Festivals You Can Go To in Turkey in 2020
Are you looking to get more from your holiday in Turkey? Why not book tickets to the many music, film and culture festivals taking place this year!
Artists and musicians around the world come to Turkey every year to connect with their fans and perform in festivals. Whether you are looking to join a big music festival or a local culture festival, you have many options available.
Festival prices in Turkey are usually cheaper than in other places in Europe. If you choose to add a festival to your holiday in Turkey, you would definitely enrich your experience whether you are going to a big city in Turkey like Istanbul, or to a resort town near the beaches like Çeşme.
Although we have listed many of the festivals that are confirmed, there are more waiting to be announced so visit our blog for updates.
Book Your Flights to Turkey for Summer 2020
Music Festivals in Turkey
The Istanbul edition of Sónar is a big electronic music, technology and creativity festival bringing DJs and producers of the local and international electronic music scene together.
Held in Zorlu PSM, a prestigious art centre in Levent, the festival features audiovisual shows, as well as DJ performances and live music.
You can find out about this year's programme here.
For those who prefer a more laid back environment and jazz music, you can visit Istanbul for jazz concerts throughout spring. Not only is spring the best time to visit Istanbul, but you will also get to enjoy renowned local and international jazz bands for prices starting from £16.
The festival features jazz masters such as Fatoumata Diawara, Tony Allen and Okay Temiz, as well as pop bands and artists like Parov Stelar, Angel Olsen, Pet Shop Boys, and Tove Lo.
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Taking place in two of the most fun places in Turkey; Istanbul and Bodrum, Chill-Out Festival is a 2 day summer festival, both located next to a beach. Dance, electronic and house music enthusiasts will love this good energy festival, and festival goers even bring their dogs.
The festival welcomed names such as Christian Löffler, Nicola Cruz and Blond:ish last year, however the programme has not been announced yet. There are also different activities at the festival like yoga and painting.
The Istanbul Music Festival is a prestigious classical music event in Istanbul, going on for almost 50 years. Turkish and international classical music artists, quartets, orchestras and more come together in this festival to not only play music but for discussions and other activities as well.
Bozcaada Jazz Festival is a jazz festival with over 20 acts and thousands in attendance. Although still small and in the beginning stages, this is a great festival you can go to if you are heading to the less touristy, small summer town of Bozcaada. You can enjoy the local wines while you are here, or even do a little tour.
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Akbank Jazz Festival is the second longest-running jazz festival in Turkey, after IKSV International Jazz Festival. This year in October, the festival will be celebrating its 30th year. Last year, the festival welcomed London-based bands Alfa Mist and Kokoroko, and Turkish masters such as Kerem Görsev and Erkan Oğur. It is expected to be incredible in the third decade of its running.
Film Festivals in Turkey
Much like Raindance and BFI Film Festivals, IKSV’s International Istanbul Film Festival is organised each year to celebrate cinema from around the world. This 12-day festival allows film lovers to watch films before anyone does for the same (sometimes cheaper) prices. The festival comprises five major competitions within its programme: International Competition, National Competition, Human Rights in Cinema Competition, National Documentary Competition and National Short Film Competition.
Keep an eye on the announcements for the 39th International Istanbul Film Festival’s programme here.
Cinema of Turkey has always told unique stories and worked as a mirror of society, pushing audiences in Turkey to self-reflect and reaching audiences all over the world. Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival was first held in 1964, and it was a pivot point in the careers of many great directors from Turkey such as Yılmaz Güney, Bilge Olgaç, Atıf Yılmaz, Yavuz Turgul, Ömer Kavur, Zeki Demirkubuz, Yeşim Ustaoğlu, Nuri Bilge Ceylan and Reha Erdem.
The festival also shows international films and has welcomed famous faces such as István Szabó, Francis Ford Coppola, Emir Kusturica, Catherine Deneuve, Bob Rafelson, Abbas Kiarostami, Bahman Ghobadi, Asghar Farhadi, Theresa Russell, Krzysztof Zanussi, Helen Mirren, Paul Verhoeven, Faye Dunaway, Harvey Keitel, Mickey Rourke, Audrey Tautou, Adrien Brody...
If you are in Antalya for holidays in October, you should check out the National Competition films. Learn more about the festival here.
Culture Festivals in Turkey
- Alaçatı Ot Festival, 9 - 12 April 2020
The 11th edition of Alaçatı Ot Festival takes place in spring, just when the herbs and weeds are ready to harvest. It’s a great festival for those who are interested in the local cuisine as well as horticulture and the environment. If you are heading to Izmir or Çeşme around this time, make sure to check this festival out.
Essentially a festival with a farmers’ market atmosphere, Alaçatı Ot Festival features talks by culinary experts, horticulturists, herbalists, discussions, art exhibitions and more. We recommend that you go with a local to enjoy all the flavours this festival can offer.
- Bozcaada Culture, Arts and Vine Harvest Festival, 6 - 8 September 2020
One of Bozcaada’s most popular festivals, the Arts and Vine Harvest Festival takes place in September for the 19th time this year. You can taste the most delicious local vines and travel the many vineyards on the island, you can even participate in harvesting the grapes.
In the evening, you can attend the concerts or eat at the local restaurants while sipping your wine. This festival can be great with kids too.
Haven’t booked your tickets to Turkey yet? What are you waiting for!
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Get in touch with us today at sales@rightholidays.co.uk or call our offices on (0208) 661 1805 to arrange your perfect summer holiday in Turkey.