Culture & Travel

3 October 2023

October 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.

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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

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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

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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

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