Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Turkey

Musicians in Antalya, Turkey
Rich musical traditions remain strong in Antalya.
  • 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

2018

August 20–24:  Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)

August 30:  Victory Day (closures)

October 28–29:  Republic Day Eve and Republic Day (closures)

December 14‐21:  Istanbul International Short Film Festival

December 31:  New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc.)

2019

January 1:  New Year's Day (Yılbaşı; closures)

Mid-February (10 days):  Istanbul Independent Film Festival

April 6–17:  Istanbul Film Festival

April 21:  Easter Sunday (Western)

April 23:  National Sovereignty and Children's Day (closures)

April 28:  Easter Sunday (Orthodox)

May 1:  Labor Day (closures)

May 5–June 3:  Ramadan (Muslim holy month)

May 19:  Atatürk Commemoration and Youth Day (sports events, closures)

June 3–4:  Ramadan Feast Days (Ramazan/Seker Bayramı, closures)

June 6:  Orthodox Ascension

Mid-June (6 days):  Cappadox, Cappadocia (music and cultural festival)

June (all month):  Istanbul Music Festival

Late June–mid-July (3 weeks):  Istanbul Jazz Festival

July 15:  Democracy and National Unity Day (closures)