Istanbul event calendar for May 9-17, 2025: A packed week from concerts to festivals!

Istanbul is preparing to host a week full of art and entertainment in May 2025. With concerts, theatrical plays, festivals, and stand-up shows organized all across the city, the culture and arts calendar is entering a vibrant period.

Here are the highlights throughout the week…

FAMOUS VOICES ON STAGE

The concert calendar, which is of great interest to music lovers, is hosting many famous names.

TEOMAN | MAY 13

Teoman, who will take the stage at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater on May 13, will offer his audience a nostalgic night with his beloved tracks.

EMİR ERSOY - CUBAN CLASSICS | MAY 14

Pianist Emir Ersoy, who will take the stage at Zorlu PSM on May 14, will bring Cuban and Latin American melodies to the audience with his "Cuban Classics" project.

Polish guitar virtuoso Marcin Patrzałek, who will perform at the same venue on May 16, will draw attention with his performance ranging from classical music to rock.

EMİRCAN İĞREK | MAY 16

Emir Can İğrek, who will give a concert at Mask Beach on May 16, will also provide Istanbulites with a music-filled evening with his romantic songs.

FOR THEATER AND HUMOR ENTHUSIASTS

Istanbul's May program is also quite busy in terms of performing arts.

DRACULA | MAY 12

The play "Dracula," which will meet the audience at Zorlu PSM on May 12, brings Bram Stoker's classic work to the stage from a different perspective. Okan Bayülgen and Hayko Cepkin share the same stage in the play.

KEL DİVA | MAY 12

"Kel Diva," which will also be staged on May 12, will meet theater lovers as an absurdist production starring Haluk Bilginer.

ÖZLEM KOSİF STAND-UP | MAY 17

Özlem Kosif, who will take the stage at Mall of İstanbul Moi Sahne on May 17, will share her observations about daily life with her audience in her one-person stand-up show.

FESTIVAL SEASON HAS BEGUN

Festivals in Istanbul are also among the highlights of May. At these fun-filled festivals, you can both have a great time with your loved ones and make new friends.

Coffex İstanbul | MAY 9-11

Coffex İstanbul, which will be held at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center between May 9-11, has designated India as the focus country this year and will bring together coffee, tea, and cocoa enthusiasts.

FOODIEFEST | MAY 10

FoodieFest 3, which will be held at Life Park on May 10, will bring street food and music together in the same atmosphere. Names such as Ayhan Sicimoğlu & Latin All Stars, Mavi Gri, and Selin will take the stage at the festival.

GARAGE SALE FESTIVAL | MAY 17

The Garage Sale Festival, which will be held at Swissotel The Bosphorus on May 17, is preparing to attract attention with its shopping and sustainability-focused workshops. The festival will also feature vintage products and live performances.

With its events appealing to every age and taste, Istanbul is preparing to offer a culture and arts-filled experience to both Istanbulites and guests visiting the city in May.