What’s on in Istanbul

International Istanbul Music Festival photo

International Istanbul Music Festival

16 - 20 May 2022

Various

One of the most prominent events on the city's cultural calendar and one of the foremost musical events in Europe, the International Istanbul Music Festival is a summer extravaganz…

International Istanbul Music Festival

16 - 20 May 2022

Various

One of the most prominent events on the city's cultural calendar and one of the foremost musical events in Europe, the International Istanbul Music Festival is a summer extravaganza of opera and ballet, as well as classical and traditional music. Over the years, the festival has hosted world-renown classical performers and groups from around the globe. Acts include local artists and traditional music groups, international philharmonic orchestras, distinguished chamber ensembles, and soloists, as well as dance and ballet performances and Sufi whirling. Concerts are held in various locations, including some of the historical buildings in Istanbul.

Website www.iksv.org/muzik/english

Contemporary Istanbul photo

Contemporary Istanbul

19 — 23 Sep 2022

Lütfi Kirdar Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre

Every October, artists from across Turkey converge on the capital to showcase their latest creations in contemporary art. Exhibitions display paintings, sculptures, and crafts, and…

Contemporary Istanbul

19 — 23 Sep 2022

Lütfi Kirdar Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre

Every October, artists from across Turkey converge on the capital to showcase their latest creations in contemporary art. Exhibitions display paintings, sculptures, and crafts, and are sometimes sold or auctioned. Admirers show up for the week to asses, purchase and critique.

Website www.contemporaryistanbul.com

The Bosphorus Swim photo

The Bosphorus Swim

19 — 21 Aug 2022

Kanlica

This annual event sees over a thousand swimmers navigate the 4.3 miles (7km) of the Bosphorus Straight between Kanlica and Cemil Topuzlu Park, essentially swimming from Asia to Eur…

The Bosphorus Swim

19 — 21 Aug 2022

Kanlica

This annual event sees over a thousand swimmers navigate the 4.3 miles (7km) of the Bosphorus Straight between Kanlica and Cemil Topuzlu Park, essentially swimming from Asia to Europe. Concurrently, rowers and sailors participate in longer races along the same route. Complementing the event are live brass band performances, water-ski exhibitions, and dance performances.