The weather in September is usually warm as Istanbul enjoys the last few weeks of summer. The arrival of fall is far from depressing in Istanbul — and we have incredible events to prove it. We’ve rounded up a truly spectacular list of things to keep you busy all month long.
This is one of the liveliest months in Istanbul, with a host of festivals, activities and special events to suit all interests. From a Tarkan concert to a Latin music festival, we guarantee you won’t be bored for a second.
Read on for our top picks for things to do in Istanbul this September 2015.
Sertab Erener
September 3
One of Turkey’s most talented singers, a cross-over soprano and the winner of the Eurovision song contest in 2003, Erener will perform at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Tickets are available at Biletix.
Seljuks
September 4
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in Istanbul’s Fatih district hosts an exhibition on the Seljuks, a dynasty of nomadic Turkish warriors that ruled segments of Central Asia, the Middle East and Anatolia from the 10th to the early 14th centuries. The first comprehensive exhibition of the Seljuks will run until Nov. 17.
Turkcell Yıldızlı Geceler
September 5
Famous musicians will be at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre stage as part of “Turkcell Yıldızlı Geceler” this summer for you.
Carnaval Latino
September 6
Carnaval Latino will bring together Turkey’s Latin music lovers on Sept. 6 at Life Park. The festival will feature the Mercadonegro Orchestra, Rodrigo and Ayhan Sicimoğlu & the Latin All Stars. The festival will also host Latin dance shows and workshops. Tickets are available at Biletix.
XOXO Festival
September 6
Singtank and Bo Saris will share the Kemer Golf & Country Club stage on September 6 at XOXO Festival. Formed by Joséphine de La Baume (vocals) and her brother Alexandre de La Baume (vocals, guitar), Singtank’s sound has often been compared to modern music icons such as: David Bowie, Pulp and the Pixies. Having released their first album of playful and sunny pop in May 2012, they will release their second album, ‘Ceremonies’, in September of this year.
Guguk Kuşu / Cuckoo Bird
September 7
Guguk Kuşu is an adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to the theater stage and will be performed as the opening show of the Çolpan İlhan and Sadri Alışık Theater’s 20th anniversary. The play will be staged at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre and tickets are available on Biletix.
Louise Bourgeois – Larger than Life
September 10
58 artworks of the French-American artist Louise Bourgeois are on display at Akbank Sanat for the exhibit called “Larger than Life.” Often described as a feminist, Bourgeois argued her art preceded her gender. Akbank Sanat will also host films about the artist in its library.
Jessie J.
September 11
British singer Jessie J., who became a pop idol with her latest hit “Bang Bang,” will meet her Turkish fans at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena. The Grammy Award nominee’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are available on Biletix.
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.
Tarkan
September 13
Turkish “megastar” Tarkan is set to stage another concert at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Tickets have almost sold out for nine upcoming concerts in the same venue, despite the fact Tarkan has not released a new album in five years. Tickets are available at Biletix.
Color Sky 5K
September 13
Join the most exciting 5km of fun, the Color Sky 5K! The Color Run is an un-timed 5km fun run where you will get covered in color at every kilometer! This fun run is open to participants of all speeds, ages, shapes and sizes. All participants will be given a race packet contains Color Sky t-shirt, race bib, temporary tattoo, colored powder.
French Patisserie
September 14
In this workshop organized by the Chef’s Table Culinary Academy, signature French desserts will be made with the participants. The workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn the secrets of making the perfect soufflé, éclair, or profiteroles. Tickets are available on Biletix.
Nil Karaibrahimgil
September 16
Adding a new touch to Turkish pop music with each album, Nil Karaibrahimgil is going to take the stage at Babylon Bomonti on the evening of September 16.
Drawing attention with her different style, colorful voice, and dynamic stage shows, Nil Karaibrahimgil will be revisiting the Babylon stage upon the release of her new album, after a long break.
Demokratik Lüks (Democratic Luxury)
September 17
Demokratik Lüks aims to make the visitor travel through the thought processes of artist and philosopher Hüseyin Bahri Alptekin, who passed away in 2007.The exhibit includes a selection of Alptekin’s works from his archive currently managed by SALT Istanbul. The exhibition will run until Nov. 14 and will be hosted by RAMPA Istanbul.
Levent Yüksel
September 18
Famous pop musician Levent Yüksel will take the stage at Jolly Joker in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. The concert is set to start at 10 p.m. and tickets are available at Biletix.
Superga Presents People of Istanbul
September 19
“People of Istanbul” will be at Life Park stage with the participation of famous names on September 19, 2015.
Line-up: Mark Ronson, Róisín Murphy, Kwabs, Kate Boy, Mode XL, Ah! Kosmos
Nilüfer Verdi, Ülkü Aybala Sunat and Apostolos Sideris
September 19
Jazz musicians Nilüfer Verdi, Ülkü Aybala Sunat and Apostolos Sideris will perform as part of the 2015 Jazz at the Sea events held at the Primetime Cruise. Joy Jazz and Zero Istanbul will organize the events. The cruise will leave the harbor at 7 p.m.
Sıla
September 21
Famous pop singer and songwriter Sıla will take the stage at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-air Amphitheatre. Sıla’s concert will be the last open-air concert at Cemil Topuzlu this season. Tickets are available at Biletix.
The Amy Kelliher Band
September 23
American Jazz singer Amy Kelliher will perform at the Nardis Jazz Club in Istanbul’s Galata neighborhood.
Mamma Mia!
September 29
Istanbul will host the world famous musical “Mamma Mia!” at the Zorlu Center in Istanbul’s Gayrettepe district. The musical depicts the protagonist Sophie’s struggle to find her father before getting married – of course, accompanied by ABBA’s everlasting songs.
La Juan D’Arienzo – Rhythm of Tango
September 30
The La Juan D’Arienzo orchestra will perform at the TIM Show Center in Maslak for the benefit of Turkey’s breast foundation. The orchestra is made up of four bandoneons, four violins, a piano and a contrabass. The concert will begin at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are available at Biletix.
