There are 18 cultural institutions in Shymkent. They are 5 theaters, a circus, a concert organization, 5 libraries (36 branches), 3 centers, a museum, a zoo, and archival institutions.
In the city, unscheduled events are held according to the annual plan in houses of culture and clubs along with official, mass cultural events.  Festivals and contests are held to support young talents. Cultural and sports clubs operate in the city.
Apart from the events dedicated to official and significant dates, the round tables, educational hours, thematic bookshelves, meetings, radio broadcasts and other mass events with the participation of readers are held in the libraries.
Dring the year,  thematic events will be held in the cultural institutions of the city  within the framework of "Shymkent 2020 – the cultural capital of the CIS countries", "2200 anniverasary of Shymkent city".
In 2020, it is planned the visit of the leading theaters and Philharmonic groups from regions and cities with tours to Shymkent city.