Istanbul’s Most Beautiful Autumn Festivals

Autumn in Istanbul comes with a packed calendar of art, music, theater, and entertainment. As the summer crowds fade and the city calms down, the cultural scene comes alive more than ever.

From September to November, Istanbul transforms into a festival stage full of energy. Whatever your taste, there’s an event for you. Don’t forget to mark your calendars with the festivals we’re about to introduce.

Turkiye Culture Route Festival – September 27 to October 5, 2025

Let’s start with the Turkiye Culture Route Festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2021. From its very beginning, this event set out to become not just Turkiye’s but one of the world’s most comprehensive and largest festivals. Its mission: to boost the brand value of cities across the country and turn each into a cultural and artistic attraction.

The Istanbul edition takes place in our favorite season—autumn. Between September 27 and October 5, the area stretching from Beyoğlu to Galataport will be alive with concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and street performances.

The opening event will be Romeo and Juliet performed by the legendary Bolshoi Theatre, one of the world’s oldest and most respected ballet companies. And that’s just the beginning: from a Children’s Book Fair to open-air photo exhibitions, from works of Salvador Dalí—one of the most original and controversial figures of 20th-century modern art—to concerts by pop icons, from folk music performances to musicals, the festival offers an extraordinary variety.

Most of the events are free, and both locals and tourists will enjoy this unique atmosphere where Istanbul’s historic texture meets art. For a whole week, the city’s different venues will allow you to experience both its traditional culture and modern face at the same time.

18th Istanbul Biennial – “The Three-Legged Cat” – September to November 2025

This year marks the 18th edition of the Istanbul Biennial, turning the city’s streets and historic buildings into a contemporary art stage. Curated by Christine Tohme under the title The Three-Legged Cat, the biennial brings together works from 47 artists representing over 30 countries, exhibited across eight different venues between Beyoğlu and Karaköy. Performances and film screenings will also accompany the exhibitions.

The metaphor of the Three-Legged Cat points to society’s capacity to find new paths through upheavals, reminding us that flaws are part of life and that balance—and new forms of existence—can be found within imperfection.

Just as striking as the artworks are the venues: Galata Greek Primary School, Zihni Han, historic buildings on Meclis-i Mebusan Street, old factories, and inns all host contemporary art. Since the venues are within walking distance of each other, you can explore different corners of Istanbul while visiting the exhibitions.

Filmekimi – October 2025

Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), Filmekimi is one of autumn’s most anticipated cinema events. This year again, we’ll get to see award-winning films, brand-new works from master directors, and special screenings from Turkiye.
Here’s a little teaser: Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother, winner of the Golden Lion in Venice; Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, awarded the Palme d’Or; and the Dardenne Brothers’ Young Mothers, which took home Best Screenplay, are among the highlights.

We’ll also see highly anticipated new films from master directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Ari Aster, Guillermo del Toro, and Paolo Sorrentino. And without a doubt, the most striking part of this year’s program will be films giving voice to Gaza.

Akbank Jazz Festival – October 2025

The Akbank Jazz Festival, Turkiye’s oldest jazz festival, is preparing to celebrate its 34th edition this October, once again offering Istanbulites a feast of world-class jazz. Since 1991, the festival has brought together the greatest names in jazz with rising new talents, and over time it has expanded its scope to embrace world music.

Venues such as Akbank Sanat, Hagia Irene Museum, Babylon, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, and Zorlu PSM will host the festival, which promises an in-depth exploration of jazz culture while turning the city’s melody into jazz throughout October.

Contemporary Istanbul – October 2025

One of the leading events in contemporary art, Contemporary Istanbul returns this October. Launched in 2006 as the world’s 21st art fair, it now ranks among more than 350 global art fairs.

From digital art to sculpture, painting to installations, Contemporary Istanbul offers a wide range of works and a chance to discover the many directions art is taking today. Don’t miss your spot at this international gathering.

29th Istanbul Theatre Festival – October 2025

Now let’s turn to theatre. The Istanbul Theatre Festival is one of the city’s most prestigious performing arts events, transforming Istanbul into a giant stage with productions from both local and international companies. It’s an unmissable experience for anyone with a passion for theatre.

Under the hashtag #IstanbulKaçPerde, IKSV’s 29th Istanbul Theatre Festival will bring impressive performances to 11 different venues across both sides of the city, along with inspiring panel discussions and talks.

26th Istanbul International Puppet Festival – November 2025

We’ll end our list with an event children wait for all year—the Istanbul International Puppet Festival, returning for its 26th edition. This colorful festival transforms the city into a lively stage where children can watch puppet masters from around the world and take part in workshops to learn about the art of puppetry. And of course, it’s just as much fun for adults who love puppets too.

Throughout the festival, puppet shows will spread across various theaters and cultural centers. Combined with Istanbul’s historic atmosphere, the event will not only celebrate the magic of puppetry but also serve as a meeting point for cultures.

13th Bosphorus Film Festival – November 2025

As always, Istanbul will be filled with films this autumn. Following Filmekimi, the prestigious Bosphorus Film Festival will celebrate its 13th edition this November.

From emerging talents to renowned directors, the festival offers a wide range of films: the latest in world cinema, independent works, and special screenings. Discussions, workshops, and panels will also take place. Both national and international productions will compete, and screenings will be held in various theaters across Istanbul.