Good to know
Good to Know
- Antalya's festival season peaks from spring through autumn, with summer (June-September) being the busiest period for cultural events.
- Many festivals utilize ancient theaters and historic venues throughout the city and surrounding region (Aspendos, Side, Phaselis), creating unique atmospheric performances blending history with contemporary art.
- Book accommodations well in advance for major events like the Opera and Ballet Festival in June-July or the Film Festival in October, as these attract large international crowds.
- Several festivals (particularly the Sand Sculpture Festival and outdoor concerts) operate best in warm weather; autumn offers cultural richness with fewer crowds than summer.
- Traditional sports like camel wrestling and oil wrestling take place seasonally and may rotate between different towns in the region rather than solely in Antalya.
Events
Antalya International Theatre Festival
- Type
- Performing arts
- Month
- May
- Description
- The most prominent international theater groups and finest plays from around the world are hosted at various venues including ancient theaters and theater halls around the city. Workshops and panel discussions take place during the festival.
Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival
- Type
- Visual arts
- Month
- May to October
- Description
- One of the world's leading and most popular sand sculpture events covering about 10,000 square meters with participation of professional sand sculptors from around the world. Giant sculptures illuminated by LED lighting create a breathtaking atmosphere enhanced by theme-specific music.
Antalya Flower Festival
- Type
- cultural
- Month
- May
- Description
- A celebration of spring and nature featuring colorful flower displays and exhibitions throughout the city, with cultural and artistic events such as music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
- Type
- Performing arts
- Month
- June & July
- Description
- Turkey's first opera and ballet festival held at the ancient Roman Aspendos Theater since 1994. World-class performers present ballet and opera performances from international opera and ballet companies. Performances occur at a 2,000-year-old theater known as one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.
Cultural
- Name
- International Artists Gathering Festival (Uluslararası Sanatçılar Buluşması Festivali)
- Month
- June
- Description
- International artists showcase and cultural gathering featuring performances and exhibitions.
International Antalya Piano Festival
- Type
- Performing arts
- Month
- November & December
- Description
- Famous festival featuring world-famous artists from different music genres including classical, jazz, and soul. Takes place at the Aspendos Hall of the Antalya Cultural Center (AKM). Includes masterclasses where aspiring pianists can learn from renowned pianists.
Antalya International Film Festival (Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival)
- Type
- film
- Month
- October & April (Spring Selection)
- Description
- One of Turkey's oldest and most prestigious film festivals taking place annually since 1963. Hosts national and international film competitions and red carpet award ceremonies. Features parade on opening evening, opening ceremony with national and international film celebrities, and open-air screenings in historic Kaleiçi neighborhood and harbor areas.
Kaş Lycian Festival
- Type
- cultural
- Month
- September
- Description
- Honors the ancient Lycian heritage of the region featuring concerts, dance shows, and art exhibitions throughout Kaş. Includes a lively parade along the harbor showcasing traditional costumes and mythological themes.
Phaselis Festival
- Type
- Performing arts
- Month
- August-September
- Description
- Held near the ancient ruins of Phaselis by the sea, this festival is a celebration of both past and present featuring live music, cultural performances, and breathtaking natural beauty. Blends music, culture, and cuisine.
Kaleiçi Old Town Festival
- Type
- cultural
- Month
- October
- Description
- Cultural festival celebrating the historic old town of Antalya.
Traditional Oil Wrestling Tournaments
- Type
- Traditional sports
- Month
- Various (summer months)
- Description
- Traditional Turkish wrestling events including the Traditional Elmalı Oil Wrestling, Kumluca Oil Wrestling, and Traditional Alanya Gökbel Yaylası Oil Wrestling tournaments.
Traditional Camel Wrestling
- Type
- Traditional sports
- Month
- November to March
- Description
- Traditional camel wrestling festivals including Traditional Kumluca Camel Wrestling and Traditional Demre Camel Wrestling. The rutting season from November to March adds more excitement to these traditional matches.
Elmalı Abdal Musa Festivities
- Type
- cultural
- Month
- Various
- Description
- Traditional festival celebrating local culture and heritage.
Kemer Nomad Festival
- Type
- cultural
- Month
- October
- Description
- Celebrating the Yörük nomadic culture of southern Turkey, inviting visitors to explore traditional tents, taste regional foods, and watch demonstrations of folk dancing and crafts.
Antalya Food Festival
- Type
- Food cultural
- Month
- Various
- Description
- Annual festival honoring the rich and varied cuisine of the area. Features culinary workshops, cooking classes, and food tastings with both foreign and traditional Turkish cuisine led by top chefs.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Antalya
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.