Izmir Culture Route Festival Kicks Off with 303 Events Across 11 Venues
Izmir has become the 24th stop of the Turkey Culture Road Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The nine-day organization in the city features hundreds of events ranging from exhibitions to concerts, as well as special gastronomy programs.
Hosted for the fourth time by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Izmir Culture Road Festival opened its doors with a ceremony held at the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory. Throughout the festival, which runs from October 24 to November 1, 2026, 303 different events are presented to art lovers across the city.
The opening ceremony of the festival took place at the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory with the participation of Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, Izmir Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Sadık Doğruer, and provincial protocol members. During the nine-day organization, opera, ballet, theater, concerts, exhibitions, and children's events are being held. While dance performances, talks, and workshops take place at the Çeşme Museum, a Children's Village has been established at Gündoğdu Square.
With gastronomy standing out as one of the main themes, 110 culinary spots were designated for the festival. The gastronomy program includes Michelin-starred chefs such as Osman Sezener, Atilla Heilbronn, Osman Serdaroğlu, Ozan Kumbasar, Aret Sahakyan, and Ahmet Güzelyağdöken, who is featured in the guide.
Meanwhile, the free concert program at Gündoğdu Square features performances by Demet Akalın, Derya Uluğ, Sefo, Özcan Deniz, Hakan Altun, Ceza, Murat Boz, Serkan Kaya, and Simge.