This guide combines Istanbul’s major annual festivals with district-specific cultural events. Each entry includes name, location, topic, organizer, and website (if available).
Major Annual Festivals in Istanbul
📅 January – March 2026
Artists’ Film International & BIENALSUR – Istanbul Modern
- When: 23 Dec 2025 – 16 Jan 2026
- Where: Istanbul Modern (new building, Karaköy)
- About: International artists’ film/video programs from global partners. Screenings on selected days through Jan. 16.
- Website: https://www.istanbulmodern.org/en/
- Focus: contemporary art and cinema in museum setting
Narathon – Tango Marathon (Dance Marathon Style)
- Dates: 16-18 January 2026
- Venue: Tarihi Gar Gazinosu (Yenikapı area, historic music hall vibe).
- About: Multi-day tango marathon & social dance experience, with DJs and partners from around the world.
- Website: https://www.narathon.com/
Peeping Tom / Zorlu PSM Events (Theatre & Dance)
- When: 20-21 Jan 2026
- Where: Zorlu Performing Arts Center (Beşiktaş)
- About: International performance piece by Peeping Tom.
- Website: https://www.zorlupsm.com/
Legends of Istanbul
TanGO TO Istanbul – International Tango Festival
- Dates: 10-17 March 2026
- Venue: Pullman International Hotel & other venues in Istanbul (dance halls, milonga spaces).
- About: One of the biggest tango festivals globally: workshops, orchestra concerts, milongas, competitions (T2I World Cup), marathon dancing & more.
- Highlights:
• World-class tango maestros & DJ line-ups
• Tango competitions with World Cup format (13–17 Mar)
• Social milongas, concerts & performance shows - Official site: https://www.tangotoistanbul.com/
🎬 April 2026
45th Istanbul Film Festival
- When: 9-19 Apr 2026
- Where: Multiple cinemas/theatres (Beyoğlu, Kadıköy)
- About: Largest international cinema event in Türkiye, with world cinema, retrospectives, talks, and meet-ups.
- Website: https://film.iksv.org/en
Meetings on the Bridge (Industry / Filmmaking)
- When: 14-16 Apr 2026
- About: Filmmaker workshop/trade talks as part of the Film Festival.
Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Half Marathon
- When: 19 April 2026 (Sun)
- Where: Historic Peninsula route (course winds around Istanbul sites).
- About: A major half marathon attracting international runners.
- Registration & details: https://istanbulyarimaratonu.com/en/
VII International Folklore Festival “Istanbul Fest”
- When: 23-26 Apr 2026
- Where: Various performance venues around Istanbul
- About: Folk dance, music, and cultural exchange festival featuring youth and international groups.
- Info: See World Festival Association listings online
🎶 May – June 2026
International Labor Film Festival
- When: 1-8 May 2026 (approx every year)
- Where: Cinemas across Istanbul
- About: Free screenings focusing on labor issues and documentary films.
- Website: http://iff.org.tr
54th Istanbul Music Festival
- When: 11-25 Jun 2026
- Where: Historic Istanbul venues (AKM, Süreyya Opera House, etc.)
- About: Classical, world music and contemporary presentations.
- Website: https://muzik.iksv.org/en
International Folk Dance & Music Festival “Istanbul Fest”
- When: 27 Jun – 1 Jul 2026
- About: Performance and cultural festival for folk ensembles from around the world.
🎷 July 2026
Istanbul Jazz Festival
- When: July 2026 (mid-month)
- Where: Concert halls, open-air venues (e.g., Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre)
- About: Jazz, soul, fusion, and world music concerts.
- Website: https://caz.iksv.org/en
Istanbul Night Marathon Relay
- When: 4 July 2026 (Sat)
- Where: Along the Bosphorus coast (Tarabya → Sarıyer loop).
- About: Night-time running event with multiple distances and festive atmosphere.
- More info: Tickets & route info via race-specific listings (search Istanbul Night Marathon Relay).
International Music & Dance Festival “Istanbul Days”
- When: 17-21 Jul 2026 (dates from festival circuits)
- About: Diverse performing arts festival with music and dance.
📸 August 2026
Istanbul Fest (City Festival)
- When: 1-16 Aug 2026
- Where: Festival Park, Yenikapı and city stages
- About: Large city summer festival with concerts, activities, youth events, and entertainment zones. (Annual event details from local festival sources.)
International Istanbul Dance & Music Festival
- When: 27-31 Aug 2026
- About: Performance event for dance and music groups from around the world.
🎨 September 2026
Istanbul Fringe Festival
- When: 19-26 Sep 2026
- About: Performing arts, workshops, experimental theatre and contemporary dance.
Istanbul Tourism Fair
- When: 24-25 Sep 2026
- Where: Yenikapı Eurasia Show & Art Center
- About: Industry expo with cultural tourism exhibits.
🍁 October – November 2026
Challenge Istanbul (Triathlon)
- Typical Season: Autumn / Fall (usually late September–October; 2026 details to appear).
- About: Middle-distance triathlon (swim, bike, run) across European & Asian sides of Istanbul – first of its kind intercontinental triathlon event.
- Official site: https://www.challenge-istanbul.com/
Filmekimi (İKSV Contemporary Cinema Week)
- When: Oct 2026
- About: Contemporary cinema selections, premieres, and screenings curated by İKSV.
- Website: https://film.iksv.org/en
29th Istanbul Theatre Festival
- When: Oct-Nov 2026
- About: Stage plays, experimental performances and international theatre.
Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon (Full Marathon)
- When: 1 November 2026 (Sun)
- Where: Starts near 15 July Martyrs Bridge & spans across city.
- Distances: 42 km and other categories (15.5 km).
- About & registration: Route, registration deadlines & fees on Eventigo or marathon.istanbul portals.
- Details: https://www.eventigo.tr/turkiye-is-bankasi-istanbul-marathon-2026
International Istanbul Dance & Music Competition & Festival
- When: 22-26 Nov 2026
- About: Fall cultural performance festival for youth and dance groups.
Notes:
- Dates may vary annually, always check official websites for updated programs.
- Municipalities often provide free entrance or discounted tickets for residents.
- Istanbul Culture and Arts Foundation (IKSV) is a major curator of year-round festivals.
