Istanbul Culture and Arts Guide: October 2024

October 2024 is set to shine as a true month of culture and arts in Istanbul. The city, wrapped in the captivating atmosphere of the long-awaited autumn, is gearing up to host works by world-renowned artists, stage performances, and spectacular music events.

In this month when art takes center stage, a wide array of events, from musical performances to visual arts, from theater to festivals, awaits every taste

At Flyista, we've put together a selection of events you can follow in Istanbul throughout October. Don’t forget to mark the dates of your favorite events.

Istanbul Concerts in October

Gustavo Santaolalla

Academy Award-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla is coming to our city. The Argentine musician, who scored legendary films such as The Last of Us, Babel, and Brokeback Mountain, and won the Oscar for Best Original Score, will offer Istanbul an unforgettable night on October 18 at the Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage.

Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: October 1, 2024, 9:00 PM

Rodrigo's Guitar Concerto and Spanish Night

The Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 2024-2025 season with Rodrigo's renowned Concierto de Aranjuez. In the first part, soloist Alper Kargın will take the stage, while the second part will feature works filled with Spanish melodies by composers like De Falla, Albeniz, and Rimsky-Korsakov. If you're a fan of Spanish music, don’t miss this performance.

Location: Caddebostan Cultural Center
Date: October 4, 2024, 8:00 PM

Zbigniew Preisner

Cinema lovers are in for a treat this month, with events that bring together cinema and music. Zbigniew Preisner, the iconic composer for Kieslowski’s films and creator of unforgettable scores for The Decalogue and the Three Colors trilogy, is set to mesmerize Istanbul with his magical melodies.

Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: October 11, 2024, 9:00 PM

Jazzy Sundaze Presents; Ayhan Sicimoğlu & Latin All Stars

We know how much you love watching him. Ayhan Sicimoğlu, the connoisseur of both music and world cuisine, will offer music lovers a true feast alongside his Latin All Stars orchestra. With delicious menus specially prepared for the event by Swissotel Bosphorus Gourmet, you’ll also get to explore select dishes from Turkish and world cuisines. Seats are limited, so be sure to book your spot early.

Location: Chalet Garden
Date: October 13, 2024, 2:00 PM

Sagopa Kajmer

The wait is finally over for Sagopa Kajmer fans. At a special concert organized by BKM, his fans will get the chance to experience Sagopa’s new album Kağıt Kesikleri and sing along to his beloved songs.

Location: Maximum UNIQ Open Air
Date: October 13, 2024, 9:00 PM

Bryan Adams

Creator of timeless hits like “Everything I Do”, “Please Forgive Me”, and “Heaven”, the legendary Bryan Adams is preparing to meet his Turkish fans on the night of October 18. This special evening will also feature the launch of his new album So Happy It Hurts. Don’t miss it!

Location: Tersane Istanbul
Date: October 18, 2024, 7:00 PM

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

As we mentioned, it’s a special month for cinema lovers, and here’s more proof. One of the most beloved cinematic works of all time, The Lord of the Rings series, will be performed in its original language with Turkish subtitles by the Istanbul Film Orchestra, accompanied by a 100-person choir. If you want to take your cinematic experience to a new level while getting lost in the epic beauty of Middle-Earth, make sure to reserve your seat.

Location: Volkswagen Arena
Date: October 22, 2024, 8:00 PM

Istanbul Theaters in October

If you’re in the mood for a night full of laughter, we invite you to watch a traditional play that brings to life the story of the legendary satirical newspaper Marko Paşa. Meçhul Paşa, which vividly portrays how the paper was continued despite all obstacles, is one of the standout theater performances of October.

Location: Beylikdüzü Atatürk Cultural and Art Center
Date: October 2, 2024, 8:30 PM

Edith

The world’s beloved “The Sidewalk Sparrow” is taking to the stage with her loves, losses, and songs. In this one-woman show, you’ll discover a completely different side of Edith Piaf, with Turkish renditions of her famous songs.

Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: October 3, 2024, 9:00 PM

Hücreler

Hücreler, starring masters like Engin Günaydın and Cengiz Bozkurt, tells the surreal story of the cells in our body and is sure to leave the audience in fits of laughter. Written by Engin Günaydın, it promises an unforgettable evening.

Location: Maximum UNIQ Hall
Date: October 6, 2024, 8:00 PM

Misery

Horror and thriller fans, this one’s for you. Misery, adapted from Stephen King's novel, brings suspense and psychological tension to the stage, gripping audiences to their seats. Don’t miss this terrifying battle for survival.

Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: October 11, 2024, 8:30 PM

Istanbul Festivals in October

34th Akbank Jazz Festival

Autumn, the favorite season of the prestigious Akbank Jazz Festival, has finally arrived. Music lovers eager to meet some of the jazz world’s biggest names should not miss this festival, which will be held at various venues from September 28 to October 13.

Location: Various Venues
Date: September 28 – October 13, 2024

İstanbul Coffee Festival 2024

We know how much you love coffee festivals, just like we do. At this four-day event in Istanbul, we’ll be indulging in both coffee and music. With performances by Deniz Tekin, Gripin, Ceza, and Levent Yüksel, the festival will feature everything coffee-related.

Location: Ataköy Marina
Date: October 3 – 6, 2024

Maximum Youth Festival

Outdoor events will continue in the fall. After its stops in Antalya and Izmir, the Maximum Youth Festival, featuring performances by Adamlar, Can Ozan, Sufle, and Skapova, finally arrives in Istanbul.

Location: Maximum UNIQ Open Air
Date: October 18, 2024, 4:00 PM