Izmir, 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.
📅 January – March 2026
Mavibahçe Olive Oil Festival
- When: 16-18 Jan 2026
- Where: Mavibahçe, Karşıyaka (food & craft fair)
- About: Local olive oil producers, tasting stalls & exhibits.
- https://www.mavibahce.com.tr/www.mavibahce.com.tr/etkinlikler/mavibahce-zeytinyagi-festivali.html
Karaburun Narcissus Festival
- When: 16-18 Jan 2026
- Where: Karaburun district (flower displays and markets)
- About: Seasonal local flower festival with music and street entertainment.
- https://www.karaburun.bel.tr/tr/etkinlikdetay/8-karaburun-nergis-festivali/168
International European Jazz Festival Izmir
- When: March 2026 (early-mid, exact dates TBA)
- Where: Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center (Güzelyalı)
- About: Annual jazz celebration with Turkish and international artists.
- https://jazz-concerts.com/en/event/2026-Mar-7-European-Jazz-Festival-41937
At Çek Fishing Festival
- When: 07-08 Mar 2026
- Where: Aliağa district (coastal tradition & fish focus)
- About: Cultural event around fishing traditions and local food.
- https://festivall.com.tr/festival/14020/at-cek-balik-avi-festivali/
Village Theatre Festival
- When: 16-21 Mar 2026
- Where: Konak & city culture spaces
- About: Local theatre groups performing across venues.
🎬 April 2026
International Çeşme Folk Dance & Music Festival
- When: 22-26 Apr 2026
- Where: Alaçatı & Çeşme (coastal venues)
- About: International dance, folk music & cultural ensembles.
- https://eaff.eu/en/festivals/1157-5487-international-cesme-folk-dance-and-music-festival
Izmir International Women Filmmakers Festival
- When: 24-29 Apr 2026
- Where: Izmir cinemas & screening venues
- About: Films by women directors + workshops & panels.
- https://kadinyonetmenlerfestivali.com.tr/en/about
Alaçatı Herb Festival
- When: Mid-Apr / Late-Apr 2026 (expected)
- Where: Alaçatı, Çeşme
- About: Herbs, local cooking, tastings & workshops.
- https://www.alacati.org.tr/en/event-guide/11-alacati-herb-festival
Tire Cretan Culture Festival
- When: 12 Apr 2026
- Where: Tire district (music, food, dance)
- About: Cultural reunion celebrating Cretan heritage.
🎶 May – June 2026
International Urla Artichoke Festival
- When: 24-26 Apr 2026
- Where: Urla (food market, concerts & local culture)
- About: One of the region’s best-known food festivals.
- https://www.urlaenginarfestivali.com/
İzmir International Labor Film Festival
- When: 1-8 May 2026
- Where: Participating İzmir cinemas & screenings
- About: Free documentary & feature screenings on labor themes.
- https://www.iff.org.tr/about
Bayındır International Flower Festival
- When: 1-3 May 2026
- Where: Bayındır (flower exhibits, markets, performances)
- About: Local flower culture event with entertainment.
MilyonFest İzmir
- When: 14-17 May 2026
- Where: Konak & open stages
- About: Multi-genre music festival with local & Turkish acts.
International Urla Gastronomy Film Festival (UGFF)
- When: 05-07 Jun 2026
- Where: UrlaDam Cinema & town venues
- About: Films + food tastings + workshops & gala events.
- https://filmfreeway.com/UGFF2026
🎭 June – July 2026
Maraton İzmir
- When: 19 Apr 2026 (listed under Apr from local calendar listing)
- Where: Coastal / city routes
- About: Popular running event with various distances.
- https://www.maratonizmir.org/
International İzmir Dance, Music & Folkdance Festival
- When: 10-14 Aug 2026
- Where: Locations across İzmir
- About: Dance & music festival with international ensembles.
- https://www.eaff.eu/en/festivals/1606-5579-international-zmir-dance-music-and-folkdance-festival
🍂 September – November 2026
İzmir International Fair
- When: Every September (likely early-mid)
- Where: Kültürpark, Konak
- About: Major multi-sector fair with concerts, culture, trade & entertainment programs.
- https://ief.izfas.com.tr/en
Local Autumn Harvest & Food Events
- When: Sep-Oct 2026 (varied community fairs)
- Where: Towns like Urla, Menemen, Aliağa
- About: Harvest festivals, craft booths, street music & food.
İzmir Coffee Festival
- When: 9 October 2026 (Estimated)
- Where: İzmir Arena Bayraklı
- About: celebrates Turkey’s rich coffee culture, featuring local roasters, baristas, workshops, competitions, music, and artisan goods.
🏃 Sports & Public Events
Nif Ultra Marathon
- When: 14 Feb 2026
- Where: İzmir region
- About: Trail ultramarathon with scenic routes.
- https://itra.run/Races/RaceCourse/Nif.Ultra.Trail.40K/2026/111832
Efes Ultra Marathon
- When: 27-29 Mar 2026
- Where: Selçuk / İzmir province
- About: Trail running on historic and coastal terrain.
- https://www.efesultra.org/en_gb/
Izmir Marathon & Races
- When: 19 Apr 2026 (city marathon events)
- Where: Coastal / city routes
- About: Large public running event attracting local and international runners.
Why Izmir‘s Festival Scene Stands Out
What makes Izmir 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.
