1. İzmir International Fair
Türkiye’s oldest and largest multi-sector fair is held every September at Kültürpark. It combines trade exhibitions, concerts, cultural shows, conferences, and outdoor entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
When: Every September
Where: Kültürpark, İzmir
Click here for the event’s website.
2. Alaçatı Herb Festival
A spring festival celebrating Aegean herbs, local cuisine, and traditional culinary culture. Visitors enjoy cooking workshops, herb foraging tours, tastings, street performances, and colorful parades in the charming streets of Alaçatı.
When: Spring (April/May)
Where: Alaçatı, Çeşme District
Click here for the event’s website.
3. İzmir Marathon (Maratonİzmir)
One of Türkiye’s fastest and most scenic marathons, featuring a flat coastal route along İzmir’s beautiful bay. Runners from many countries participate in 10K, 21K, and 42K categories.
When: December
Where: Kordon Promenade & İzmir Bay Area
Click here for the event’s website.
4. Ephesus Opera & Ballet Days
A unique cultural event held in the breathtaking atmosphere of the ancient Ephesus Theatre. The festival features world-class opera, ballet, and classical music performances, offering a magical night under the stars.
When: Summer (July–August)
Where: Ephesus Ancient Theatre, Selçuk
5. İzmir Book Fair
One of Türkiye’s most influential literary events, bringing together authors, publishers, readers, and students. It includes book signings, panel talks, workshops, and cultural discussions.
When: April, October
Where: Kültürpark, İzmir
6. İzmir European Jazz Festival
A prestigious music festival hosting acclaimed jazz musicians from Europe and around the world. Concerts, workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions take place at cultural venues across the city.
When: July
Where: Various cultural venues in İzmir
7. Seferihisar Tangerine Festival
An autumn festival dedicated to Seferihisar’s famous mandarin orchards. Visitors can enjoy local food, tangerine-based products, handicrafts, concerts, and outdoor performances in a lively village atmosphere.
When: November
Where: Seferihisar Town Center
8. Gastrofarm Urla Festivals
Gastrofarm Urla promotes sustainable gastronomic tourism and celebrates the district’s local culinary and cultural heritage. Key annual events include:
- Mart Dokuzu Traditional Herb Festival – Welcoming spring with local herbs and cultural traditions. (When: March, Where: Urla Town Center)
- Enginar (Artichoke) Festival – Highlighting Urla’s geographically indicated artichokes. (When: Late April, Where: Urla Town Center)
- Grape Harvest Festivals (Bağbozumu & Hasat Şenlikleri) – Celebrating vineyards and winemaking traditions. (When: August & September, Where: Urla Vineyards and Wineries)
- Olive and Art Festival – Combining Urla’s olive culture with artistic expressions.
These festivals support local producers, preserve Urla’s natural and cultural fabric, and make the district a gastronomic tourism destination.
Click here for the event’s website.
9. Bergama Theater Festival
An innovative performing arts festival held in historic Bergama (Pergamon), featuring theater performances in four ancient theaters. The festival emphasizes local talent, community participation, and cultural transformation, combining street performances, workshops, and panel discussions.
When: Annually in August
Where: Ancient theaters of Bergama and city streets
10. International İzmir Festival
A world-class performing arts festival that brings together music, theater, and dance from international and Turkish artists. Staged in various historic and open-air venues across İzmir, it highlights opera, ballet, classical music, and contemporary performances.
When: Summer (dates vary)
Where: Key venues across İzmir
Comments
No comment left, would you like to comment?