What’s on in August: Türkiye’s arts and culture guide

August’s events are running at full speed!

Ata Demirer Gazinosu on tour

Comic Ata Demirer takes the stage across Türkiye in August. Performances take place at Bursa Kültürpark Open Air Theatre on August 5; at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre on August 8 and 9; at the Çeşme Open Air Theatre on August 11; at the Kuşadası Altın Güvercin Amphitheatre on August 12; and at the Antalya Open Air Theatre on August 30.

The 10th AIMA Ayvalık Music Festival is ongoing in August

Spanning the entire summer season, the 10th AIMA Ayvalık Music Festival’s August events take place at some of Ayvalık’s most historical venues. The festival’s monthly program includes the following performances. 

• The Viatores Quartet performs on Wednesday, August 7, at Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum.
• The Ulucan Trio performs on Friday, August 16, at Cunda Bekir Coşkun Library.
• The Piano Masterclass Final Concert takes place on Sunday, August 25, at Cunda Bekir Coşkun Library; the same venue hosts Trio Hera  on Thursday, August 29.

Placebo returns to Türkiye

Placebo, the British alternative rock band, returns to Türkiye, performing on August 4 at Küçükçiftlik Park as part of the Blind Festival.  

Tyga breeze at Lifepark İstanbul

Tyga, the iconic name in rap music, performs at Lifepark İstanbul on August 25 as part of the Threehills Festival, with local artists Motive, Lil Zey, Khontkar and 13 Killoki opening the show. Tyga will be accompanied by Russ Millions. 

Summer of festivals

Get Ready to “Eat Like an Italian”

“Eat Like an Italian 2” takes place in the Hilton İstanbul Bosphorus Garden on August 4. Offering various workshops, the event also showcases unique Italian dishes prepared by skilled chefs, including tastings of aperitifs, pizzas and pasta dishes. The event starts at 15.00.

The International İstanbul Chorus Festival starts

The 2nd International İstanbul Choir Festival takes place in İstanbul between August 16-18. Featuring international participants as well as workshops and interview programs, the festival includes 27 choirs and 900 choristers in seven locations throughout the city. 

Nevşehir Culture Route Festival, August 3-11

The Türkiye Culture Route Festivals moves to Nevşehir in August. The Nevşehir Culture Route Festival events include the following: 

• Bengü concert, August 3, Göreme Festival Area
• Buray concert, August 4, Göreme Festival Area
• Dedublüman concert, August 5, Göreme Festival Area
• Berkay concert, August 6, Göreme Festival Area
• Fatma Turgut concert, August 7, Göreme Festival Area
• Ferhat Göçer concert, August 8, Göreme Festival Area
• Mazhar Alanson concert, August 9, Göreme Festival Area
• Can Bonomo concert, August 10, Göreme Festival Area
• Haluk Levent concert, August 11, Göreme Festival Area
• Sculpture Installation, Beste Alperat, August 3-11, Paşabağları Valley
• Lale Kız (Tulip Girl) Installation, Sultan Adler, August 3-11, Paşabağları Valley
• Sabri Berkel Painting Exhibition, August 3-11, Güray Museum

For more information on events and venues, please visit the Culture Route Festival website.

Opeth at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage on August 13

Opeth, the veteran Swedish progressive rock/metal band, performs at İstanbul’s Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage on August 13 as part of the In Cauda Venenum album tour.