Best Istanbul concerts in 2015

From boy bands to kings of stadium rock, 2015 looks to be a bumper year for live music in Istanbul.

Thinking about a trip to Istanbul in 2015, but can’t decide when you should go? Why not plan your trip around one of these top events for Istanbul.

Get ready to plug this in your bookmarks and calendars, because the ultimate guide to this year concerts in Istanbul is here! We’ll be updating this post over as new shows are released, so be sure to check back all year long.

Best Istanbul Concerts in 2015

James Blunt – February 27
James Blunt will be bringing his brand new tour ‘Moon Landing’ for a concert in Istanbul on 27th February 2015 at the Ülker Sports Arena. Blunt’s first album, “Back to Bedlam,” catapulted him to worldwide superstardom with hits such as “You’re Beautiful,” “High” and “Goodbye My Lover.” Add on three world tours, four number one singles, James Blunt has proven his musical success is here to stay.
Julio Iglesias – March 14
The best-selling Latin artist Julio Iglesias is visiting Istanbul on his world tour! The global superstar, having sold over 300 million albums worldwide and releasing 80 albums, Iglesias will be performing at Ülker Sports Arena on March 14 as part of his world tour.
Unite the Mic – March 17
Crowdfunding concert organizers, Krowdpop, have announced that Istanbul will play host to the “Unite the Mic” tour with Jay Park, Ailee, and SanE. It is the first time a city outside of North America has been shortlisted for a Krowdpop tour.
ARASH – March 24
Platinum-selling singer ARASH is set to take the stage for a mega show concert in Istanbul on March 24. ARASH represented Azerbaijan in 2009 at the 54th Euro vision Song Contest together with Aysel, and his self-penned song Always achieved the third place in the final contests. ARASH won the prize for the best Central Asian international artist of the year at the 2009 Big Apple Music Awards in New York.
Goran Bregovic – May 7
Goran Bregovic, the legendary name of the Balkan music, is going to meet with his fans in Istanbul on May 7. Goran Bregovic and The Wedding & The Funeral Band are inviting their fans to an unforgettable music fest with their magnificent repertoire. In Turkey, he is also known as a composer of Sezen Aksu’s music album “Düğün ve Cenaze” and they had several concerts together with Sezen Aksu.
David Garrett – May 20
Worldwide famous violinist David Garrett will be in Turkey for the first time!
Chill-Out Festival Istanbul 2015 – May 23
Chill-Out Festival Istanbul is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year at Life Park on the 23rd and 24th of May. The festival will start at noon and stretch until midnight, except, this time it’ll be the entire weekend, covering 24 hours of performances on 3 stages on Sunday and Saturday.
An Evening with Hugh Jackman – May 30 – June 01
The Australian artist Hugh Jackman puts his talent in song and dance on full display before our very eyes and he is accompanied by dancers and an orchestra of thirty two pieces during the performance at Zorlu Performing Arts Center in Istanbul. Jackman improvises often throughout the show. His charming interactions keep things fresh and funny.
OneRepublic – May 30
OneRepublic, the American pop-rock band, who cracked the top of world music charts with their tracks “Apologize”, “If I Lose Myself” and “Counting Stars”, is going to take stage for the first time in Turkey on May 30th, 2015, Saturday, by Pozitif Live organisation.
Magnificent Century: The Exhibition – June 10
“Magnificent Century: The Exhibition” will make its world premiere in Istanbul before traveling to other countries to meet with fans and curious visitors. Then the tour will continue to additional international cultural and entertainment venues, museums and institutions.
One Love Festival – June 13 – June 14
One Love Festival will take place at LifePark on June 13th and 14th with the support of Hayat Bu Kapağın Altında! This year’s headliners of One Love Festival are James Blake, Tom Odell, Metronomy, Hot Chip, Julian Casablancas+The Voidz, José Gonzalez, Little Dragon, Fink, Everything Everything, Austra, Slow Hands, LouLou Players, Ceylan Ertem, 123, Sattas, The Ringo Jets, Sapan, The Away Days, Kim Ki O, Biz, Norrda, Palmiyeler, Adamlar, Can Güngör, Barış Demirel, Ahmet Şendil, Dayko & Jamiryo, Cem Salman, Unus Emre, Ali Murat Karakuş, Batu Çelik, Deniz Kabu, Sevil Soylu and Radyo Eksen DJs will be performing at One Love Festival!
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club – June 26
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club “Adiós Tour” will be in İstanbul on June 26, 2015 and in Bodrum on June 27, 2015 for last two concerts.
22nd İstanbul Jazz Festival – June 27 – July 15
The 22nd Istanbul Jazz Festival will radiate the city in jazzy lights with over 35 concerts featuring more than 250 musicians both from Turkey and abroad, including some of the most authentic voices in folk, blues, and jazz such as Jools Holland, Marcus Miller, Charnett Moffett, Stanley Jordan, Cyrus Chestnut, Jeff Watts, Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel Loueke, Eric Harland, Melody Gardot, and Tigran Hamasyan.
Jessie J – July 03
Jessie J, the most striking pop idol of the present day with her latest hit “Bang Bang” shattering the record charts, will meet her fans in Küçükçiftlik Park on July, 3rd!
Life in Color Istanbul – August 01
Life in Color will cover İstanbul in paint once again on August 1st with a bigger, better and newer show!
Sinatra and Lady Day feat. Oleta Adams – July 14
Grammy-winning music director Terri Lyne Carrington will lead a jazz ensemble with Oleta Adams and Aloe Blacc in performances of Sinatra’s most inspired music alongside Lady Day classics. Almanya Sefareti, İstanbul
Lindsey Stirling – July 14
The popular violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling is coming to Istanbul for the first time to perform at Zorlu Performing Arts Center! Lindsey Stirling is one of the biggest artist development breakthrough stories in recent years. A classically trained violinist from Gilbert, AZ, Lindsey has entered a futurist world of electronic big beats and animation, leaping through the music industry with over half a billion views on YouTube, Billboard chart-topping hits and sold out tours worldwide.
Sean Paul – July 25
Worldwide famous Jamaican dancehall rapper and producer will be at Maslak Arena on July 25, 2015. His music videos have been broadcast on MTV and BET. Paul’s biggest hits included “Get Busy”, “Like Glue”, “Gimme the Light”, “Baby Boy”, and “I’m Still in Love with You”
Rock Off – July 31 – August 02
The most anticipated metal festival of the year has arrived! Rock Off will take place at Cosmos on August 1st and 2nd this year with camping opportunity! This year’s headliners of Rock Off are Korn, Apocalyptica, Gojira, Behemoth and My Dying Bride!
Axwell – Ingrosso – August 15
Progressive house duo, former Swedish House Mafia members Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso is coming to KüçükÇiftlik Park Istanbul on August 15.
Enrique Iglesias – August 19
Worldwide famous Spanish pop musician Enrique Iglesias will be at KüçükÇiftlik Park as part of Sex&Love tour on August 19, 2015.
DJ Snake – August 21
French DJ Snake will be performing with Boom Carnaval at Maslak Arena for the first time on August 21, 2015.
Tarkan – August 26 to 31
Concerts by Turkish “megastar” Tarkan will continue from Aug. 26 to 31 at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Tickets are selling fast on Biletix.
%100 Metal Fest Headbangers’ Weekend – August 29 – August 31
%100 Metal Fest Headbangers’ Weekend will bring Kreator, Mastodon, Therion, Katatonia, At The Gates, Ensiferum, Moonspell, Rotting Christ and Thrown To The Sun at KüçükÇiftlik Park for a 3day festival.
Jessie J – September 11
British star Jessie J, made into a pop idol with her latest hit “Bang Bang,” will meet her Turkish fans at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena on Sept. 11.
Skrillex – September 11
Istanbul Blue Night Presents: Skrillex. Skrillex will be at KüçükÇiftlik Park stage for the first time in Turkey on September 11, 2015.
Hardwell – October 03
Hardwell, the #1 DJ of the World, will be in İstanbul on October 3rd with his brand new world tour “United We Are”! at KüçükÇiftlik Park, İstanbul
Diana Krall – October 27
Grammy award winner jazz soloist and pianist Diana Krall will perform her new album at Zorlu Center Performing Arts Center on October 27.