Best Festivals & Events in Turkey

Date: March 4, 2025

Posted By: Ali AKPINAR

Discover the best festivals and events in Turkey, from the dazzling Istanbul Tulip Festival to the lively Camel Wrestling Championship. Experience cultural celebrations like the Whirling Dervishes Festival and the Aspendos Opera & Ballet Festival. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in Turkey’s vibrant traditions!

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN TURKEY

Here’s a list of most popular festivals and events in Turkey, covering both local and international celebrations:

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Cultural & Traditional Festivals in Turkey

Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival (Edirne) The world’s oldest annual wrestling tournament, dating back to 1362.
Mesir Macunu Festival (Manisa) A historical festival where a special Ottoman herbal paste is thrown from the Sultan Mosque.
Hıdırellez Festival (Nationwide) A celebration of spring on May 5-6 with bonfires, music, and wishes written on paper.
İstanbul Tulip Festival Parks and gardens bloom with millions of tulips in April.
Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival (Konya) A spiritual event honoring Rumi with Sufi dance ceremonies (Dec 7-17).
Nevruz Festival (Eastern Turkey) Celebrating the Kurdish and Persian New Year with bonfires and dances.
Nomadic Culture Festival (Antalya) Showcasing the lifestyle of Turkish nomads with traditional sports and crafts.
Akdamar Holy Cross Day (Van) An annual religious service at the Armenian Akdamar Church on Akdamar Island.
Boza Festival (Istanbul) A winter festival dedicated to the traditional fermented beverage, Boza.
Tarsus Grape Festival (Mersin) Honoring local grape production with tastings, folk music, and parades.

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Music & Arts Festivals in Turkey

Istanbul Music Festival Classical music performances featuring world-famous orchestras and soloists.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival (Antalya) A prestigious event in the ancient Aspendos Theater.
Istanbul Jazz Festival An internationally recognized jazz event featuring global artists.
Bodrum Ballet Festival Classical and contemporary ballet performances in Bodrum’s historical venues.
Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival Turkey’s most important film festival.
Istanbul Film Festival Premiering Turkish and international films every April.
Ankara International Music Festival A mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music performances.
Gümüşlük International Classical Music Festival (Bodrum) Classical concerts held at historical and seaside venues.
Zeytinli Rock Festival (Balıkesir) Turkey’s biggest rock music festival, featuring top bands and artists.
Cappadox Festival (Cappadocia) A fusion of music, arts, gastronomy, and nature activities.

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Food & Culinary Festivals in Turkey

Gaziantep Gastro Festival Celebrating the rich flavors of Gaziantep, a UNESCO Gastronomy City.
İstanbul Coffee Festival Showcasing coffee culture with tastings, workshops, and competitions.
Urla Artichoke Festival (İzmir) A celebration of artichokes with food tastings, cooking contests, and markets.
Adana Kebap and Şalgam Festival Dedicated to Adana’s famous spicy kebab and fermented turnip juice.
Bolu Mushroom Festival Exploring Turkey’s rich variety of wild mushrooms with tastings and foraging tours.
Foça Foka Festival (İzmir) A seafood and gastronomy festival celebrating local fish and marine culture.
Alaçatı Herb Festival (İzmir) Showcasing the Aegean region’s herbs, organic food, and traditional dishes.
Şirince Grape Harvest Festival (İzmir) Wine tastings, folk music, and vineyard tours in a scenic village.
Bodrum Olive Harvest Festival A tribute to olive oil and traditional olive harvesting techniques.
Tarsus Citrus Festival (Mersin) A parade and food festival celebrating citrus fruits.

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Sports & Adventure Events in Turkey

Istanbul Marathon The only marathon in the world spanning two continents (Asia to Europe).
Red Bull Flugtag Istanbul A quirky event where participants fly homemade flying machines off a platform.
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim An annual swimming race from the Asian to the European side of Istanbul.
Cappadocia Ultra-Trail A challenging trail running event through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia.
Tour of Turkey (Presidential Cycling Tour) A professional cycling race through scenic routes.
Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games A paragliding festival with aerial performances over the famous Blue Lagoon.
Alanya International Triathlon A triathlon event attracting global athletes.
Alaçatı Windsurf Festival (İzmir) One of the world’s best windsurfing competitions.
Kaş Freediving Festival A competition for freediving enthusiasts in Turkey’s diving capital.
Küre Mountains Ultra-Trail An extreme endurance race through the rugged mountain terrain.

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Religious & Spiritual Festivals in Turkey

Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) Marking the end of Ramadan with feasts and family gatherings.
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) The Islamic festival of sacrifice, with communal feasts.
Ashura Festival (Nationwide) A religious event commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
Christmas Mass at St. Anthony Church (Istanbul) A special Christmas service in the historic Catholic church.
Easter Celebrations at Ecumenical Patriarchate (Istanbul) A significant event for Orthodox Christians.

International Events in Turkey

Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) A major motorsport event.
UEFA Champions League & Europa League Matches Hosted frequently in Istanbul.
G-20 Summit (Antalya, 2015) An international political event.
Istanbul Design Biennial Showcasing global and Turkish design trends.
Istanbul Biennial A contemporary art exhibition attracting international artists.
Antalya International Piano Festival Featuring world-class pianists.
Teknofest Istanbul A major aerospace and technology festival.
Comic Con Istanbul A pop culture event for fans of comics, movies, and gaming.
Istanbul Fashion Week Turkey’s biggest fashion event.
Ankara Book Fair Turkey’s largest book fair.

Seasonal & Local Festivities in Turkey

Camel Wrestling Festival (Selçuk, İzmir) A unique wrestling event with camels.
Bozcaada Wine Festival Vineyard tours and wine tastings in Bozcaada.
Kaş Lycian Culture Festival Honoring Lycian heritage with music and arts.
Bodrum International Ballet Festival A blend of classical and contemporary ballet.
International Istanbul Puppet Festival A celebration of puppet arts.
Malatya Apricot Festival A tribute to Malatya’s famous apricots.
Sinop Jazz Festival A regional jazz event.
Samsun Independence Day Celebrations Honoring Atatürk’s landing in Samsun.
Beypazarı Traditional Handicrafts Festival Highlighting local crafts.
Cunda Ayvalık Olive Oil Festival A celebration of olive oil culture.