As the summer season rolls in and people begin to plan for exotic adventures and must-see destinations, Mongolia’s acclaimed Playtime Festival surely deserves a spot on your list. Returning for its 24th edition on July 3 to 6, 2025, this annual celebration of music and culture will once again take place at the Playtime Field in Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, continuing its tradition of fostering cultural exchange through diverse musical showcase grounded in ecological consciousness.

Established in 2002, Playtime Festival has grown from a modest gathering into Mongolia's largest and longest-running music festival. This year, the festival returns to the Playtime Field, its very own recently established outdoor festival grounds, less than two hours from Ulaanbaatar’s city center. The venue’s circular design resembles traditional Mongolian yurts and features botanical gardens, self-sustainable clean energy solutions, and eco-friendly camping sites. Initially conceived as a platform for local musicians, Playtime evolved to feature artists, performers, bands, and musical acts from across over 20 different countries, taking festival-goers on an intercontinental journey through sound.

Continuing the festival’s legacy of eclectic and inclusive programming, this year’s headliners hail from all around the world: France, Japan, Korea, India, Russia, the Netherlands, UK, USA, South America, Africa, Thailand, Philippines, and more, underscoring Playtime's commitment to diversity and its role as a bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions—with a rich mix of local Mongolian artists alongside international acts.

Spread across seven different thematic stages, some of the highly anticipated live bands performing include Alcest, envy, Jambinai, Balming Tiger, VVAS, Megumi Acorda, Mohanik, Batavia Collective, Drrones, and Puman. Taking the electronic stage are heavy-hitting DJs such as Aurora Halal, Ellen Allien, Klangkuenstler, Belief Defect, Albert Van Abbe, Pariah, Mama Snake, Jennifer Cardini, and many more.

Other than the music, Playtime offers a holistic cultural experience, with various booths and zones for food, entertainment, sports, shopping, and even a dedicated kids zone. The wide range of activities, art installations, workshops, and culinary delights reflect Mongolia’s colorful heritage while the mountainous surroundings immerse attendees in the region’s natural beauty.

While global festivals continuously aim to improve their environmental footprints and shift focus to more ethical practices, Playtime has consistently demonstrated and cultivated their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility for over 20 years. In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the festival implements initiatives to effectively reduce waste from the festival, reject single-use plastic, promote reusable products, sort and recycle duplicate products, create an eco-green park by planting endangered trees in a forest reserve, as well as support the local economy by creating temporary jobs for citizens. Gender equality is notably emphasized, with women holding 70% of the festival's managerial positions in 2023. Accessibility is also a priority, with programs translated for those with hearing difficulties.

At its core, Playtime Festival embodies the spirit of musical exploration and cultural celebration, fostering artistic expression and community engagement while caring for the natural environment. The 2025 edition promises to deliver unforgettable experiences for both longtime attendees and newcomers alike.