
Island Jazz & Sunset Blues: Bozcaada’s Jazz Festival 2025 Guide
What does it mean to go beyond talking about change and actually live it? This year, Bozcaada Jazz Festival invites visitors to explore the idea of embodiment — living values through action, movement, and daily life. Since 2017, this festival has found its home on the inspiring island of Bozcaada. In 2025, it celebrates its 9th edition with a program that blends music, art, and a deep connection to the island’s atmosphere.
If you dream of jazz under the stars, warm sea breezes, and meaningful experiences, this September’s festival might be your perfect escape.
When is Bozcaada Jazz Festival in 2025?
Bozcaada Jazz Festival 2025 will take place from 5–7 September. The three-day event offers 5 main concerts, alongside an impressive program of 46 discovery activities (Keşif Etkinlikleri) that connect different disciplines. Every year, these activities focus on a unique theme — in 2025, it’s all about embodiment. Philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty described it as, "The body is the general medium for having a world." This year’s festival invites you to experience art and life as one.
Want to feel this connection deeper? Explore our 14-Day Private Turkey Discovery Tour to combine concerts with nature walks and slow-living experiences.
Where is the festival held?
Evenings will once again be hosted in the Ayazma Monastery, the heart of the festival with its open-air setting and natural acoustics. For the first time, daytime events will expand to Habbele Beach, introducing an electronic music stage and giving the festival an all-day rhythm.
Workshops, talks, film screenings, and art walks will also take place across the island, from vineyards to historical spots.
Festival Program Highlights
The 2025 program includes:
- 5 concerts at Ayazma Monastery
- 16 workshops
- 7 pop-up concerts
- 4 gastronomy events
- 3 panels and 4 talks
- 1 film screening
- 1 island walk
- 2 runs and other special gatherings
This mix attracts over 12,000 visitors, including 7,000+ concertgoers and 4,000+ participants in discovery programs. The audience ranges from young travelers to seasoned jazz lovers, with the largest group aged 25–34.
How do you get to Bozcaada?
Bozcaada is reached by ferry from Geyikli Port, which is about an hour from Canakkale. Here’s the route:
- Travel to Canakkale by plane or bus
- Take a taxi or minibus to Geyikli Ferry Port
- Board a ferry to Bozcaada (they run often during the summer)
The ferry ride takes about 35 minutes. The island is walkable and popular for bike rentals.
What is the vibe of the festival?
The festival is relaxed, soulful and personal. You’ll find music lovers stretched out on blankets, dancers in the grass, and thinkers in deep conversation. It’s a safe space for creativity and rest.
The crowd is a mix of locals, Istanbul artists, international guests and mindful travelers. Many come not just for jazz, but for community. This year, the theme encourages everyone to reflect on how they show up in the world — not just what they say, but how they move, live and act.
What else can you do during the festival weekend?
Bozcaada is full of moments that let you slow down and breathe. Between concerts, you can:
- Swim in Ayazma Bay or Akvaryum Beach
- Taste wines at Corvus, Amadeus, or Talay
- Watch sunset from Polente Lighthouse
- Walk the stone streets of the island center
- Visit Bozcaada Castle and learn its layered history
These simple acts, done with presence, become powerful. Just as Marina Abramovic said, "Art must be life. It must belong to everyone."
Where should you stay?
Bozcaada offers many charming options. Book early, especially in August.
Where to stay:
- Guesthouses in town: Close to cafes and event spots
- Vineyard hotels: Peaceful and scenic
- Family-run pensions: Warm, affordable and local
- Camping areas: Very limited, for adventurous souls only
How much does the festival cost?
Tickets will be released in June. Expected prices:
- Single-day pass: 700–900 TL
- Weekend pass: Around 2000 TL
- Special events or tastings: 400–600 TL extra
Online ticketing is available via official platforms. Early bird discounts are common but sell fast.
Ready to go beyond ideas? Contact us and book your Turkey Tours with the magic of Bozcaada.