Culture & Travel
2 June 2025Summer isn’t just about seaside holidays—it’s also a special time filled with festivals that nourish the soul, spark imagination, and ignite inspiration. All across Turkiye, open-air cultural festivals offer a diverse array of experiences, from music and theater to gastronomy and dance. For those who want to embrace the arts and give deeper meaning to their travels, this list is packed with can’t-miss recommendations.
Whether you watch a classical ballet in an ancient amphitheater or attend a folk music concert in a lush valley, this summer is set to be unforgettable. It’s the perfect season to tune into the cultural spirit of cities, make space for art, and experience summer through a whole new lens. Here are the festival destinations you won’t want to miss:
Istanbul Jazz Festival – Istanbul
Throughout the summer, the finest sounds of jazz echo across Istanbul in venues ranging from waterfront spots along the Bosphorus to museums, parks, and historic buildings. The festival breaks jazz free from traditional molds, blending it with other genres to create a rich musical tapestry.
Offering the chance to hear both local and international artists, the festival is also a vibrant way to soak up Istanbul’s unique summer energy. A must for music lovers, it remains one of the city's most beloved summer traditions.
Troy Culture Route Festival – Çanakkale
Centered around the ancient city of Troy, this unique festival brings culture to life not just through exhibitions, but with street concerts, theatrical performances, folk dances, and traditional crafts. Set against the historic backdrop of Çanakkale, the festival bridges the legends of the past with contemporary artistic expression.
Open-air stages along the waterfront, Troy-themed shows, and contemporary art exhibitions provide visitors with a cultural experience that is both historical and modern. Blending the sea with the stories of antiquity, this festival offers the perfect route for an art-filled summer.
International Bodrum Ballet Festival – Bodrum
Held in the stunning Bodrum Ancient Theater, the International Bodrum Ballet Festival brings classical art to life under the stars. The elegance of ballet gains a new dimension amidst the ancient stone walls of this historic venue.
Featuring both national and international ballet companies, the festival offers a refined artistic interlude cooled by the Aegean breeze. It’s an unforgettable experience for those who wish to combine summer vacation with the grace of the performing arts.
Gümüşlük Music Festival – Bodrum
Nestled in one of Bodrum’s most peaceful corners, the Gümüşlük Music Festival offers a refined selection of performances ranging from classical to world music. Held in old stone quarries with naturally perfect acoustics, the concerts take on a magical tone, especially as the sun sets and the atmosphere turns romantically golden.
The festival also includes art workshops, children's concerts, and exhibitions, creating a rich cultural experience beyond the music. For those seeking an intimate yet high-quality summer escape away from the crowds, Gümüşlük is an ideal destination.
Cappadocia Balloon and Culture Festival – Nevşehir
Set against the surreal backdrop of fairy chimneys, this vibrant festival begins with hot air balloon shows and unfolds throughout the day with dance performances, music, exhibitions, and workshops. The combination of Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape with cultural activities offers visitors an extraordinary experience.
From local cuisine and folk dances to handicrafts and live concerts, the festival turns a typical visit into a deep cultural journey. It’s a summer escape where both the sky and the ground are filled with art.
Bergama Theater Festival – Izmir
Watching a play among the ancient ruins of Pergamon isn’t just a theatrical experience—it’s a connection to history. Throughout the festival, street performances, dance shows, and interactive events spread across the city, transforming it into a living stage.
Welcoming both established theater companies and emerging artists, the festival stands out for its participatory spirit and site-specific programming. For anyone looking to spend the summer immersed in culture amid the history-rich stone streets of the Aegean, this is the perfect choice.
International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival – Antalya
Blending the ancient acoustics of antiquity with the elegance of modern opera, the Aspendos Festival takes place throughout the summer at the historic Aspendos Theater in Antalya. Watching an opera or ballet beneath the stars, seated on 2,000-year-old stone steps, is both an artistic and emotionally unforgettable experience.
Featuring performances by national and international companies, this festival is a must for anyone with an appreciation for classical arts. As the music echoes through history, you’ll find yourself swept beyond the boundaries of time.
Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival – Selçuk / Izmir
Becoming an increasingly prominent part of Izmir’s cultural calendar, the Ephesus Festival presents opera and ballet performances set against the grandeur of the ancient city. The unmatched acoustics of the Ephesus Ancient Theater, paired with classical art, create an atmosphere that is both refined and moving.
This festival offers the perfect opportunity to take a short but enchanting cultural break from your summer beach plans. Blending seamlessly with the historical texture of Selçuk, the experience brings art to the forefront of both past and present.
BONUS: Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival – Antalya
Although it takes place in early autumn, the Golden Orange is Türkiye’s most prestigious film festival and a must on every cinephile’s calendar. Held in Antalya, the festival spans a full week of feature films, documentaries, short films, panels, workshops, and red carpet events.
If you're planning a late-summer trip to Antalya, aligning your visit with this cinematic celebration is a wonderful way to end the season with culture and glamour.
