The 2026 Alanya International Culture, Art and Tourism Festival
The Alanya International Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival 2026 is Here!
Get ready. This is the event Alanya’s been building toward for 24 years running. The Alanya International Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival – or as locals call it, the city’s mega celebration of everything that makes this place special – is happening May 22-24, 2026 at the historic harbor and Old Municipality area. Three days. Multiple stages. Live performances. Art exhibitions. Food. Music. Dance. International acts. Local talent. This isn’t just another calendar event. This is THE festival in Alanya.
What is the Alanya International Festival Anyway?
For two and a half decades, the Alanya International Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival has been the annual showcase of Turkish culture, contemporary art, and everything tourism-related that keeps visitors coming back. It’s where Alanya’s heritage meets modern creativity. Where you find international performers on the same stage as emerging local artists. Where food vendors sell traditional Turkish treats next to trendy café experiences.
Think of it as Alanya’s cultural caravan – a three-day rolling celebration that transforms the harbor and historic districts into a living, breathing gallery of performance, art, and human connection.
Three reasons to go:
- Watch world-class performances and emerging artists
- Discover Alanya’s hidden creative energy
- Understand why this Mediterranean city is more than just beaches
The Complete Festival Program: What’s Actually Happening
Friday, May 22 – Festival Kicks Off
18:00 – Festival Parade Opening Atatürk Monument area
The festival doesn’t whisper in – it announces itself. Opening parade sets the energy for everything coming next.
19:00 – Alanya Municipality Zeybek Dance Performance Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
Watch traditional Zeybek dancers from Alanya Municipality perform. This is real Turkish folk tradition, not a tourist show.
19:15 – Aspendos Ensemble Concert: “Antalya Devlet Opera ve Balesi” Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
Classical elegance. The Antalya State Opera and Ballet ensemble brings operatic sophistication to the harbor setting. Expect something genuinely special.
19:45 – Opening Speeches Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
The official word on why this festival matters (always worth listening to).
20:30 – Turkish Cuisine Week Exhibition Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
Food is culture. Walk through exhibitions and stands celebrating Turkish gastronomy. Multiple photography exhibitions run simultaneously:
- “In the Footsteps of Time: Kızılkule and Alanya” – Black and white photography exhibition
- “Silent Witness: KIZILKULE” – AFSAK Alanya Photography Art Club
- “From Cocoon to Nature: Alanya’s Endemic Heritage” – Nature and heritage
- “Once Upon a Time in Alanya” – More historical black and white photos
21:00 – DJ Haluk SARITAS Performance Eski Belediye Binası Arkası (Behind Old Municipality Building)
Electronic beats. Dance vibes. The festival’s energy shifts into the night.
22:00 – Concert: Aşkın Nur YENGİ Eski Belediye Binası Arkası (Behind Old Municipality Building)
Live music. Full concert experience. Turkish pop/contemporary music.
Saturday, May 23 – The Festival Expands
11:00 – All Stands & Exhibitions Open Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
Everything launches. This is when you can actually explore:
- Toros Routes Exhibition – “Taurus Routes Alanya Keykubad Migration and Caravan Route” – historical and cultural exploration
- Young Frequency Area (Genç Frekans Alanı) – At Lifos Square, for younger audiences
- New Alanyans Platform Area – Artists’ Square with emerging creatives
- Producers’ Market – Stands from local artisans and creators
- Local Delicacies Stands – Handcraft stands and food vendors
- Handicraft Stands – Harbor area
16:00 – International Folk Dance & Music Performances Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
School folklore groups and animation shows. Cultural education happening in real-time.
16:30 – Wood-Burning Pyrography Exhibition Tarihi Sarnıç Yapısı, Kızılkule (Historic Cistern Building, Red Tower)
Anna NAEINI presents “Following the Tree’s Trail, Chasing the Fire” – unique art technique in a historic setting. Yes, you can see pyrography (wood-burning art) at the Red Tower itself.
19:00 – “Musical Tones Rising From Historical Places” Duo Performance Kızılkule Terrace Floor (Kızılkule Terasında)
Kate VOVK and Natalie BARIŞ perform classical music on the Red Tower terrace. Imagine: live classical music with the Mediterranean Sea behind you.
21:00 – DJ Gökhan SALTAŞ Performance Eski Belediye Binası (Old Municipality Building)
More electronic vibes. The festival pace keeps building.
22:00 – Concert: Goran BREGOVIC Eski Belediye Binası Arkası (Behind Old Municipality Building)
International headliner. Goran Bregovic is a serious musician – Balkan roots, cinematic soundtracks, world-class musician. This is the marquee performance of the weekend.
Sunday, May 24 – Festival Finale
11:00 – All Stands & Turkish Cuisine Week Re-opening Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
The exhibition areas open again. Last chance to explore, shop, eat, and experience everything.
16:00 – International Folk Dance & Music Performances (Part 2) Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı (Harbor, Waterfall Square)
More folklore performances. School groups showcase Turkish folk traditions.
19:00 – “Kate VOVK and Natalie BARIŞ Duo” Performance Kızılkule Terrace Floor
The classical duo returns with another evening performance.
21:00 – DJ Gökhan SALTAŞ Performance Eski Belediye Binası
Sunday night closing DJ set.
22:00 – Concert: Melek MOSSO Eski Belediye Binası Arkası (Behind Old Municipality Building)
Turkish music artist closing the festival. Full circle from Friday night.
Special Attractions Worth Your Attention
The 10th International Alanya Cartoon Competition
Friday, May 22 at 17:00 – Kızılkule
Award ceremony, competition exhibition, and special cartoon exhibition by Musa Gümüş. If you’re into visual arts and design, this deserves your time.
Photography Exhibitions Across the City
Multiple exhibitions are scattered around the festival zone:
- Harbor area (central square)
- Red Tower (historic cistern building)
- Central Square
Photography lovers: this festival becomes an open-air gallery.
Turkish Cuisine Week
Ongoing throughout festival
This isn’t just food stalls. It’s a curated celebration of Turkish gastronomy. Taste regional specialties. Meet local food producers. Understand Turkish food culture.
Where Everything Happens
Main Venues:
- Rıhtım, Şelale Meydanı – Harbor, Waterfall Square (exhibitions, food, daytime performances)
- Eski Belediye Binası Arkası – Behind Old Municipality Building (concerts, evening performances)
- Kızılkule Terrace – Red Tower area (classical performances, intimate venue)
- Lifos Alanı – Young Frequency area
- Sanatçılar Meydanı – Artists’ Square
- Orta Meydanı – Central Square (photography exhibitions)
Pro tip: These areas are all within walking distance of each other. The whole festival is clustered around the historic harbor and Old Municipality building.
Why Visit the Alanya Festival (The Real Reasons)
International artists meet local talent – You get world-class performances alongside emerging Alanya creatives. Diversity matters.
Art exhibitions everywhere – Photography, pyrography, painting, sculpture. The entire historic district becomes a gallery.
Food is part of culture – Turkish Cuisine Week means you’re learning about food traditions while eating amazing food. That’s the whole point.
Free admission – Walk around, explore, experience. No ticket required to enter the festival grounds.
Three days to explore – One day? Not enough. Two? Better. Three? You can actually experience different aspects each day.
Photography paradise – Whether you’re documenting performances or exploring art installations, the visual opportunities are endless.
Genuine cultural experience – Not manufactured for tourists. This is how Alanya celebrates itself.
Festival Details at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | 24th Alanya International Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival |
| When | May 22-24, 2026 |
| Where | Harbor (Rıhtım), Old Municipality Building & area, Red Tower (Kızılkule) |
| Admission | Free |
| Best Days | All three days have different energy – choose based on what interests you |
| Weather | Warm and sunny (typical May in Alanya) |
| Duration | Plan 3-6 hours each day depending on what you explore |
| International Acts | Aspendos Ensemble, Goran Bregovic, Kate VOVK & Natalie BARIŞ |
| Local Content | Turkish folk dancers, emerging artists, food producers, photography clubs |
| Nearby Attractions | Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Harbor restaurants, Damlataş Cave |
Real Talk: Is This Worth Your Time?
Yes. Here’s why:
This is Alanya showing itself to the world. Not the tourist version. The real version. Three days where local culture, international talent, and community pride merge into one event. Whether you’re into art, music, food, photography, or just want to understand what Alanya actually is beyond beaches – this festival delivers.
The performances are legitimate. The artists are serious. The food is authentic. The photography exhibitions showcase genuine local talent.
Alanya International Culture, Arts and Tourism Festival: May 22-24, 2026
See you there.
