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
1. Istanbul Film Festival
- Date: April (annually)
- Location: Across major cinemas in Istanbul
- Topic: International and domestic feature & short films
- Organizer: Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV)
- Website: https://film.iksv.org/en
2. Istanbul Music Festival
- Date: 11–26 June 2025
- Location: Historical concert halls and open-air venues
- Topic: Classical music, chamber orchestras, soloists
- Organizer: IKSV
- Website: https://music.iksv.org
3. Istanbul Jazz Festival
- Date: 1–18 July 2025
- Location: Harbiye Open-Air Theater & multiple venues
- Topic: Jazz, contemporary music
- Organizer: IKSV
- Website: https://caz.iksv.org
4. Istanbul Festival
- Date: 1–17 August 2025
- Location: Festival Park Yenikapı
- Topic: Pop, rock, mainstream music
- Organizer: Istanbul Festival Organization
- Website: https://istanbulfestivali.com
5. MilyonFest Istanbul
- Date: 17–20 July 2025
- Location: Milyon Beach, Kilyos
- Topic: Rock & alternative music, camping
- Organizer: Milyon Events
6. Life From Istanbul Fest (LFI)
- Date: 27 July 2025
- Location: Maximum UNIQ Open-Air Stage
- Topic: Youth music, pop, EDM
- Organizer: LFI Organization
7. MilyonFest Metal Camp
- Date: 5–7 September 2025
- Location: Milyon Beach, Kilyos
- Topic: Heavy metal festival with camping
- Organizer: Milyon Events
8. Tea Fest Istanbul
- Date: 13–14 September 2025
- Location: Galataport Istanbul, Clock Tower Square
- Topic: Tea culture, tastings, gastronomy
9. Festibağ Istanbul
- Date: 13–14 September 2025
- Location: Swissotel The Bosphorus Chalet Garden
- Topic: Wine, culture, food & live music
- Organizer: Swissotel + partners
10. Istanbul Cultural Route Festival
- Date: 27 September – 5 October 2025
- Location: Beyoğlu district and cultural trail
- Topic: Street art, exhibitions, concerts
- Organizer: Beyoğlu Municipality + Ministry of Culture
District-Based Festivals
Beyoğlu
- 360 Degrees of Love Festival (Feb): Art & literature events
- Golden Horn International Festival (Mar): Multidisciplinary culture fair
- IFSAK Short Film Festival (Mar): Short film screenings
- Akbank Short Film Festival (Mar): National & international films
- Spring Film Festival (Mar): Indie and student film showcase
- Istanbul International Dance Festival (Apr–May): Modern & folk dance
- AKM Children’s Art Festival (Apr): Performances and workshops
Kadıköy
Paribu Stick Con Festival (Feb): Comic books, anime, geek culture
Ataşehir
- Ataşehir Classical Music Festival (Mar): Orchestra and solo concerts
- Lindy Hop Jazz Dance Festival (Jan): Swing dance & live jazz
Beşiktaş
Spring Film Festival – Beşiktaş Edition (Mar): Film screenings at district venues
Bahçelievler
Bahçelievler Gastronomy Festival (Apr–May): Regional food and cooking contests
Ümraniye
- Children’s Festival (Apr): Open-air games and art for kids
Beykoz
- WOW Women of the World Festival (Mar): Talks, performances, workshops
- Kanlıca Yogurt Festival (Jul): Traditional yogurt and local fair
Güngören
Trabzon Culture Festival (Mar): Regional music, food, folk dance
Kartal
Electronica Festival (Oct): DJs and electronic music shows
Büyükçekmece
- International Culture and Art Festival (24 Jul – 2 Aug): Global folk dance, exhibitions, concerts
- Website: https://buyukcekmecefest.com
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.
