fast & Furious

Rev your engines for Promotors Show Samarkand 2025, taking place May 31-June 1 at SOF EXPO Samarkand. This high-octane automotive festival promises to deliver Uzbekistan's own Fast & Furious experience with supercars, drift shows, and adrenaline-pumping motor rallies through the historic city's landmarks.

The exhibition showcases everything from electric vehicles to custom tuning projects, while visitors can test drive displayed cars and witness heart-stopping car audio competitions. A pre-event supercar rally around Samarkand's ancient sights adds cinematic flair to this automotive spectacular.

🕛 May 31–June 1, 10:00–17:00 | 📍SOF EXPO Samarkand, Highway M-39, Dzhambay district, Samarkand | 🎟️ From 50,000 UZS Tickets

Children’s Day in Tashkent

June 1st is Children's Day in former Soviet Union states, so we've compiled a list of things to do with kids this week. Bear in mind there'll be more events announced over the weekend.

Many parks will have activities, including Tashkent City Park (which announces its events last minute, much to my frustration when writing this newsletter!).

Exhibition of children's drawings "Collecting Light Drop by Drop" This exhibition features 440 drawings by pupils from across Uzbekistan, showcasing young artists' dreams and perspectives on their world. 📅 Until May 29, 10:00–19:00 | 📍 Ikuo Hirayama Cultural Caravanserai | 🎟️ Free

Costumed Freestyle Ride Competition Watch young equestrians aged 9-15 perform choreographed routines in costume at this free-form arena competition. A unique blend of horsemanship and artistic expression that's sure to captivate kids. 📅 May 28, 10:00–12:00 | 📍 Argamak-Sher Equestrian Club, Korasu 6 | 🎟️ Free

Festival of Author's Dolls and Toys "Doll House" This unique festival showcases handcrafted dolls by Russian and European masters, featuring photo zones, fairy tale characters, and hands-on workshops including gingerbread painting and doll-making. Meet the artists behind these beautiful creations. 📅 May 31–June 1, 11:00–19:00 | 📍 Xamar Gallery, Sharaf Rashidov Ave 40/1 | 🎟️ Free

"Beauty and the Beast" Performance Experience this classic fairy tale brought to life in Tashkent City Park's amphitheater, complete with musical fountain backdrop. Multiple shows run most evenings, making it perfect for family outings. 📅 Daily (not Thurs) at 20:30 | 📍 Tashkent City Park | 🎟️ 50,000 UZS

Weekend Circus Performances Catch traditional circus acts every weekend with performances featuring acrobats, clowns, and animal shows. 📅 Saturdays 15:00, Sundays 12:00 & 15:00 until May 31 | 📍 State Circus, Sebzar St 1A | 🎟️ 50,000–80,000 UZS

Potterville Masterclasses Get your hands dirty with pottery workshops offering everything from simple pottery wheel sessions to hand-sculpted bowls and mugs. Perfect for creating personalized keepsakes with the kids. Note: classes not in English. 📅 Daily until May 31, 10:00–18:00 | 📍 Potterville, Labzak St, Navruz Park | 🎟️ From 150,000 UZS. Reservation required.

In the News this Week…

• Netflix Wraps Filming of Historical Epic on Amir Temur
Netflix has completed production of The Rise of the Last Conqueror, a film about Amir Temur’s rise to power. Shot in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the movie promises historical accuracy and a vivid atmosphere. Premieres summer 2025.

• 500 British Teachers to Join Uzbek Schools
Uzbekistan has signed a deal with UK charity VSO to bring 500 British teachers to local secondary schools, as part of an effort to boost education quality and implement the Talented Children Initiative. An anonymous owner of a local British-style pub is said to be ecstatic…

• Young Uzbek Farmer Brings Korean Agri-Tech Home
29-year-old Shukhrullo Tokhtasinov returned from working on farms in South Korea to reclaim unused land in his Andijan village. He’s growing crops, launching silkworm farming, and plans to open a free training centre for local youth.

Partnered with Tashkent Tavern

Leaving Tashkent this summer??

As many of Tashkent’s expat community will be leaving Uzbekistan this summer, Nick from Tashkent Tavern is hoping to help out local orphanages with money raised from selling leavers’ unwanted goods. Here are the details:

Tashkent Tavern Instagram