Events in Istanbul
Istanbul offers various annual festivals in which you can take part to enhance your visiting experience. Living in Istanbul means there is something to do at all times. Here is the list of the events and festivals you can attend, including summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter festivals.
Spring Festivals
Istanbul International Film Festival
In Beyoglu and Kadikoy, the cultural centers are organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts annually in April for 12 days in the cinemas.
The international film festival is the leading film festival in Istanbul. You can enjoy outstanding international and local films followed by numerous activities and workshops in various parts of the city. Please get your tickets as soon as possible from Istiklal Street as they get sold out fast around the end of March and mid-April.
Istanbul Tulip Festival
Tulips have great significance in Turkish culture and the Ottoman Empire. The Tulip's significance is celebrated annually in April at famous parks on the European side.
Famous parks include Gulhane Park situated in Sirkeci, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Sultanahmet Square in Sultanahmet, Beykoz Park in Beykoz, and Fethi Pasa Grove in Uskudar on the Asian side.
Summer Festivals
International Istanbul Music Festival
You can enjoy music performances by the top international and local artists. The cultural performances occur at notable historical venues, such as Rahmi Koc Museum, Hagia Irene Museum, Sureyya Opera House, etc. In these three weeks, IKSV organizes the festivals in June.
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race
The international swimming festival organized by The Turkish Olympic Committee takes place annually in July. In this event, local and foreign swimmers swim on a course of 6.5 km in the Bosphorus through the Kanlica Coast on the Asian side and Ortakoy, which is on the European side of Istanbul.
Autumn Festivals
Istanbul Coffee Festival
The Istanbul Coffee Festival is held near Taksim in the Kucuk Ciftlik Park located in Macka is a four-day festival. Coffee from all over the world is showcased for coffee lovers to taste the coffee from the stands and participate in seminars, events, competitions, and coffee workshops. These workshops are known to be very informative and fun.
Istanbul International Biennial
Held by IKSV once every two years for two months, Istanbul International Bienal is one of the best contemporary art biennials in Venice, Sydney, and Sao Paulo. You can enjoy art exhibitions throughout the city in different 30 venues with free entry.
Istanbul International Book Fair
The International Book Fair is held in association with the Turkish Publishers Association in Buyukcekmece for book lovers for eight days. People can buy books from national and international authors and enjoy cultural activities, book signings, and other events.