Istanbul Culture Route Festival starts on September 26 with a nine-day program
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the festival will meet with Istanbul residents for nine days with concerts, exhibitions, theater, and gastronomy events.
The Istanbul Culture Route Festival, implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is preparing to meet art lovers between September 26 and October 4, 2026. As the twentieth stop of the Turkey Culture Route Festival, this major organization will be held for the sixth time in Istanbul.
Festival Dates and Scope
The Istanbul Culture Route Festival will be held between September 26 and October 4, 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as the 20th stop of the Turkey Culture Route Festival, the event will meet art lovers for the sixth time in Istanbul this year.
Starting for the first time in 2021 under the name Beyoğlu Culture Route Festival, the event will last for nine days at many different points of the city, from the Atatürk Cultural Center to Galataport, and from museums to historical buildings.
Opening Concert and Orchestras
The opening of the festival will be made with a magnificent concert given by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of England's established orchestras, at the AKM Türk Telekom Opera Hall.
The event program also features the National Arab Orchestra, Carmina Burana, the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, the İDOB Gala Concert, and the Presidential Classical Turkish Music Choir.
Open-Air and Square Concerts
Famous names will come together with music lovers at the Galataport Clock Tower Square and the AKM Türk Telekom Open-Air Stage.
Özcan Deniz, Oğuzhan Koç, Murat Boz, Kıraç, Simge, Bengü, Ceza, Bayhan, Aydilge, Resul Dindar, Derya Uluğ, and Motive are among the artists who will give concerts.
Performing Arts and Shows
Within the scope of performing arts, alongside the Stanislavsky Ballet Gala, a rich theater and ballet calendar has been prepared for art lovers.
Important productions such as Swans, Carmen, Delirium, The Abduction from the Seraglio, Cinderella, and Actually There Is No Spoon will be staged throughout the festival.
Exhibitions and Culture Centers
The exhibition titled "Three Painters: Alaettin Aksoy, Mehmet Güleryüz, Komet" will open its doors to visitors at the AKM Gallery and host art lovers.
Additionally, various events will be organized at important points of the city such as Tophane-i Amire, Rami Library, and the Tarık Zafer Tunaya Culture Center.
Gastronomy Routes and Venues
Within the scope of the festival, extensive gastronomy routes extending from century-old restaurants to local tradesmen businesses will also meet with Istanbul residents and visitors.