Culture & Travel
3 October 2023October is an exceptionally vibrant month when it comes to cultural and artistic events. It's a month brimming with performances, cinema, theater, exhibitions, workshops, and shows featuring both local and international groups and artists. Our aim is to compile all the October events under a single heading, making it easier for you, art enthusiasts, to keep track of the cultural and arts happenings you wish to attend during the month.
October Festivals
Natural Life Fest
This festival, dedicated to healthy living, offers insights into both natural and organic lifestyles. It's an opportunity to grasp the significance of clean production and the promotion of clean food for a healthier and more sustainable future for your children. You won't want to miss the 6th edition of the Natural Life Festival this year.
Location: Kemerburgaz Urban Forest - YBY Woods Living and Event Area
Date: October 7-8
Oktoberfest Music Festival
This event, featuring performances by renowned bands, promises a two-day music extravaganza. The festival, where you can enjoy live and energetic bands like The Ringo Jets, Sahte Rakı, Yüksek Sadakat, Madrigal, and Soul Stuff, takes place at Yapı Kredi Bomontiada in Şişli.
Location: Yapı Kredi Bomontiada
Date: October 6-7
FilmEkimi
Organized regularly by the Istanbul Cultural Foundation (IKSV) since 2002, this year's FilmEkimi program is packed with cinematic delights. You can expect a lineup of films from both local and international cinema throughout the event. Be prepared to discover new award-winning films and productions that you won't find anywhere else during the FilmEkimi program.
Location: Istanbul - Atlas Cinema, Kadikoy Cinema, Sinematek Cinema House, Cinewam City's 7
Date: October 13 - October 22
40th International Istanbul Book Fair
For the 40th consecutive year, TÜYAP is organizing the Istanbul Book Fair, a gathering for book enthusiasts. The fair promises hundreds of book signings and events, making it Europe's largest book fair with the highest number of avid readers.
Location: Istanbul - Beylikdüzü - TÜYAP Book Fairground
Date: October 28
Istanbul Neighborhood Art Festival (İstanbul Semtine Has Sanat Festivali)
The Neighborhood Art Festival is a diverse blend of events, including concerts, workshops, and discussions. This grand festival, where visual and auditory arts converge, will be held at various venues in Kadıköy. It kicks off on October 13 and continues through October 21.
Location: Various Venues
Date: October 13 - October 21
October Concerts
Garanti BBVA Concerts: Jadu Heart
Diva-Sachy Jeffrey and Alex Headford, the prominent duo of the recent indie pop scene with their unique style, are coming to provide music enthusiasts with an unforgettable night.
Venue: Salon IKSV - Istanbul
Date: October 6-7
+1 Presents: ENGIN
Skillfully blending pop, jazz, and psychedelic music, the Turkish-German band delivered one of the most exciting albums of the year, "Nacht." You have the chance to witness Engin Devekıran's flawless performance on vocals and guitar, alongside David Knevels on bass guitar and Jonas Stiegler on drums live.
Venue: Salon IKSV - Istanbul
Date: October 13
Karsu
Karsu is one of the standout figures in modern music, expertly fusing various genres from blues to jazz, pop to funk in her music. The talented musician invites you to an unforgettable musical extravaganza.
Location: Bostanci Show Center
Date: October 8
Melike Sahin
Melike Şahin, renowned for her pop music but also infusing her music with arabesque, fantasy, and electro guitar elements, is regarded as one of the trailblazing musicians in the new movement.
Venue: Turkcell Valley Stage
Date: October 13
David Garrett
David Garrett, one of the world's most renowned violin virtuosos, will grace the stage in Istanbul on October 18th as part of his Iconic Tour. Garrett, who will interpret numerous pop and rock songs alongside his beloved classics in his unique style, eagerly awaits all music lovers for this magnificent night.
Location: Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater
Date: October 18
October Exhibitions
Group Exhibition From the Collection II
This exhibition, distinguished by its diverse artistic expressions, is presented to art aficionados as a unique synthesis. Each piece in the exhibition bears a distinctive mark, offering a unique and personal experience to visitors.
Location: Gallery 11.17
Date: September 7 - October 13
Funk Your Funk
From September 13 to October 14, Jakup Ferri's Funk Your Funk exhibition opens its doors to art enthusiasts. The Kosovar artist takes a political stance, especially regarding his exclusion from Western art, and seamlessly translates this into his art, uniting works that have been showcased at prestigious festivals, including the Kosovo Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale.
Location: Ferda Art Platform
Date: September 13 - October 14
Excerpts from a Long Story Among Friends
The exhibition, which commenced on September 11 and will continue until October 28, showcases the works of Hüseyin Bahri Alptekin. His art pieces bear traces of his life and way of living. The exhibition also features works by renowned artists such as Michael Morris, Ayhan Hacıfazlıoğlu, Vahit Tuna, Serkan Özkaya, Can Altay, and Camila Rocha.
Location: Galerist
Date: September 11 - October 28
October Theaters
Surprise Me
The play, where a director believes that to defeat the villains, one must become like them, is considered one of the most ambitious shows of the year.
Location: Caddebostan Cultural Center Grand Hall
Date: October 9
Mr. Bülent's Story
The play, staged by Theater Honey Badger, which brings together famous and beloved theater actors, unveils the striking and extraordinary events that unfold when the brain and other organs start speaking.
Location: Stage Dragos
Date: October 10
Jekyll & Hyde
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's world-famous classic thriller novel, the musical 'Jekyll & Hyde' is captivating both in terms of production and performance. You are invited to experience this musical with a stellar cast.
Location: Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater
Date: October 15
