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The festival of the year in Alanya – the Alanya International Culture, Art & Tourism Festival
Every spring, Alanya transforms into one of Turkey’s most vibrant open-air stages as the International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival takes over the city for three unforgettable days. Now in its third decade, the festival was established by Alanya Municipality in 2002 with a clear mission: to promote the cultural values and heritage of Alanya on an international level, each year adopting a different theme and welcoming participation from sister cities around the world. Past editions have drawn their inspiration from the Seljuk period, silk culture, traditional weaving, nomadic migrations and local gastronomy — ensuring that no two festivals are quite the same. What makes this event truly special is its ability to blend world-class headline acts with authentic local culture, bringing together residents and visitors from dozens of countries in a celebration that feels as much like a community gathering as it does a major international event. If you happen to be in Alanya during the last week of May, this is something you simply should not miss.
What to See, Do & Taste
The festival is a full sensory experience that goes well beyond the main stage. Here is what to expect across the three days:
Music & Performances
Concerts feature world-class international headliners alongside Turkish pop and rock acts, while traditional Turkish folk music performed on instruments such as the saz, ney, and davul creates an authentic atmosphere throughout the festival grounds. International dance troupes perform everything from flamenco to Aegean zeybek and Black Sea horon, filling the squares with colour and rhythm. The 2025 edition, for example, featured Gipsy Kings, Can Bonomo, and Bulutsuzluk Özlemi as headline acts.
Culture & Art
Throughout the festival days, the grounds host art exhibitions, craft stands, and workshops celebrating both Turkish heritage and international artistic traditions. Local artisans showcase skills that range from traditional weaving and pottery to contemporary visual arts, and visitors are often invited to try their hand at some of these crafts themselves.
Food & Drink
The festival is a great opportunity to sample local flavours. Food stalls and market stands offer Alanya specialities alongside regional dishes from across Turkey and beyond, making it a genuine taste of the Mediterranean. Look out in particular for locally grown bananas (Alanya is one of Turkey’s few banana-producing regions), fresh citrus, and traditional Anatolian street food.
Community & Atmosphere
Information points are staffed with multilingual volunteers throughout the festival zones, and the relaxed, open-air atmosphere makes it easy to spend an entire day wandering between stages, stalls, and exhibitions without a fixed plan.
Visitor Information
When
- Held annually during the last week of May (typically over three days, Friday to Sunday)
- The 23rd edition took place on 23–25 May 2025
Where
- The main concert area is located behind the old Town Hall in Alanya
- The festival grounds also extend across İskele-Rıhtım Square (the Harbour/Quay Square), right on the seafront in the heart of the city centre
Getting There
- Both venues are within easy walking distance of the main tourist areas, hotels along Cleopatra Beach, and the Old Town
- Local minibuses (dolmuş) run frequently along the coastal road and stop close to the harbour area
- Taxis are plentiful; ask for İskele Meydanı (Harbour Square)
- Parking in the city centre is very limited during the festival — walking or using public transport is strongly recommended
Entrance & Tickets
- All concerts and the majority of festival activities are free and open to everyone — no ticket required
- Some special workshops or seated VIP areas may carry a small charge; check the official programme closer to the date
Concert Times
- Evening concerts begin at 21:00 each day— arrive early to secure a good spot, as the headline acts draw large crowds
Key Tips at a Glance
- Free entry — all main events and concerts are open to the public at no cost
- Concerts start at 21:00 — the atmosphere builds from early evening, so aim to arrive by 20:00
- Dress for a warm May evening — temperatures are pleasant but a light layer can be useful once the sea breeze picks up after dark
- It gets busy — the festival draws large crowds; keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
- Multilingual volunteers are stationed throughout the grounds to assist international visitors
- Combine with sightseeing — daytime hours are perfect for visiting the Castle, Red Tower, or Damlataş Cave before the evening concerts begin
- Check the official programme — themes, headliners, and exact locations can vary each year; follow Alanya Municipality’s official channels for the latest updates
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