Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Turkey

Before planning a trip around a festival, verify the festival dates on the festival's website or with a local tourist information office.
This list includes major festivals in Istanbul, plus national holidays observed throughout Turkey. Many sights and banks close down on national holidays — keep it in mind when planning your itinerary. Note that this isn't a complete list; holidays can strike without warning.
See upcoming holidays and festivals across Europe

December 7–17: Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)

December 20–21 (likely): International Antalya Piano Festival

December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc., especially in Istanbul)

January 1: New Year's Day (Yılbaşı; closures)

March 1–29: Ramadan (Muslim holy month)

March 30–April 1: Ramadan Feast Days (Ramazan/Seker Bayramı, closures)

April 11–22: Istanbul Film Festival

April 20: Easter Sunday (Orthodox)

April 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day (closures)

May 1: Labor Day (closures)

May 19: Atatürk Commemoration and Youth Day (sports events, closures)

May 22–25 (likely): Cappadox, Cappadocia (music and cultural festival)

May 29: Orthodox Ascension

May 29–June 14 (likely): Istanbul Music Festival

July 2–17 (likely): Istanbul Jazz Festival

June 6–9: Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)

July 15: Democracy and National Unity Day (closures)

August 30: Victory Day (closures)

September 12–29 (likely): Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival, Ankara

October 28–29: Republic Day Eve and Republic Day (closures)

November 2 (likely): Istanbul Marathon

December 6–16 (likely): Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)

December 19–20 (likely): International Antalya Piano Festival

December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc., especially in Istanbul)