Spring Festival Calendar: Which Festival Takes Place Where in April and May?

With the arrival of spring, nature awakens, cities burst into color, and town squares come alive. One of the most enjoyable ways to shake off the winter blues is by joining a festival filled with music, dance, and traditional flavors under the open sky. And luckily, April and May are packed with vibrant events all across Türkiye.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the most exciting spring festivals happening in different cities during April and May. So start planning your calendar and set your route toward flowers, joy, and unforgettable memories!

International Istanbul Tulip Festival

Where? Istanbul – Emirgan Grove, Göztepe 60th Year Park, and across the city
When? Throughout April

That time of year has come again—the festival that turns Istanbul into a painting every spring! The International Istanbul Tulip Festival is a true celebration of nature, dedicated to the elegant flower that has become a symbol of the city. Parks, gardens, and even roadside corners overflow with vibrant tulips—shall we take a look at what’s waiting for you this season?

Millions of tulips greet visitors at many locations across the city, including Emirgan Grove, Gülhane Park, Sultanahmet Square, and Göztepe 60th Year Park. And it’s not just about flowers—there are also exhibitions, live music performances, outdoor events, and photography contests throughout the festival. Be sure to take an early morning walk in Emirgan Grove and don’t miss the chance to pause by the lake for some unforgettable photos.

Hıdırellez Spring Festival

Where? Edirne, Kırklareli, Istanbul, and various cities across Anatolia
When? May 5–6

Hıdırellez is one of the oldest and most vibrant traditions celebrating the arrival of spring, welcomed with colorful rituals both in rural villages and urban neighborhoods. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this ancient celebration is filled with wishes for abundance, prosperity, and good health.

The most spirited version of the festival takes place at the Edirne Kakava Festivities, where the joy and rhythm of Roma culture fill the night with music, dancing, and celebration until the early hours. In Istanbul, Hıdırellez gatherings are held in Sarıyer, Ahırkapı, and various local parks. So—are you ready to jump over bonfires, tie your wishes to a tree, and bury your hopes under a rose bush?

Didim Kite Festival

Where? Didim, Aydın
When? Late April – Early May (dates may vary each year)

Who doesn’t love kites? The Didim Kite Festival is a cheerful event that fills the bright blue skies of the Aegean with color and brings together people of all ages. You can design your own kite and let it soar, watch others dance across the sky, or join in the fun with beachside workshops, competitions, and live music performances. Blending the joy of spring with Didim’s stunning natural beauty and sea breeze, the festival draws special interest from families with children. If you’re looking to welcome spring outdoors, this vibrant celebration is not to be missed.

International Children and Youth Theatre Festival

Where? İzmir
When? Late April

The International Children and Youth Theatre Festival, held in İzmir, is the perfect choice for families looking to enjoy a spring season filled with culture and the arts. Organized by the Turkish State Theatres, the festival welcomes theatre groups from both Türkiye and abroad, bringing them together with young audiences. The performances not only fuel children’s imaginations but also help them develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.

And it doesn’t stop at the stage—drama workshops, puppet-making sessions, storytelling corners, and creative play areas are also part of the program. Open to participants of all ages, this festival plays an important role in introducing children to the world of theatre at an early and impressionable age.

Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival

Where? Ankara
When? May (typically during the first half of the month)

The Flying Broom is Türkiye’s first women-themed film festival, using cinema as a powerful platform to highlight gender equality and women’s rights. Held in Ankara since 1998, the festival is organized around a different theme each year and showcases stories by women directors, writers, and actors. Alongside national and international screenings, the program also features talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

This festival appeals not only to film enthusiasts but also to anyone passionate about social issues and gender equality. Screenings are held across various venues in Ankara, often with free or affordable ticket options, making it accessible to a broad audience. For those seeking to raise awareness through the power of storytelling, this is one spring event not to miss.

Foça Kozbeyli Lavender Festival

Where? Kozbeyli Village, Foça – İzmir
When? May

Kozbeyli, one of İzmir’s historic villages, welcomes visitors in late spring with a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by blooming lavender fields. Organized with the support of Foça Municipality, the Lavender Festival is a boutique event that brings together photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The village streets are adorned with lavender-themed decorations, while the surrounding fields host various events throughout the day, creating a festive mood that spreads across the region.

Visitors can stroll through the lavender fields, witness the harvest, and explore handmade lavender products up close. Local delicacies, lavender-infused drinks, and sweet treats are also a big part of the festival, drawing great attention. If you’re looking for a quiet, fragrant, and pastoral escape at the end of spring, the Kozbeyli Lavender Festival is a perfect choice.

April and May are not only the season of spring, but also the season of culture, music, nature, and local flavors coming to life. These festivals across Türkiye promise vibrant days filled with tradition, creativity, and connection to the land. Whether you're flying kites under the open sky, strolling through tulip gardens, or enjoying classical music in a historical setting, there’s a festival out there for everyone. So go ahead and mark your calendar—spring may not last forever, but its memories certainly do.