Istanbul - Special Events

International Film Festival
April
Film retrospectives and new cinema releases from Turkey and around the world.
Mostly cinemas along Istikal Caddesi in Beyoğlu
Website: www.iksv.org/film

International Theatre Festival
May-June
Performances of a wide variety of theatrical works from Turkey and Europe.
Various theatres and performance spaces in and around Istanbul
Website: www.iksv.org/tiyatro

International Istanbul Music Festival
June
Classical music featuring Turkish and international artists and orchestras.
Various Istanbul venues
Website: www.iksv.org/muzik

Efes Pilsner One Love Festival
June
A two-day, open-air rock and dance music festival that takes place around midsummer.
Parkorman
Website: www.pozitif-ist.com

International Jazz Festival
July
Jazz from Turkey and abroad.
Various Istanbul venues
Website: www.iksv.org/caz

Rock'n Coke
August
An open-air rock music festival sponsored by Coca-Cola and featuring international artists. An annual event since 2003, this did not take place in 2008 but another is planned for 2009.
Hezarfen Airfield, west of Istanbul
Website: www.rockncoke.com

Akbank Jazz Festival
October
A jazz festival with a number of big international names performing.
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Babylon and the Akbank Cultural and Arts Centre.
Website: www.akbanksanat.com

Cumhuriyet Bayram (Republic Day)
October
A national holiday celebrating Atatrk's proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
Throughout Istanbul

Istanbul Arts Fair (ARTIST)
November
A trade fair exhibiting and selling painting and sculpture from European artists.
Tyap Fair and Congress Centre
Website: www.tuyap.com.tr

Efes Pilsen Blues Festival
November/December
A touring programme of blues events in 14 Turkish cities that include Istanbul.
Ltfi Kırdar Convention Centre
Website: www.pozitif-ist.com