Rain, retro cars and favorite music: how the Retro & New Cars Fest took place in Dushanbe

A sudden downpour just minutes before the opening of the Retro & New Cars Fest threatened to disrupt one of Dushanbe’s most anticipated summer events. Guests rushed for cover, while organizers worried about the equipment and the vehicles on display.

But the rain soon passed, the clouds cleared, and the festival grounds quickly filled with visitors.

Held on June 20, the annual Retro & New Cars Fest organized by Asia-Plus brought together hundreds of residents and guests of the capital for a day of automobiles, music, fashion, and family entertainment.

Some visitors came to admire rare classic cars, others to explore the latest models, while many simply enjoyed the festival’s unique atmosphere.

Cars with history

The centerpiece of the event was an exhibition featuring both vintage and modern vehicles. While the newest models attracted plenty of attention, it was the retro cars that became the festival’s main attraction.

Many of the classic vehicles on display were more than just collector’s items — they were family treasures passed down through generations.

For instance, Muhammaddovoud Gulov brought his GAZ-21 “Volga” to the festival, which he inherited from his father. This car has been in the family for about 60 years and, as the owner admits, has long become a full-fledged member of it.

Among them was a GAZ-21 Volga owned by Muhammaddovoud Gulov. The car was inherited from his father and has remained in the family for nearly 60 years.

According to Gulov, the vehicle has long become a part of the family’s history.

Visitors crowded around the exhibits, peering into the interiors, asking owners about the stories behind their vehicles, and posing for photographs beside their favorite models.

The retro cars generated particular interest, with each vehicle carrying its own memories and reflecting a different chapter of the country’s automotive past.

Fashion, entertainment and music

In addition to the car exhibition, the festival featured a vintage fashion contest and a variety of entertainment activities for visitors of all ages.

The event was held with the support of several partners. International Auto Holding Vector served as the festival’s official automotive partner, while Freedom Bank Tajikistan was the event’s reliable partner.

Additional support was provided by Gorilla, Ark Sanoat, G69-MOTOSCHOOL, the official Mercedes-Benz dealership in Tajikistan, Dehai Gulzor, Art Dushanbe, and Airbaby.

Evening concert

The festival concluded with an open-air concert featuring some of Tajikistan’s popular performers.

The lineup included Khujasta Mirzovali, Niloufar Sarboz, Afzalsho Safarzoda, Umedjon Burhon, Tahmina Niyozova, Shabnam Sobiri, ZEBOxNO, and Sobir Aminov.

For some visitors, the highlight of the day was the opportunity to see rare automobiles up close. For others, it was the live music, competitions, and festive atmosphere. Many simply enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

One thing, however, was clear by the end of the evening: not even the rain could spoil the celebration.