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.
  • 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

2025

July 1–17:  Istanbul Jazz Festival

June 6–9:  Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)

July 15:  Democracy and National Unity Day (closures)

August 30:  Victory Day (closures)

September 12–29 (likely):  Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival, Ankara

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

November 2:  Istanbul Marathon

December 6–16 (likely):  Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)

December 7–20 (likely):  International Antalya Piano Festival

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

2026

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

February 17–March 19:  Ramadan (Muslim holy month)

March 20–22:  Ramadan Feast Days (Ramazan/Seker Bayramı, closures)

April 10–21 (likely):  Istanbul Film Festival

April 12:  Easter Sunday (Orthodox)

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

May 1:  Labor Day (closures)

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

May 21:  Orthodox Ascension

May 21–24 (iffy):  Cappadox, Cappadocia (music and cultural festival)

June 10–25 (likely):   Istanbul Music Festival