About Naadam Festival
Naadam is Mongolia's largest national festival and a vivid expression of nomadic culture, held every summer to celebrate the country's independence and heritage. Its full name, "eriin gurvan naadam", means the "three games of men" — Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery — contests that have tested skill and courage on the steppe for centuries. UNESCO inscribed Naadam on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
The festival opens with a colourful ceremony at the National Sports Stadium in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where athletes, dancers, musicians and riders in traditional dress parade before the games begin. Burly wrestlers in tight costumes grapple in open-air bouts, archers loose arrows at distant targets, and — in the most beloved event — children ride half-wild horses across the open countryside in long-distance races that draw thousands of spectators. Ankle-bone shooting has joined as a fourth discipline.
Naadam is celebrated nationwide every July, with the main national festival held on July 11–13 to mark Mongolia's 1921 revolution. The countdown above tracks the days until the next opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar. Add it to your own page to follow the build-up to the steppe's greatest celebration.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, July 11, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, July 11, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, July 11, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, July 11, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, July 11, 2030 |
FAQ
When is the Naadam festival?
The main national Naadam is held every year on July 11–13 in Ulaanbaatar, with the grand opening ceremony on July 11. Smaller local Naadams take place across Mongolia through the summer.
Why is Naadam celebrated?
Naadam celebrates Mongolian national identity and heritage, and commemorates the 1921 revolution. It showcases the traditional skills of the nomadic steppe through its three historic games.
What are the three games of Naadam?
The "three games of men" are Mongolian wrestling (bökh), horse racing across open country, and archery. Ankle-bone shooting is also contested as a fourth event.
Where does Naadam take place?
The biggest celebration is in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, centred on the National Sports Stadium, but Naadam festivals are held in towns and provinces all across Mongolia.