Antalya Festival: Culture, Concerts & Aegean Sun
The Antalya Festival is the city’s most colorful annual event. Every year, from 12 to 29 September, Antalya celebrates culture, music, and traditions with an 18-day program. During this time, streets, squares, and parks turn into lively cultural spaces, where concerts, exhibitions, food fairs, and family events create a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
What Is The Antalya Festival?
The Antalya Festival is more than a single event. It is a cultural celebration designed to showcase the city’s heritage and modern creativity. For 18 days, both locals and visitors enjoy a wide range of activities, from open-air concerts to gastronomy shows, art exhibitions, and fun programs for families.
The goal of the festival is to strengthen Antalya’s cultural identity while welcoming international guests to experience the city’s unique spirit under the warm Aegean sun. Contact us today to book your Antalya tour and enjoy the festival along with the city’s top attractions.
What Does The Festival Include?
1. Concerts And Musical Performances
Antalya hosts outdoor concerts across the city, mixing traditional folk music with modern genres. Expect jazz, pop, and classical evenings in open spaces, plus special performances in historic settings like the Aspendos Theater. These concerts are the soul of the festival, making Antalya concerts a must-see.
2. Gastronomy And Culinary Events
Food is central to the celebrations. Chefs from Turkey and abroad join the Antalya Gastronomy Festival, offering tastings, live cooking shows, and colorful food markets. Visitors can enjoy local specialties and discover international dishes in a festive atmosphere.
3. Art Exhibitions And Cultural Spaces
The city becomes an open museum. Contemporary art, photography, and traditional crafts are displayed in galleries, squares, and cultural centers. This is a chance to see Antalya’s creative side beyond its beaches.
4. Family Activities And Street Events
The Antalya Festival is family-friendly. Public squares are filled with street artists, small theater stages, and carnival-like parades. Kids can take part in workshops while adults enjoy music and performances. These Antalya events make the city lively day and night.
What To See In Antalya During The Festival?
When you visit for the Antalya Festival, it is also the perfect time to discover the city’s main attractions.
- Perge Ancient City – impressive ruins of a Roman city with theaters, baths, and colonnaded streets.
- Demre (Myra) & Lycian Tombs – famous for rock-cut Lycian tombs and the Myra Ancient City, a must-see for history lovers.
- Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) – located in Demre, this church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired Santa Claus.
- Olympos Ancient City – a mysterious ruin surrounded by nature, close to beautiful beaches.
- Manavgat Waterfalls – a natural wonder close to Side, popular for family trips.
- Apollon Temple (Side Ancient City) – iconic seaside ruins dedicated to Apollo, perfect for sunset visits.
Reach out to us for a customized Antalya tour that combines cultural events, ancient sites, and Mediterranean relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Antalya Festival take place?
A: It runs every year from 12 to 29 September, lasting a full 18 days.
Q: What types of concerts are part of the program?
A: From classical opera and ballet in Aspendos to modern pop, jazz, and folk performances in open squares, the variety is wide.
Q: Are there food and cultural activities?
A: Yes, gastronomy shows, art exhibitions, and cultural markets are an important part of the festival.
Q: Is it suitable for families?
A: Absolutely. Families can enjoy outdoor shows, workshops, and cultural events together.
The Antalya Festival is the highlight of September. For 18 days, the city transforms into a cultural hub filled with concerts, food, exhibitions, and family celebrations. Whether you are drawn to music festivals in Turkey, cultural shows, or culinary discoveries, Antalya offers something for every traveler.
If you are planning a trip during this time, contact us to create a personalized tour that combines Antalya’s cultural events with sightseeing and leisure on the Mediterranean coast.