Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Turkey
- Before planning a trip around a festival, verify the festival dates on the festival's website or with a local tourist information office. For more information about these and other events, check the official site of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- This list includes major festivals in Istanbul, plus national holidays observed throughout Turkey. Many sights and banks close down on national holidays — keep it in mind when planning your itinerary. Note that this isn't a complete list; holidays can strike without warning.
- See upcoming holidays and festivals across Europe
2019
June 1–September 15: Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival, Ankara
August 10–14: Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)
August 22–25: Bodrum Music Festival
August 23–September 9: Marmaris Jazz Festival
August 30: Victory Day (closures)
September 1–9: International Antalya Piano Festival
October 28–29: Republic Day Eve and Republic Day (closures)
December 13–20 (likely): Istanbul International Short Film Festival
December 7–17: Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)
December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc.)
2020
January 1: New Year's Day (Yılbaşı; closures)
April 3–14 (likely): Istanbul Film Festival
April 12: Easter Sunday (Western)
April 19: Easter Sunday (Orthodox)
April 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day (closures)
May 1: Labor Day (closures)
May 5–June 3: Ramadan (Muslim holy month)
May 19: Atatürk Commemoration and Youth Day (sports events, closures)
May 23–May 26: Ramadan Feast Days (Ramazan/Seker Bayramı, closures)
May 28: Orthodox Ascension
June (all month): Istanbul Music Festival
Mid-June (6 days): Cappadox, Cappadocia (music and cultural festival)
Late June–mid-July (3 weeks): Istanbul Jazz Festival
July 15: Democracy and National Unity Day (closures)
July 30–August 3: Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)
August 30: Victory Day (closures)
October 28–29: Republic Day Eve and Republic Day (closures)
Mid-December (8 days): Istanbul International Short Film Festival
December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc.)