İzmir, the pearl of the Aegean, is not only famous for its turquoise coastline and rich history but also for its vibrant calendar of festivals that celebrate art, music, food, and local traditions. From spring to winter, the city and its surrounding districts host a variety of events — some grand and international, others intimate and deeply rooted in local culture. Here’s your month-by-month guide to the must-see İzmir festivals guide.
Spring – A Season of Flowers and Fresh Flavors
Bayındır International Flower Festival
When: 2–4 May 2025
Where: Bayındır district
Theme: Flower exhibitions, gardening workshops, concerts, and local product stalls
Admission: Generally free or low-cost
Every spring, Bayındır bursts into a rainbow of colors as growers and garden lovers gather to celebrate the region’s floral heritage. This event is perfect for those who love nature photography and botanical beauty.
Urla International Artichoke Festival
When: April–May (11th edition in 2025)
Where: Urla
Theme: “One Artichoke, A Thousand Flavors” — cooking demonstrations, local product markets, and live performances
Admission: Free
Urla transforms into a culinary hotspot during this event, showcasing the humble artichoke in creative recipes prepared by renowned chefs and home cooks alike.
Mart Dokuzu Urla Wild Herb Festival
When: 9 March (every year)
Where: Urla – Özbek neighborhood
Theme: Nature walks to forage seasonal herbs, open-air markets, and cooking workshops
Admission: Free or symbolic fee
This festival connects visitors to İzmir’s foraging traditions, inviting everyone to collect fresh herbs from the surrounding hills before tasting dishes inspired by the day’s harvest.
Summer – Music, Theatre, and the Sea Breeze
International İzmir Festival
When: 3 June – 12 July 2025
Where: Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center (AASSM) and outdoor venues
Theme: Classical music, opera, theatre, and dance
Admission: Mostly ticketed; some open-air events free
Organized by İKSEV, this long-running festival brings world-class performers to İzmir’s stages, turning the city into a hub for high culture.
İzmir European Jazz Festival
When: March 2025
Where: Various cultural venues in İzmir
Theme: Jazz performances by local and international artists
Admission: Mostly ticketed; some events free
Known for its intimate concert settings and masterclasses, this festival is a must for jazz enthusiasts.
What A Fest (Foça)
When: 20–24 August 2025
Where: Eski Foça seaside
Theme: Music, dance, workshops, and camping
Admission: Ticketed
Combining live music with the relaxed Aegean atmosphere, this festival invites guests to enjoy beachside concerts and hands-on creative activities.
Rooftop Festival İzmir
When: 27 September 2025
Where: Rooftops and terraces across the city
Theme: Music, art, food, and workshops — “one ticket, many rooftops”
Admission: Ticketed
This unique concept lets attendees hop from one panoramic venue to another, sampling music, cocktails, and sunset views.
Çandarlı Castle Cultural, Democracy, and Labor Festival
When: 2–3 August 2025
Where: Çandarlı Castle, near Dikili
Theme: Cultural performances and social awareness programs
Admission: Free
Set against the backdrop of a medieval castle, this event blends music and culture with community spirit.
Menderes Moto Fest
When: 18–19 July 2025
Where: Cumaovası, Menderes
Theme: Motorcycle culture, live shows, and gatherings
Admission: Not specified
A vibrant celebration for motorbike lovers, featuring group rides, exhibitions, and live entertainment.
Urla Toprak Stage Theatre Festival
When: 22–26 July 2025
Where: Urla
Theme: Outdoor theatre performances
Admission: Not specified
Enjoy open-air plays in the charming coastal town of Urla, where art meets sea breezes.
Bergama Theatre Festival
When: 8–10 August 2025
Where: Bergama
Theme: Stage performances in historical settings
Admission: Not specified
With its ancient theatre as a backdrop, Bergama offers a dramatic mix of heritage and performance art.
Karaburun Kösedere Grape Festival
When: 16–17 August 2025
Where: Karaburun
Theme: Grape harvest celebrations, local produce, music
Admission: Usually free
Visitors can taste freshly harvested grapes, enjoy folk dances, and explore this quiet peninsula town.
Autumn – Culture, Coffee, and Culinary Creativity
İzmir International Fair (İEF)
When: 29 August – 8 September 2025
Where: Kültürpark, Konak
Theme: Trade, culture, and entertainment
Admission: Ticketed
As Turkey’s oldest trade fair, İEF is both a business hub and a public festival with concerts, exhibitions, and cultural programs.
Live From Fest İzmir
When: 11 September 2025
Where: Likely central İzmir venues
Theme: Live music performances
Admission: Not specified
This event attracts fans of contemporary music and live stage energy.
Picnic & Gathering İzmir
When: 4 October 2025
Where: Swissotel Büyük Efes
Theme: Outdoor picnic with music and socializing
Admission: Ticketed
Combining fine hospitality with open-air fun, this gathering is ideal for those who enjoy music and mingling in a relaxed setting.
Coffee Festival İzmir
When: 10–12 October 2025
Where: Bayraklı
Theme: Coffee tastings, workshops, and artisan stalls
Admission: Not specified
From latte art to brew masterclasses, coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the aromas and flavors of the global coffee culture.
İzmir Culture Route Festival
When: 25 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Cultural venues and public spaces across İzmir
Theme: Multi-disciplinary arts, city-wide cultural trails
Admission: Free
A walking festival of sorts, where the city becomes a stage for music, theatre, and visual arts.
İzmir GastroFest
When: 2 November 2025 (estimated)
Where: Likely Alsancak and central districts
Theme: Culinary excellence with top chefs and producers
Admission: Ticketed
One of İzmir’s signature gastronomy events, gathering local and international culinary talent for tastings, talks, and workshops.
Mutfak Konak – İzmir Flavors Festival
When: Traditionally in October
Where: Abacıoğlu Han, Kemeraltı Bazaar
Theme: Traditional İzmir dishes, cooking demonstrations, cultural activities
Admission: Usually free or low-cost
A sensory journey through İzmir’s historic marketplace, this event pairs heritage architecture with authentic local flavors.
Why İzmir’s Festival Scene Stands Out
What makes İzmir unique is the diversity of its festival calendar. The city celebrates everything — art, music, theatre, motorcycles, flowers, coffee, and food — all while maintaining its Aegean warmth. Many of these events are open to the public at little or no cost, making them accessible for both residents and visitors.
From sipping coffee on a rooftop at sunset to dancing barefoot on the sand in Foça, from picking wild herbs in Urla to watching opera under the stars, İzmir’s festivals offer something for every taste.
