Lifestyle
2 September 2023September, the start of fall, opens the doors to a month brimming with art in Istanbul. Outdoor concerts, impressive theater shows, exhibitions, and festivals to savor the lingering days of summer await art enthusiasts in this splendid September. If you're still undecided about your plans this month, we recommend taking a glance at the September 2023 cultural and artistic events in Istanbul we've put together for you.
September Festivals
Light & Dreams - Festival of Lights in the Forest (Ormanda Işık Festivali)
The Light & Dreams - Lights in the Forest Festival, drawing global attention, is making its debut in Turkey. Rooted in a fantastical tale, the festival unveils the doors to a fairy tale realm for its visitors. The festival grounds, adorned with 25 thousand lights and stretching over 3 kilometers of silk, promise an immensely entertaining experience. If you'd like to embark on an unforgettable journey led by fairies, elves, wolves, enchanting places, and flowers, make sure to mark this festival on your calendar.
Location: Turkcell Platinum Park
Date: September 1 - 30, 2023
33rd Akbank Jazz Festival
The days eagerly anticipated by not only jazz aficionados but also many music enthusiasts have arrived. The Akbank Jazz Festival, uniting the world's foremost jazz musicians with young talents on the same stage, stands as one of Turkey's most esteemed festivals. This year, the festival, previously hosted in venues like Hagia Irene, Babylon, Zorlu Center PSM, and Cemal Reşit Rey, boasts an exceptionally diverse lineup.
Location: Various Venues
Date: September 23 - October 8, 2023
Live From Istanbul Fest
Are you ready for a thrilling 3-day festival? Live From Istanbul Fest is set to be one of the highlights of September, bringing together a multitude of music genres. So, who can you expect to see at this festival? Renowned figures such as Grammy award-winning DJ David Guetta, Abel, an electronic music luminary, Meduza, regarded as the new-generation trailblazer of House music, and Teoman and Gripin, cherished names in rock music, will grace the stage at Live From Istanbul Fest.
Location: Festival Park Yenikapı
Date: September 29 - October 1, 2023, 15:00
September Concerts
Gipsy Kings
The legends of Latin music are heading to Istanbul. The Gipsy Kings, whose albums have sold over 60 million copies and who enjoy great popularity in our country, present a unique opportunity for those seeking an authentic Latin night. This Grammy award-winning band will meet the people of Istanbul at Zorlu PSM, led by Andre Reyes.
Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: September 19, 2023, 9:00 PM
Jazz in the Forest with Zuhal Olcay (Zuhal Olcay ile Ormanda Jazz)
Zuhal Olcay, who has captured our hearts with her stunning beauty and voice, will be delighting her fans at the concert, where she'll perform the songs we've all been yearning for.
Location: YBY Woods Living and Event Area
Date: September 20, 2023, 9:00 PM
Buika
Regarded as one of the world's finest vocalists, Buika is coming to Istanbul to dazzle the locals with her incredible music that seamlessly blends flamenco, soul, and jazz. Don't miss this musical extravaganza from the Grammy award-winning artist.
Venue: Zorlu PSM
Date: September 26, 2023, 9:00 PM
Armin Van Buuren
Wrapping up the September recommendations is a Grammy award-winning DJ. Armin Van Buuren, one of the globe's top DJs and a must-see headliner at festivals, will be setting Istanbul on fire this time.
Location: Life Park
Date: September 22, 2023, 4:00 PM
September Theaters
1923
Are you prepared for an enthralling musical journey from the present day back to our history, on the 100th anniversary of our Republic?
"Four friends who vanish during a school trip to the War of Independence Museum suddenly find themselves on the Bandırma Ferry, where Mustafa Kemal initiated the National Struggle."
The opening of the Parliament, the Great Offensive, the proclamation of the Republic... 1923, where you will watch the National Struggle's adventure with bated breath, is at Zorlu PSM with a massive cast of 100 people.
Location: Zorlu PSM
Date: September 23 - 24, 2023, 7:00 PM
The Miser (Cimri)
Moliere's renowned play "The Miser" has been playing to packed houses for eight seasons, with Serkan Keskin's acclaimed portrayal of Harpagon. Make sure to reserve your seat now for this new season when the theaters call "curtain."
Venue: Kadıköy Municipality Selamiçeşme Liberty Park Amphitheater
Date: September 3, 2023, 9:00 PM
Kadikoy Stand Up Night
If you're up for a night full of laughter, Kadıköy is definitely the place to be. Kadikoy Stand Up Night, which never fails to impress the audience every week with its talented and hilarious cast of comedians, is eagerly waiting for Istanbulites who are looking to take a delightful break.
Location: Motto Stage Kadıköy
Date: September 1, 2023, 8:30 PM
Broadway in Istanbul Vol.2
How about experiencing a genuine Broadway musical right here in Istanbul? Broadway in Istanbul, which receives standing ovations every time it graces the stage, is gearing up for its second installment this time. It will take the stage for just one night with its special selection of meticulously chosen songs from iconic Broadway musicals like Chicago, Cabaret, Grease, Mama Mia, Mouline Rouge, Follies, Evita, and Leave It to Me.
Location: Maximum UNIQ Open Air
Date: September 19, 2023, 9:00 PM
September Exhibitions
Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts - "The First Year of the Republic" (Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat – “Cumhuriyet’in İlk Yılı”)
Based on the book of the same name, the exhibition takes us on a journey through time with vivid snapshots from the first year of the Republic of Turkey.
Location: Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts, Beyoğlu
Date: June 16 - September 3, 2023
Galataport - "The Little Prince 80th Anniversary Special Exhibition"
"The Little Prince," penned by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and offering a glimpse into the world of adults through the eyes of a child, is now at Galataport with a special exhibition marking its 80th anniversary.
Location: Galataport Istanbul
Date: June 21 - October 31, 2023
